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.
Dear Reader,
I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.
As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Northampton, Easthampton and the surrounding area to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.
What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.
Here’s to being uniquely you!
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Candice Berube | candice.berube@citylifestyle.com
413-519-6752
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Madeline LeBlanc | madeline.leblanc@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maureen Sullivan, Linda Post, Janice Beetle, Cynthia West
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kat Kattler Photography, Hannah Josephine Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
CANDICE BERUBE, PUBLISHER @WESTFIELD_NORTHAMPTON_CL
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.
CHECK OUT WILD ROOTS EATERY!
SERVING DELICIOUS, QUALITY, CLEAN FOODS FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.
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Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech was founded in Northampton, MA and is the first and largest organization of its kind. Clarke is home to a range of Listening and Spoken Language professionals who teach children with hearing loss to listen and talk. It’s also the site of an award-winning hearing clinic, the Clarke Hearing Center, which serves Clarke students and individuals of all ages in the Pioneer Valley. Learn more: clarkeschools.org/northampton .
Comedy as a Weapon, in collaboration with The Care Center and Arts Equity Group, announces the fifth annual Comedy Cause event to take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023. This year's show, "Comedy Cause 5: Back to School!" will provide a night of laughter in support of the incredible work of The Care Center in Holyoke, MA. The Care Center is dedicated to helping a community of young mothers and low-income women resume their education wherever they left off. For more info, visit aomtheatre.com .
bankESB recently promoted Peter Gilbert to assistant branch manager of its 241 Northampton Street branch in Easthampton, MA. Gilbert, of Westhampton, started as a teller at bankESB’s Hadley branch in 2018, was promoted to teller supervisor in 2019, and moved to a float retail supervisor in 2021. He holds an associate degree in liberal arts and science from STCC, as well as a bachelor’s degree in CIT from the College of Our Lady of the Elms.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Northampton
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY
At Barbara Ween’s Visage Salon on Northampton’s Main Street, clients might well find themselves hearing in their heads, Jackson Browne sing “Stay, just a little bit longer.”
That’s because the salon’s atmosphere is warm and relaxing - a series of inviting rooms awaits guests at the top of a flight of stairs that leads to the second floor of 225 Main St.
Barbara describes the salon as having a boutique atmosphere with a “cozy artistic feel.”
“It makes people comfortable,” she says, adding that many clients do indeed want to stay “a little bit longer’ after their appointments.
Because styling hair is a form of being artistic, Barbara loves to feature the work of artists on the salon’s walls.
Favorite quotes of Barbara’s and the staff can be seen throughout the salon. Clients have shared their favorites as well. Framed in gold on a wall in the front room of the salon, a quote by Albert Einstein is the one that serves as the motto for Visage, “The ideals which have always shone before me and filled me with the joy of living are goodness, beauty and truth.”
There are other quotes, too, such as “Beauty is a talisman which works true miracles, and, without a fable, transforms mankind,” by Hannah Cowley, which perhaps best sums up what happens at the hands of the talented stylists at Visage.
“Beauty to me is a wide range of things. It’s finding that thing that makes a person feel their own uniqueness, their own strength,” Barbara says.
Personal consultations are the strong suit of Visage stylists, who Barbara
describes as a versatile and creative group who listen to what clients tell them about their hair and what they want. “We can tell them whether the style would look good and work with their hair,” she says.
Besides Barbara, the Visage team includes stylists Roxanne Golec, Amy Kirchner, Emerald Glenn, and receptionist Pearl Kilpatrick.
“We can do anything hair, Barbara adds, “Anything you can do with hair, we do - wigs, straightening, color, highlighting - from the wildest colors to the tamest. It’s all about what the client likes and wants - we make it happen.”
While many clients come to Visage for wigs because of hair loss from cancer treatments, there are many other reasons someone might want a wigsudden alopecia, hair loss due to medications, or because they are transitioning. Wigs can also be worn just for fun.
Wigs have come a long way, according to Barbara, who says there are so many more beautiful, realistic style and color choices now.
Bumble and Bumble, the salon’s signature line, brings steady education and products that support hairstyles for clients. Salon Visage also carries Griffin Remedy, an all-organic line of hair products as an alternative for those who can’t use standard products because of ingredients or fragrances.
While client and staff quotes may grace the walls of Visage, there is one quote from Barbara that perhaps says it all, “If what I can do makes someone feel their own beauty, their own unique specialness, that gives me great pleasure.” This sentiment is echoed by all at Visage.
225 Main Street, Northampton
413-586-9393
VisageBWeen.com
“Anything you can do with hair, we do - wigs, straightening, color, highlighting - from the wildest colors to the tamest. It’s all about what the client likes and wants - we make it happen.” — Owner, Barbara Ween
For Cynthia West and her daughter, McKenzie West, opening two boutique-style thrift stores on Cottage Street in Easthampton was an easy decision. “The stores were a natural extension of our passion for the arts,” McKenzie shares. “I’m an oil painter and my mother is a writer. We set out to create spaces that reflect the natural beauty of our area as well as the inner beauty of a calm, curated home.”
Sonnet and Sparrow offers premium second-hand clothing, artisan-made jewelry, and leather goods, while The Flying Squirrel showcases furniture, homewares, and art. Both stores are welcoming havens with soft jazz playing in the background, poems-of-the-day in every bag, and pleasant conversation.
Customized thrift stores of all kinds are on the rise. After all, buying second hand is one of the smartest ways for consumers to save money and make a conscious effort to fight climate change. By starting with what is already available, consumers take the time to discover exceptional, unique items… and exciting deals. “Whether it’s a finely made couch from High Point, NC, or
an oversized linen shirt from a Los Angeles cut-to-order boutique, the options for quality and value are limitless,” McKenzie says.
“Our two mission-based businesses are working to show consumers that every purchase matters on several levels,” says owner, Cynthia West. “By not supporting mass manufacturing, change is happening at a very personal level. Consumers are sending a direct message that they won’t support the excessive waste that is damaging our habitat.”
The textile industry is the second biggest polluter in the world, surpassed only by fossil fuels, according to a recent CNN article. The water footprint, alone, for a pair of jeans is astounding (1,800 gallons from field to finish). And yet, second-hand items are readily available without encouraging additional manufacturing. “The second-hand stream can be an exciting opportunity to try styles, colors, and looks at low-risk prices,” Cynthia says. “When a beautiful linen jacket costs under $40, you can try the style without the inner turmoil of spending four times that amount.”
With 75% of consumers open to shopping secondhand apparel (2023 data gathered by ThredUP), the trend is now mainstream. “There is definitely a better way,” says McKenzie. “Spend less, buy better goods, live happily.”
82 1/2 and 84 1/2 Cottage Street, Easthampton, 413-203-1966
find themselves inspired by the work of painters, sculptors, and printmakers. Paradise City is unusual in that it has successfully integrated fine art and handmade craft into one show where both are taken seriously, and one can always find an affordable memento from the show to bring home.
The 29th Annual Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton, Massachusetts, held at the historic Three County Fairgrounds, heralds the start of the fall foliage season, drawing loyal attendees from all over the Northeast. This expansive showcase for the arts features three airy carpeted Exhibition Buildings, plus regional food and live music under the Festival Dining Tent, the themed exhibit “Two X Two”, a silent auction to benefit the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, and an array of largescale outdoor sculpture and garden pieces. Most importantly, it’s all about the artists, traveling to Northampton from nearly 20 states. Each one has a story to tell, a skill to share and a passion for their work.
One aspect of the Paradise City Arts Festival that really sets it apart is the enormous range of the work on display. The Directors curate for variety: each artist’s booth has a unique viewpoint, and the prices for their work may start at $20 and top out at $10,000. A blend of fine art and fine craft provides a synergy that can inspire collectors to look at something new. Attendees who come expecting to see just functional crafts
THE 12,000 SQUARE-FOOT FESTIVAL DINING TENT
Northampton knows food! It’s a place where gourmet fare is served up daily in dozens of restaurants - a place where “fresh” means what you’re eating might have been grown nearby on some of the best agricultural land in the world. Get a sampling of Northampton’s vibrant restaurant scene under the Festival Dining Tent. From all-American locavore burgers and fries to exotic curries, savory soups, fresh-picked salads, yummy sandwiches, and homemade desserts, you may want to graze your way through the tent several times.
The Craft Cocktail Bar in the Dining Tent has a great menu of signature cocktails, beer, and wine to add to your dining experience. Sip a Manhattan Meets Northampton while tapping your toes to the sounds of fine local musicians, a different band every day.
The concept of two, in all the forms it takes, is nearly mystical; it is the simplest grouping that takes us outside of ourselves, the simplest option to compare, the simplest to contrast.
In art and craft, we see paired objects, one never seen without the other. Think salt and pepper shakers, or bedside tables. We see opposites dueling in contrast: light and dark, big and
small, old and new. We see collaborations in their purest forms, in partnerships between married couples or partners. We are naturally drawn to pairs as a way to understand the world, to tackle its challenges, explain its mysteries, season its food. We have two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs. Only one nose, but even that has two nostrils. We perceive the world through sets of two, through pairs and twins and diptychs and couples. It is so fundamental a theme that artists may not even realize they are using it; we naturally gravitate toward narratives and groupings of two. It is a number we are, just barely, capable of comprehending.
In support of the hometown of Paradise City’s flagship show, this fall’s traditional Silent Art Auction will benefit the Chamber of Commerce of the delightful City of Northampton. Northampton possesses a unique downtown “walking Main Street”, filled with independently owned one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants, antique stores, nightclubs, and theaters. Paradise City Arts Festival, by holding this year’s auction to benefit the Chamber, helps our host city build on its aura of a great cultural destination. Paradise City’s exhibiting artists and the community have generously donated hundreds of beautiful items to be auctioned each day of the event. 100% of
the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Chamber and the Downtown Northampton Association. Paradise City has raised nearly half a million dollars over the years to benefit regional non-profits.
FAST FACTS
What: 29th Annual Paradise City Arts Festival 220 competitively juried artists exhibiting original works in ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, art glass, furniture, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, large-scale sculpture, wearable art and woodworking.
Where: In three well-ventilated Exhibition Buildings connected by covered walkways, outdoors along the Sculpture Promenade, and under the Festival Dining Tent, rain or shine, at the 3 County Fairgrounds: 54 Old Ferry Road, off Rt. 9 in Northampton, MA
When: October 7, 8 & 9 Saturday, 10am-6pm · Sunday, 10am-5pm; Monday, 10am-4pm
Admission: Adults: online $14, at box office $16. Students: $8. Three-Day Pass: $18. 12 and under free. Free Parking! Tickets available online or at the box office. Discount coupons and group tickets available online. Free full color program with admission.
And More! Sensational food and music under the Festival Dining Tent • Northampton Chamber of Commerce Benefit Art Auction • Special exhibit: Two X Two! • Art installations along the Sculpture Promenade.
Information: Call 800.511.9725 or visit: paradisecityarts.com
Lauren Gunther grew up in Williamsburg and says Northampton was always the place to go for everything from shopping, dinner out or hanging out. In college, she wrote papers about opening a store downtown. “I felt like it was the best community to incubate a new idea,” she says.
Alex Feinstein grew up in Northampton and Easthampton, often walking and biking downtown. He made a mark in the region as the founder of GoBerry and Provisions, businesses that have both left a positive impact on the area.
Now, Gunther and Feinstein are combining their history, skills and passion for the region as co-owners of two stores in Thornes Marketplace—Cedar Chest, which is in its 75th year and Stay Golden, nearing its one-year anniversary.
“Together, we are committed to upholding the legacy of Cedar Chest and propelling Stay Golden to become a prominent Northampton brand,” Feinstein says. “Our vision is to further strengthen the community and empower local businesses while leaving a lasting, positive mark on the city we love.”
Gunther’s expertise is in merchandising; she has been with Cedar Chest for 13 years. Feinstein is an entrepreneur with a passion for community development. Says Gunther, “I am excited to be partnered with Alex in the venture, and I think our complementary skill sets have the strength needed to carry the businesses into the future.”
Cedar Chest is an eclectic gift store, carrying everything from home décor to stationery, loungewear, bath
and body products, and holiday items. Its sister store, Stay Golden, offers primarily casual and business clothing for women along with jewelry and other accessories.
In working together to strengthen these organizations, Gunther and Feinstein also keep the strength of community in mind. They are building relationships with other merchants and city leaders as members of the Northampton Chamber and Downtown Association. They marched in solidarity with the Northampton Pride Parade when it returned in May. And, recently, Cedar Chest offered a Give $10 Get $10 program that benefited Grow Food Northampton.
Katie McLaughlin, marketing manager for both businesses, says, “The businesses of Thornes Marketplace also have a very special bond in that we are in a shared space, have built professional and personal friendships and support each other through the ups and downs of changing retail climates.”
McLaughlin says Cedar Chest is known for its Clinique Bonus times, dot and sidewalk sales, punch cards and preferred customer rewards, and it will continue to be known for what’s to come. She adds, “We have plans to keep our local involvement and find new ways to engage the community and our customers through new advertising partnerships, local participation and creative storebased events.”
Find Cedar Chest at explorecedarchest.com and Stay Golden at staygoldennorthampton.com . the businesses are also online on Instagram and Facebook.
Tell me about yourself. My name is Tanya. I have been a licensed esthetician since 2019. I opened up my suite in the summer of 2021. I am married to my loving husband Anatoliy, and we have two bengal cats, Bella and Callie.
How did you get started in your career? I have always loved everything beauty-related ever since I was a little girl. When I was exploring career options, I came across aesthetics. After doing some research, I knew that aesthetics would be the perfect fit for me.
What services do you provide? Customized facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, eyelash lift, and tint, eyelash extensions, eyebrow tinting, eyebrow-shaping, body waxing, spray tans, bridal makeup and permanent cosmetics.
What makes you unique? The aesthetics industry is more than just a career for me. It is also my passion. I am committed to providing the best services by keeping up with new trends and continuing my education.
What do you love about your business? I love that I am able to make my clients look and feel beautiful after each session with me. I also love all of the friendships and relationships that I have been able to create along the way.
INJECTABLES BY YULIATell me about yourself. My name is Yulia and I’ve been married to my husband Corey for almost 7 years. I have
my BSN and I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 4+ years. Being in the Medical Aesthetic field is extremely rewarding because I can help people in a different way - by making them feel younger and enhancing their natural beauty.
How did you get started in your career? Tanya opened my eyes to the field of Aesthetic Medicine. I received my first certifications in Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers in 2021, training in many different approaches.
What services do you provide? Botox, Lip/cheek/chin/ jawline fillers, Collagen Induction Therapy, hair restoration services, Kybella, vitamin injections and Vitamin IV therapy.
What makes you unique? I think Tanya and I both have a unique situation with our businesses. We are both very close and work closely together. Oftentimes we share clients and can collaborate together on treatment plans.
What do you love about your business? I love the relationships that are made with my clients and I love seeing how a treatment can immensely boost confidence in people!
What’s next for Skin by Tanya and Injectables by Yulia? We definitely plan to continue working together! We want to be able to grow our business together and continue to expand on our services!
Tanya Agapov-Suprunchuk, 413-824-1503
21 Mohawk Trail, Suite 5, Greenfield
AMERICAN LEGION, 63 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, NORTHAMPTON, MA | 12:00 PM
Join us on September 2nd for a fun-filled afternoon of cider and beer tasting at the American Legion! Kiwanis Pints for Half Pints is the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and support a great cause. Come and enjoy a variety of delicious local beers and ciders while helping us raise funds for children’s programming. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com
47 PINE ST, FLORENCE, MA | 1:00 PM
Join us every other Sunday this summer to learn some Bal-swing and eat a little something! It’s free, except bring a little something (food, drink) to share in the fresh air. For more information, visit The Lindy League of Western Massachusetts facebook page.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
MAIN STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA | 12:00 PM
We’ve closed down Main Street from Old South Street to King & Pleasant Streets to showcase food and beverage vendors, local restaurants, and more. Don’t miss this food festival from 12pm-7pm in Northampton, and help support local restaurants. For more information, visit northampton.live
ACADEMY OF MUSIC THEATRE, 274 MAIN STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA | 7:00 PM
Welcome to the magical world of Cinderella, coming to Northampton this Fall! An enchanting story for all ages with a wonderful dose of humor, the majesty of classical ballet, and the promise of “happily ever after”. For tickets and more information, visit aomtheatre.com.
DOWNTOWN NORTHAMPTON | 11:00 AM
Join us for a joyful, inclusive, unconventional celebration in–and of–the City of Northampton, featuring bands, bagpipers, antique cars, local businesses and nonprofits, friends and neighbors all celebrating together. Rain or shine! For more information, visit doozydo.org.
TWIN HILLS COUNTRY CUB, LONGMEADOW, MA | 9:00 AM
In addition to golf, the event will feature various hole-in-one contests, on the course pop up shops, raffle, silent and live auction, and live music, attendees can anticipate a memorable and fulfilling day. To register and to learn more about our cause, please visit TomCosenziDrivingForTheCure.com.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Northampton
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin
• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum
• 1/2oz- Lime juice
• Topped with ginger beer
• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame
GARNISH
• Small paint brush
• Simple syrup
• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame
Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.
Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).
ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
