Northampton, MA May 2024

Celebrating the Women in our Lives

Celebrating the women in our lives!

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting and championing the best of the best when it comes to our community's women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

PUBLISHER @NORTHAMPTON_CITY_LIFESTYLE

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHAMPTON

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Candice Berube | candice.berube@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tina Lesniak | tina.lesniak@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tina Lesniak, Katie McLaughlin, Jayda Bruscoe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hannah Josephine Photography, Hillary Lynn Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

CYCLE POTTERY

MISS FLORENCE DINER

EASTHAMPTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

RIVER VALLEY CO-OP

PROGRESSION BREWING

RAVEN USED

Small Victories Opened in Thornes Marketplace

Small Victories retail shop opened Friday, March 29 in Thornes Marketplace, offering unique, handmade wares from greeting cards that can be planted to grow herbs or wildflowers to pins for easy identification of a person’s pronouns. The business, owned by co-founders Isa Wang, a designer, and Vincent Frano, an illustrator, herbalist and horticulturist, will be located on the first floor near the Main Street entrance.

Cooley Dickinson Announces Transition of Sugarloaf Pediatrics to Northampton Area Pediatrics

Cooley Dickinson Hospital is pleased to announce the transition of Sugarloaf Pediatrics to Northampton Area Pediatrics (NAP) on July 1, in a move that will significantly strengthen pediatric care services for patients from Hampshire County, Franklin County, and southern Vermont. This practice transition will enhance patient access, introduce new services, and expand access to care for the roughly 2,000 patients and families that Sugarloaf Pediatrics serves.

bankESB Makes $25,000 Donation to WorkHub on Union

The Chamber of Greater Easthampton is pleased to announce a contribution of $25,000 from bankESB towards its ambitious co-workspace project, WorkHub on Union. The donation will support the development of a vibrant and collaborative co-working space, providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs, and businesses in the Greater Easthampton region. Through this partnership, the Chamber will enhance the support and services offered to local professionals, fostering growth, and stimulating economic development in the community. WorkHub on Union is slated to open this fall.

Photography: Submitted Photo

Photography: Submitted Photo

Photography: Submitted Photo

Home Satisfaction

EXPERIENCED REALTORS HELP CLIENTS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS

ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK

With nearly 40 years of real estate experience between them, Andrea Kwapien and Lisa Carroll, of Delap Real Estate, have the skills to make the home buying or selling process easy and pain-free. Both agents had earlier jobs that helped them develop customer service and people skills. Delap Real Estate is an agent-owned office located at 158 N. King St. in Northampton.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY IN REAL ESTATE?

“I truly believe this work to be a helping profession,” says Andrea. “Our primary work is assisting people throughout the process, helping them reach their goals.”

“Seeing [clients] happy and satisfied with the conclusion of a sale,” explains Lisa. “It makes me feel like I am helping them move their lives forward.”

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MARKET GOING?

“Right now, interest rates are higher than they have been in quite some time,” explains Lisa. “We were extremely lucky to have a two to three percent rate for a few years.  I doubt we will see that again.”

“One thing we do know is that the market has always gone up and down and change is inevitable,” explains Andrea. “My hope is that home prices stabilize, and in some cases correct so that homeownership is within reach of more people.”

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO A POTENTIAL CLIENT?

“Know your buying power in advance by getting pre-approved. Be aware of the general process and players. Understand that buying and selling take time and be open to change when necessary to get you closer to your goal,” says Andrea.

“Figure out your top priorities and stick to them,” explains Lisa. “Settling can often bring regret and that is not what I want for my clients.”

WHAT SHOULD POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS KNOW ABOUT DELAP?

“The team at Delap is just the best,” says Andrea. “Together, we are all dedicated to representing our clients and helping them meet their goals.”

“We are a cooperative company with seven owners and a tight-knit one,” agrees Lisa. “We look out for one another and help each other when needed.”

Realtors Lisa Carroll and Andrea Kwapien

ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Destination A Shopping

ZANNA

A longtime staple of the downtown Amherst community, Zanna has been providing high-quality women’s clothing and shoes and exceptional customer service for more than 50 years.

“Zanna is known for its service and building friendships with customers,” says Amy Benson, owner of Zanna. “We want to help our customers look and feel their best for any occasion. We know our customers' names, and what is happening in their lives. We genuinely care.”

Amy says nothing pleases her and her staff more than helping a customer develop the perfect wardrobe for that trip to Italy or a special occasion, then having that customer return, with pictures, telling them about how the trip or the event went.

“We want our customers to come back and share,” says Amy. “I take such joy in helping someone find just the right outfit and pulling it all together.”

In addition to exceptional customer service, the store is well-known for the quality of its products. The store’s clothes, shoes and accessories match with a wide range of tastes and styles, from modern and contemporary to more traditional and special occasion designs.

“We strive to have the best clothing and shoe selection in the Valley, with brands that our customers know and love,” says Amy.

Zanna is a destination shopping experience. Many will take a day trip to shop for a new wardrobe or special outfit.

“When customers come into Zanna, they’re greeted with a smile and we are ready to help right away,” says Amy. “Many of our customers do not like to shop at all and we are here to make that an easy process that is fun and enjoyable. We’re genuinely happy to help. We love what we do. We’re excited to do it.”

Making the selections personal and tailored to the customer’s style is one of the most important goals of the staff at Zanna. Amy says that the staff wants to help customers find that unique piece that no one else would have.

“We have clothes and shoes that are unique,” says Amy, “everyday, wearable clothes with styles that are interesting and updated that can mix well with our customer’s current wardrobe.”

Amy makes the effort to source most of her supply from the United States and to have styles that fit trends but are also timeless. This spring and summer she’s seeing that natural fabrics are important as well as the emerging trend of wide-leg pants which are perfect for increasingly hot New England summers. Cargo pockets, dresses with interesting prints, layered looks, sneakers, platform sandals and lots of fun colors are all trending for this spring and summer.

“We strive to have the coolest trends that you see in the fashion magazines and make sure those trends are represented in the most wearable way for our customers,” says Amy. “May is one of the best times to shop because we have everything for spring and summer. The season’s looking so great and wearable.”

“We strive to have the best clothing and shoe selection in the Valley, with brands that our customers know and love.”

- Amy Benson, Owner

Zanna officially began in 1971, when Mina Lussier, Amy’s mentor, opened The Shoe Bin. Minna opened a store for clothes and then brought them together as Zanna in the mid-1980s.

“If you haven’t visited us yet, give Zanna a try,” says Amy. “Not only is it great to support a small, local and woman-owned business, but we’re all about quality, comfort and style. We don’t want anyone to miss out on this experience.”

Zanna is located at 187 N. Pleasant St. in downtown Amherst. Free parking is behind the store. Shoppers can join the shopping club when they make a purchase, which will keep them updated on any sales or fun events that the store offers. For more information, call 413-253-2563.

Building Entrepeneurs

The Sphere Northampton provides support and guidance for new female business owners

ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILLARY LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

For those starting a business, knowing where to turn for assistance is hard. For women business owners, this can be even more difficult as there have been traditionally fewer of them. The Sphere Northampton aims to give business owners the tools they need to succeed.

“We place a strong emphasis on community and supporting one another with advice and feedback,” says Christina Webster, co-founder and chief of wellness for The Sphere.

Megan Allen, co-founder and chief of momentum, agrees. “It’s the connections between people that give energy to ideas and sometimes just knowing that others are going through the same things is the best help.”

The Sphere’s mission is to “connect and uplift driven women and nonbinary entrepreneurs so they can unleash their potential, thereby impacting their community and the local economy.” The goal is for this to spread to others, building a community of supportive entrepreneurs.

“We are constantly thinking outside of the box to find solutions to problems that business owners face. While there are many resources for businesses within the Valley, we hope not to overlap, but to work with these other organizations so that we can fill lingering gaps,” explains Christina. “We also use a data-based approach, so every decision we make is tied to research, data, and assessments for success such as key performance indicators.”

The project began as a passion project with Tiffany Chapman of Tiffany Chapman Photography, Carrielynn Fournier of BusyBee Cleans and Megan, who owns The Community Classroom. The group combined to tell the stories of woman-owned businesses in Florence that had survived and thrived during the height of the pandemic, which provided the impetus for continuing their work.

With 44 percent of Northampton businesses being woman-owned, but having virtually no resources for supporting them in the Valley or in the state, The Sphere was born. While it doesn’t provide funding, the organization focuses on its three pillarsconnection, wellness and momentum - to provide the services and support that its business owners need.

“We try to leave room in our mission for the ever-changing needs of entrepreneurs in Northampton. We aim to be responsive

Welcoming entrepreneurs to an event.

New connections are made at many of The Sphere's events.

Northampton City Counselor Rachel Moire and Sphere co-founder Christina Webster reveal the first trail map of women owned businesses in Northampton.

“WE CAN ’ T FUND BUSINESSES, BUT WE C POINT TH EM IN THE RIGHTDIRECTION OF PARTNERS WHO CAN HELPTHEM FIND FU

to those needs,” says Megan. “We can’t fund businesses, but we can point them in the right direction of our partners who can help them find funding.”

The teaching backgrounds of both Megan and Christina, as well as their fervent desire to make these experiences painless and even fun, have helped to make The Sphere, and its members, successful.

“While working to provide resources and knowledge, we also work very hard to provide these opportunities in a fun, less intimidating format,” explains Christina. “In December, we had a 'Cookies and Conversation' cookie swap regarding business topics. In January, we hosted  'Taxes, Trivia and Tequila'. Both were a huge success. While others may shy away from your typical networking event, we welcome them to try a more intimate, lighthearted format.”

“And we use this lighthearted format to tackle subjects that we might naturally shy away from talking about, like taxes and finance,” adds Megan.

Another project on the horizon is the opening of The Sphere Innovation Lab, a coworking space at

82 Maple St. in Florence, scheduled to open in July. Starting in the fall, the lab will also host drop-in office hours.

“We’ll have entrepreneurs in our network available at the Innovation Lab for our community,” explains Megan. “This could be ask-an-attorney, ask-an-accountant,  etc.”

The Sphere also relies heavily on its interns. Currently, Christine Cui and Abigail Ellis, both Smith College students, are working on developing a concierge/assistant service, scheduled to start later this year.

“Some of the biggest obstacles women entrepreneurs face are due to the overwhelming amount of busy work and menial tasks they have to tackle each day,” explains Christine. “Even necessary tasks like bookkeeping and content creation take up time and energy that could otherwise be used for expanding their businesses.”

“We hope that the pilot concierge service will assist the Sphere community members by reducing their mental load and taking care of certain tasks for them,” adds Abbie.

In addition to the concierge project, Megan and Christina have their eyes on building other services. They’d like to do yearly refreshes of the trail maps, research more co-op solutions for owners in their network, create a collection of one-page resource manuals for common questions about the running of a business and build a strong partnership with Smith College to build that pipeline for students who want to be entrepreneurs.

“We hope the organization is a seamless part of the economic ecosystem of Northampton,” says Megan. “We aim to be a fluid organization that addresses the changing needs of the entrepreneurs we serve, helping the local economy thrive through research-based solutions and strong partnerships.”

For information, visit www.SphereNorthampton.com

An overview of the businesses owned by members of The Sphere..

CAN F OUR UNDING.”

The Mediterranean Diet

A SMART CHOICE FOR SENIORS

ARTICLE BY JAYDA BRUSCOE

With so many fad diets circulating pop culture right now, it’s hard to know which one is the best across a range of ages, body types and lifestyles. The Mediterranean diet was recently named the “#1 Best Diet” by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh year in a row, and since its inception, the diet has continuously had scientifically proven benefits to cognitive and cardiovascular health at any age.

Popularized in the 1990s by Harvard University’s School of Public Health, the Mediterranean diet was originally meant to reflect the eating habits of countries around the Mediterranean Sea and features healthful ingredients like olive oil, nuts, fruits and vegetables, fish, and whole grains.

The Mediterranean Diet’s extensive health benefits and convenience make it perfect for seniors.

1. Following the diet’s food guidelines, especially when combined with regular physical and social activity, mitigates risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and makes a condition less severe if it appears.

2. The diet has also been shown to slow cognitive decline; how many popular diets can claim that outcome?

3. The diet’s accompanying lifestyle elements which include both physical activity and eating socially, also work to enhance a senior’s quality of life. As a population vulnerable to loneliness, isolation, and depression, it is vital that seniors remain active and social. These activities also help reduce the risk and can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

It can be hard for a senior living alone to cook nutritious meals for just his or herself and equally challenging to find quality opportunities for social interaction and activity. These are prime reasons why transitioning to assisted living can be a beneficial and brain-boosting decision, especially if the assisted living community, like Armbrook Village, happens to offer Mediterranean-style menu options. With a wide range of social opportunities, assisted living helps seniors fill their days with group exercise, meals with friends, and enriching activities like trivia and art, all mainstays of the Mediterranean diet. Research has shown that seniors thrive in communities that offer engaging and stimulating activities and services.

While the Mediterranean diet can be a great option for seniors, Armbrook Village’s Brain Healthy Cooking program tweaks the diet to better benefit New England seniors, with modifications such as meals featuring locally abundant vegetables, low-fat dairy options for heart health, and whole grain breads made from white whole wheat to best resemble what seniors are accustomed to eating. Changes like these make the diet more accessible to seniors and more appealing. Seniors and their families can find sample recipes from this program, along with Brain Healthy tips, at BrainHealthyCooking.com.

Jayda Bruscoe is the Director of Community Relations at Armrbook Village Senior Living in Westfield and can be reached at 413-5680000 or jbruscoe@armbrookvillage.com.

The Mediterranean diet was recently named the “#1 Best Diet” by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh year in a row, and since its inception, the diet has continuously had scientifically proven benefits to cognitive and cardiovascular health at any age.

Dining provides opportunity for conversation.

ARTICLE BY KATIE MCLAUGHLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

A Mother’s Day Gift Guide

CURATED

Satin Print Tank and Box Pleat Midi Skir Stay

Confident and playful! Patterns and bright pops of color carry her through the day. Box pleat midi skirt in kiwi $38 Satin Print Tank bias cut $36

Tiered Maxi Dress and Beaded Necklaces

Easy breezy and take me away to an island mama. Tropical Tiered Maxi Dress $80 Necklaces Ink + Alloy $35-$40

Midi Striped Cami Top Dress

From the farmer’s market to the shore this dress is the one she reaches for all season. Midi striped cami top dress $58

Traveler Sunglasses by TOMS

For the woman who does it all, these sunnies are perfect stylish protection in all settings. Traveler Sunglasses by TOMS $59-$75

Death Valley Nail Polish

Ethereal and in touch with nature, these hand made vegan polishes have crushed minerals and flowers in a rainbow of colors. Death Valley Nail Polish $20-24

AT STAY GOLDEN AND CEDAR CHEST IN NORTHAMPTON

Cedar Chest

Clinique Primer, Lipstick & Blush

Clinique is a classic just like her! Browse our counter to see what’s new for spring. Light reflecting primer $39 New! Pop lipsticks $26 Blush $29

Barr & Co Lotion and Bubble Bath

Show mom how much you care by giving her the gift of relaxation. Let her sink into luxurious tub time. Lotion $38.95

Bubble Bath $38.95 Bath Bomb $7.95

Plant Parent Book and Planter

When her passion doesn’t end with her children and she talks to her plants. Plant parent book $12.99. Patterned planter $19.95 Potted artificial plant $6.95

Trucker Hat

Need we say more? Trucker hat $16.95

Glass Bird Feeder

Give her feathered friends a pretty place to perch by brightening her day and yard with these beautiful glass bird feeders. Bird feeder $39.95

Cedar Chest, an anchor store of Thornes Marketplace, and Stay Golden, an on-trend boutique, offer everything to celebrate Mom or the mom-figures in your life this Mother's Day. No matter what you’re gifting, Cedar Chest and Stay Golden have it all!

150 Northampton St, Northampton explorecedarchest.com staygoldennorthampton.com

COUTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTICLE BY HANNAH SARAT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESERVING MEMORIES TO

LAST A LIFETIME

In an era where everyone has a camera in their pocket, having your photo taken isn’t as formal as it once was. You have galleries of memories at your fingertips, but what is the legacy you’re leaving future generations to remember?

From Fine Art to Avant Garde, let’s create a lasting memory that will highlight your family history books. With my expertise in Couture Gowns and accessories, a list of hair & makeup artists and a spacious studio, all you have to bring is a smile.

Hannah Josephine Photography is located at The Mill at Crane Pond, Suite 116 in Westfield. For more information, visit www.HannahJosephine.com .

Spring Wildflowers at Arcadia

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton | 9:00 AM

Spring is here, and so are the wildflowers! We'll walk the trails in search of red trillium, wild anemone, and blue cohosh. Will it be a late season with only skunk cabbage, spicebush, and bloodroot in bloom? Or will warmer weather bring out Canada mayflower and mayapple? Learn more about local wildflowers and how to identify them. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/programs/arcadia.

MAY 3RD AND 4TH

Fiddler on the Roof

Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main St, Northampton | 7:00 PM

Starlight’s Youth Theatre presents the musical Fiddler on the Roof! Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof touches audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty. This universal show is a staple of the musical theater canon and captivating for the whole family. For more information, visit www.aomtheatre.com.

MAY 9TH

The Wailin Jennys

Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main St, Northampton | 8:00 PM

The Wailin Jennys are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse, three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound. Starting as a happy accident of solo singer/songwriters getting together for a one-time-only performance at a tiny guitar shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, The Wailin’ Jennys have grown over the years into one of today’s most beloved international folk acts. For information, visit www.aomtheatre.com

MAY 12TH

The B-Town Trio

Glendale Ridge Vineyard, 155 Glendale Rd, Southampton | 10:00 AM

Electric bass, drums, and keyboards from diverse musical backgrounds. Their live performances are full of jazz standards, originals, and funk and Latin too, where they develop a sound incorporating their individual influences, fuse different styles, and create and improvise anew every performance. For more information, visit www.glendaleridgevineyard.com

MAY 15TH

Iron Horse Music Hall Grand Opening

Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center St, Northampton | 7:00 PM

RACHAEL & VILRAY has been a musical act ever since Rachael Price saw Vilray play a very short set of covers and said she wanted in. In the years since they began, their configuration has ranged from an intimate duo, to the 9-piece formation heard on their newest album, ‘I Love A Love Song!’ For more information, visit www.ironhorse.org

MAY 25TH, 26TH, 27TH

Paradise City Arts Festival

Three County Fairgrounds, 54 Old Ferry Rd, Northampton | 10:00 AM

An amazing collection of 220 selectively curated artists and makers come to Northampton, Massachusetts for three days of astounding visual arts, eye-popping design, scrumptious food and music under the Festival Dining Tent, special events and great fun.  Enjoy demonstrations and workshops, special exhibits, the Sculpture Promenade, and an exciting benefit Silent Art Auction. For more information, visit festivals.paradisecityarts.com/shows/northampton-may-show.

Specials available at any bankESB office for a limited time and may be withdrawn without notice.

17-MONTH CD

5.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing checking account customers only. For new customers, both accounts, checking and CD, must be opened at the same time to unlock the bump up rate of 5.00% APY.

4.75% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing customers without a checking account.

7-Month CD rates are effective as of 1/13/24. Minimum CD opening deposit is $1,000. Automatically renews at maturity for 6 months at the then current CD rate and term.

211-MONTH CD

5.12% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing checking account customers only. For new customers, both accounts, checking and CD, must be opened at the same time to unlock the bump up rate of 5.12% APY.

4.85% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing customers without a checking account.

11-Month CD rates are effective as of 1/13/24. Minimum CD opening deposit is $1,000. Automatically renews at maturity for 12 months at the then current CD rate and term.

For both 7-Month and 11-Month CDs, minimum balance to obtain APY is $0.01. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Available for IRAs and business customers.

3CASH BONUS Conditions apply.