West Springfield, MA July 2022

LI F E + C U LTU R E

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Trust Us, Your Neighbor Just Did! 413-239-5550 • 8 Capital Dr., West Springfield, MA 01089 License# 4162 License# 16691

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July 2022 PUBLISHER

Amanda Waterfield | amanda.waterfield@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Kelly Hawkins | kelly.hawkins@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Summer Fun — Keeping it Local

AD DESIGNER

Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kirstan Lanier CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Tina Lesniak, Amanda Waterfield CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Branden Bruso, Michael Epaul, Karen Slack

Summer is here at last, and with it comes a slower pace, opportunities to explore, and memories in the making. With children on vacation from school, families’ schedules are often modified. Who among us doesn’t recall the agonized countdown until school finally let out for the summer?

And then the glorious, seemingly endless stretch of unscheduled days filled with friends, sports, and family? That was then…this is now: with most parents working and kids at camps or scheduled activities, those family times are more important than ever.

Lucky for us, our corner of the state offers endless opportunities to explore, relax, enjoy, and simply shift gears. Warm weather in Western Massachusetts means hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, summer sports, and ice cream. Lots of ice cream! Does your family have a favorite summer tradition? If not, maybe it's time to start one.

This issue of West Springfield Lifestyle takes a look into some of the great resources we have right here in West Springfield and Agawam. And if you’re willing to drive two hours, you can be trekking on the Appalachian Trail, go whale watching off of Cape Ann, catch a Broadway show, or explore the wineries of Connecticut. We truly are blessed in the resources we have so close to home.

I hope you and those you love will be able to slow down — even for a little while — and enjoy all the great resources that surround us.

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

A M A N DA WAT E R F I E L D, P U B L I S H E R @WESTSPRINGFIELD_LIFESTYLE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Springfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Springfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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J U LY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Summer and Adventure Issue

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32

14

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Planning Your Getaway

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

14

Must See

16

Financial Buzz

20

Locally Sourced

26

Get Active

30

Events

32

Our Town

Travel Agent Chris Chambo on Making the Most of Your Vacation Plans

20 Patios & Produce

From Farm Stands to Favorite Summer Sips, Outdoor Options Abound

32 Getting Out There

West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt Encourages Residents to Enjoy Our Resources

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Branden Bruso The fountain on the Park Street Town Common in West Springfield.

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T R AV EL FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S FO O D + B EV ER AG E

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Brittany Means Business WORKING WITH HOMEBUYERS, SELLERS, AND INVESTORS

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A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER SINCE 2015

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J U LY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1

3

AMANDA WATERFIELD

MICHAEL EPAUL

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4

2

KAMILA O'NEILL

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1: Niyonzima “Char” Charmantine is West Springfield Boys & Girls Club's 2022 Youth of the Year. 2: Kathy Hickson-Martin and Andrea Hickson-Martin of West Springfield at Square One's Kentucky Derby Party. 3: Transform at Amy Bourque Yoga hosted yoga and wine at Mineral Hills Winery in May. 4: Wreaths for a Reason director Mary Ann Dietschler, center, and team at their spring sale. 5: The Premier Swing Band concluded the Agawam Cultural Council's "Applause Series" 18th season. 6: Agawam High School students attending the prom held at The Log Cabin in April. 7: Natalia Clifton, Ashley Moore, and Regina Sibilia at the Agawam Junior Women’s Club Spring Festival.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @WestSpringfield_Lifestyle

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C I T Y SC E N E

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J U LY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Trailhead Financial's Kate Zien Passes Certification Kate Zien, wealth planner with Trailhead Financial, LLC of Agawam, recently passed her certification testing to be recognized as a Certified Financial Planner. The CFP® certification is recognized industry-wide as the standard of excellence for education, experience, and personal ethics and responsibility in financial planning. This accomplishment represents Trailhead's latest milestone in our ongoing commitment to delivering the quality guidance you deserve. Contact us at 413.372.5991.

Scan to read more.

Photography: Trailhead Financial

Alvanos & Associates is Named Client Experience Award Recipient Alvanos & Associates has been awarded the Ameriprise 2021 Client Experience Award. The award reflects our team’s ongoing expertise and dedication to consistently delivering personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service. We are proud to represent the best of Ameriprise Financial advisors through our unwavering commitment to our clients and our practice. Pictured are Eugene Maltsev; Financial Advisor Chris Alvanos; PWA Susan Alvanos; Stephanie Pellegrini; and Financial Advisor Nick Alvanos.

Photography: Susan Alvanos

Scan to read more.

CONTINUED >

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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(413)786-0990

Your personal financial goals deserve a personal approach.

Susan N Alvanos, CFP®, CLTC®, ChFC®, CEPA® Private Wealth Advisor 413.821.9380 1349 Springfield St. Feeding Hills, MA 01030 susan.n.alvanos@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/ susan.n.alvanos

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

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B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Committed to Excellence

Hair of Fame's Maritza Rivera Named Pageant Judge

DON’ T GET YOUR REAL ESTATE NEWS FROM TV. BOBBI-JO IS YOUR LOCAL EXPERT YEAR OVER YEAR AVERAGE SALE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT

Maritza Rivera, owner of Hair of Fame Salon & Spa in West Springfield, recently served as a judge for the Miss & Mrs. America Connecticut and Miss America Rhode Island 2022 pageant. She also acted as the event's state Judges Chairperson, where she served as auditor for the pageant judges, providing an additional layer of checks and balances.

Located on Elm Street, Hair of Fame Salon & Spa specializes in hair color and extensions.

PRICE PER SQ. FT. INCREASES* AGAWAM/FEEDING HILLS WEST SPRINGFIELD

16.7%

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18%

*Statistics from MLSPIN Sales Report dated 5/24/22 for ad deadline

Get to Know Bobbi-Jo as your Local Real Estate Expert Using my detailed preparation system focusing on your home’s uniqueness makes the selling process effortless for you and the most rewarding for the return on your investment.

Bobbi-Jo Girroir, Luxury Homes Realtor (413) 519-5636 267 S. Westfield Street, Feeding Hills 12

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Want to be featured?

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

Deborah Pileika Interiors

Specializing in residential decor Furnishings Window Treatments Upholstery

More than 25 years in interior design

860.668.6324 West Suffield, Connecticut deborahpileika.com

Providing short-term rehab, long-term care and respite care needs of patients and their families—always with attention,

Contact me for all your mortgage needs.

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understanding, compassion and respect. Chestnut Hill is a tranquil environment for our patient-centered approach to care, promoting healing, recovery, and comfort.

Loan Officer – NMLS #1796918

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32 Chestnut St. East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028

413-330-8608

© 2022 Mortgage Network, Inc. NMLS ID# 2668. 171 Dwight Rd, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Massachusetts Mortgage Lender and Broker MC2668; Connecticut Mortgage Lender License 3785; South Carolina-BFI Mortgage Lender / Servicer License MLS – 2668.

This is not a commitment to lend. Rates, terms, fees, and equity requirements are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender. For full legal disclosure, visit www.mortgagenetwork.com License and Disclosure Information page.

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PLANNING YOUR GETAWAY TRAVEL AGENT CHRIS CHAMBO ON MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION PLANS ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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M UST SE E | TR AVEL

West Springfield-based travel agent Chris Chambo gives us a glimpse into what travel will look like for the remainder of 2022.

For starters, many families will be influenced by the dual factors of Covid and rising gas prices and will end up staying local for their summer vacations.

“I find that a lot of people are camping and doing AirBnBs,” says Chris.

Another factor driving the demand for local vacations is uncertainty related to air travel. “Airlines are struggling to cover demands,” says Chris, leading people to be less likely to fly at this time. The Cape, the Vineyard, Nantucket, Maine, and Vermont are ever-popular destinations for those looking to get out of town.

Vacationers looking to go further afield without stepping onto a plane will want to consider New England-based cruises. Beginning in the fall, many major cruise lines will be running trips into Canada, with stops that include New York, Newport, Boston, Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Montreal. “These options are great for those who don’t want to venture too far,” notes Chris. The cruise lines require proof of Covid vaccination and travelers will need to test negative before boarding. Make sure your passport is

up to date if you plan on disembarking on any of the Canadian stops.

If you’re looking to make last-minute plans, Florida is a good option. The parks and beaches make for a great tropical destination that’s within the United States and easy to get to.

For many travelers, Alaska is a dream destination.

“It’s on the bucket list for a lot of people. Alaska for cruises is hands down one of the top destinations in America right now,” says Chris. “We have over 60 ships sailing Alaska this summer. It’s huge right now – you can sail out of Seattle or Vancouver or Anchorage.” Although Alaska cruises are the trip of a lifetime for some people, it’s something we can explore without it breaking the bank, says Chris.

A trip of this nature is something you want to plan out ahead of time. For more significant travel, Chris recommends planning six months in advance – which means you’ll want to start planning your holiday and winter travel now.

Chris has been a travel specialist with Cruise Planners, Your Land and Cruise Experts for five years. You can reach him at 413.314.4120, chris.chambo@cruiseplanners.com, or visit his website at CantWaitToGoTravel.com.

LEFT: Alaska is a dream destination for many travelers | BELOW: Cape Cod maintains its popularity as a destination for Pioneer Valley residents.

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Eric Oullette:

Making Mortgages Make Sense

Today’s real estate market is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years, bringing home buyers stress, uncertainty, and frustration. Norcom Mortgage’s Eric Ouellette is a renovation loan specialist, and he offers guidance and advice that might be new to some readers.

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL EPAUL & ERIC OUELLETTE

Eric Ouellette works out of Norcom's South Deerfield office.

Kayaking is a favorite activity for Eric.

Golf is a great way to end the day.

Eric has kayaked and camped nearly 200 miles of the Connecticut River.

The lack of homes for sale makes buying what’s available a tremendous challenge. “The market today is experiencing a serious lack of inventory,” notes Eric. “Renovation Loans create more options while giving you the house that you desire. Many buyers can’t find their desired dream home that coincides with their budget. A renovation loan lets you purchase a fixer upper house and include within the loan the costs of renovating a garage, porch, kitchen, bathroom, or purchasing appliances, and so on.”

Norcom Mortgage offers a range of conventional and renovation-geared mortgage products, including USDA, FHA, VA, conventional mortgages, Mass Housing loans, and CHFA products.

Given how few homes are available, Eric suggests that buyers be open to homes they might not otherwise consider. “Buy any house in any condition, and customize it to your specifications,” is his advice. In addition, it’s vital to understand your budget – one call to your mortgage lender will reveal these details.

Eric advises buyers to avoid larger purchases and pay down credit accounts prior to applying for a mortgage. “We can help with credit counseling. I’ve helped multiple people fix their credit and remove bad marks by going the extra step and contacting credit bureaus and past collections. This boosts credit scores, which in turn gives you a better financing rate. I will happily go the extra mile to get your financing needs in order. Sometimes planning for a few months down the road to get matters in line is the best solution. It will save you money! We also do debt consolidation refinancing.”

Helping others is one of the things Eric most enjoys about his work. “I love making connections and helping people. The joy of coaching people with their credit and home buying experience is genuine and fulfilling,” says Eric. His attitude is typical of the Norcom culture, which is focused on community. “We really do care about serving our community, whether it be with lending or community service,” he says, noting that recently, Norcom’s president joined Eric and his colleagues to serve a community meal for 135 people for the Franklin County Community Meal Program.

“Norcom truly embodies a team culture,” Eric notes. The company emphasizes education, collaboration, and celebrating success while always keeping the customers’ goals in the forefront. “We are continually adding products…our progressive approach to lending means that we can offer all conventional and government backed programs (FHA, VA, USDA) and non-QM mortgage products including renovation and home improvement solutions with each.”

When he’s not on the job, Eric enjoys live music and outdoor activities. A West Springfield resident, he used to run the bar and manage drink development at the former Cellar Bar in Easthampton. Golf, snowboarding, camping, and kayaking are also among Eric’s leisure activities. He’s working on kayaking the Connecticut River and has completed nearly 200 miles of overnight kayaking along the river so far.

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A locally owned restaurant specializing in craft food craft beer and craft fun!

The craft beer options are always changing Join us for trivia, networking, pop-up events, and more!

Call for reservations

413.409.6007

papercitybarandgrill.com 241 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke, Massachusetts

Greenstuff 1-800-LAWNCARE

Your local, family-owned lawncare company offering personalized lawncare programs since 1991

Services include: • Lawncare Programs • Tree & Shrub Programs • Core Aeration & Overseeding • Tick & Mosquito Control

Call today! 800-Lawncare greenstufflawns.com | 211 Union Street West Springfield, Massachusetts | 413-739-5500

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NORCOM THE HOME RENOVATION LOAN EXPERTS

ERIC OUELLETTE RENOVATION LOAN SPECIALIST Get in Touch

860.208.5434

NMLS ID# 2059059

This is not an offer to make a loan or to make a loan on any particular terms. All loan applicants must qualify under underwriting requirements and satisfy all contingencies of loan approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License #MLO2059059 NMLS ID # 71655 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) 2 Park Street, Unit 1/Lower Level, South Deerfield, MA 01373

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P A T I O S

PAT IO S & PRODUC E 20

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Westfield's Zoraida Fontanez and Rachel Moldanado of Springfield enjoy fresh air and conversation on the Shortstop patio.

The patio at Shortstop Bar & Grill is the largest in the area.

FROM FARM STANDS TO FAVORITE SUMMER SIPS, OUTDOOR OPTIONS ABOUND ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL EPAUL

One of the best parts of the summer months is enjoying life outside — with delicious food and quality entertainment. The local area offers many opportunities to enjoy beverages, meals, or performances outdoors, as well as the fresh produce and products that local farms have to offer.

The outdoor patio at Shortstop Bar and Grill, on Springfield Road in Westfield, really draws people in during the warmer months.

“The patio is decorated with many beautiful flowers as well to just really get the spring and summer feel that we have all been craving,” says Monica Guarnieri, who co-owns the restaurant with her parents.

Diners can take advantage of daily specials as well as seasonal drinks. The restaurant has its own herb garden, which is used to source drink ingredients such as mint and basil.

In addition, Shortstop Bar and Grill has a fully packed entertainment schedule for the summer.

“We have many of our entertainers back that have played with us for the past few years -Tim Checetelli, Fred Marion, Jon Berman, and many of our other favorites!” says Monica. “We also have some great new acts this summer.”

With an inviting outdoor space, Take 5 in Agawam also offers its diners the opportunity to dine al fresco and take advantage of the summer weather. Take 5's menu features classic grill entrees like chicken and steak and a large selection of seafood options.

Lattitude Restaurant in West Springfield offers weekend entertainment on the patio all summer long. A wide ranging menu, featuring untraditional appetizers such as brisket and a variety of charcuterie boards, offers up many options for outdoor dining.

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LEFT: Marigolds galore at Gooseberry Farms.

TOP MIDDLE: Gooseberry Farms is located on East Gooseberry Road.

TOP RIGHT: Local asparagus is an early crop.

BOTTOM MIDDLE: Bear Hole honey is locally produced and available at Gooseberry Farms.

BOTTOM RIGHT: There are endless options for gardeners.

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

P R O D U C E

If you prefer to cook your own meals, stop by E. Cecchi Farms at 1131 Springfield St. in Feeding Hills for a variety of local produce offerings.

Opening in 1946, this family-owned and operated farm offers an immense selection of vegetables and flowers.

July brings squash, tomatoes, and peppers, among many other choices.

Sweet corn is a customer favorite, according to Michael Cecchi, who runs the day-to-day operations with his brother, Bobby.

Gooseberry Farms in West Springfield also offers a vast assortment of produce and flowers, as well as products from Balboni Bakery and Galactic Hobo Hot Sauce.

Gooseberry Farms is also known as an ice cream destination, scooping up hard ice cream, soft serve, and frozen yogurt. If you haven't tried Deer Tracks, you owe it to yourself to check out this and other new flavors.

At Granny’s Place in Agawam, the Seldomridge family offers its own fresh produce, flowers, and homemade products like apple butter, applesauce, honey, and beeswax.

The farm also sells eggs laid by its own chickens and a variety of homemade ice cream churned up using its vintage 1926 machine.

Other West Springfield restaurants offering patio dining include bNapoli Italian, Smokin' Scoops, The Crest Room, and Clemenza's.

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SE T YO U R SCHE D U L E

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JOHN R. SWEENEY I N S U R A N C E AG E N C Y

HOME ◆ AUTO ◆ SMALL BUSINESS John R. Sweeney Insurance Agency provides superior customer service and represents the top l o c a l a n d n a t i o n a l i n s u r a n c e c a r r i e r s . We h a v e a n ex p e r i e n c e d t e a m t h a t c a n a n a l y z e y o u r i n s u r a n c e needs and suggest the best options

SERVING WEST SPRINGFIELD AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY SINCE 1952.

John R. Sweeney CIC,CIS R West Sprin gfie ld

Christine Whitehead Office Manager E a s t Lo n g m e a d o w

1233 Westfield St. Ste. 1 West Springfield, MA 01089

264 North Main Street Suite 6 East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Phone: (413)-732-5465 Fax: (413)-732-5450

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G E T ACT IV E | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

Bags are packed, reservations are made, and the Out of Office automatic reply is letting everyone know you have officially entered vacation mode. There’s one thing that’s lingering: how to go on vacation without pressing pause on the fitness progress you’ve made, or avoid commuting to a gym and paying drop-in fees.

Mayhem Athlete provides online programming that guarantees challenging workouts which can be done in 30 minutes or less. These quick but effective workouts incorporate compound movements such as burpees, push ups and lunges.

Compound movements use more than one muscle group, requiring more energy from your muscles to recover. This means you can continue to burn calories while enjoying the beach or sitting at work, long after the workout is over.

The Mayhem Athlete M30 program offers two options for all fitness levels. Mayhem Bodyweight, a 30-minute format that requires no equipment, and Mayhem Minimal, a 30-minute format which only requires a couple dumbbells.

Mayhem Athletes’ easy to use app, SugarWOD, provides you with a warm up, workout, accessory cool-down, and coaching video - ensuring you get the most out of your 30 minutes! You can also find video demonstrations for each movement within the app and a community of like-minded individuals who are doing the same workouts around the globe.

WIN a Mayhem Athlete Package!

City Lifestyle and Mayhem Athlete are giving five winners a $300 bundle! This giveaway closes on July 15, 2022. For a chance to win, follow @citylifestyle and @mayhemathlete on Instagram and tag unlimited friends and family on the July 1st giveaway post for additional entries to win.

$300+ PACKAGE INCLUDES: • • • •

3-month WHOOP membership + band 3-month Mayhem Athlete membership $50 Mayhem Apparel gift card $25 Buffalo Brew Coffeehouse gift card

Scan the QR Code or use Code CITY30 for a FREE 30 day Trial

CHECK OUT A SAMPLE OF THE MAIN WORKOUT OPTIONS PROVIDED IN THEIR APP. Mayhem 30 - Bodyweight In 12:00 Minutes - complete these 3 movements, in order, as many times as possible • 6 Burpees • 8 Sit Ups • 12 Alternating Bodyweight Stepback Lunges (Total)

Mayhem 30 - Minimal Equipment In 12:00 Minutes - complete these 3 movements in order, as many times as possible • 6 Burpees over the Dumbbells • 8 Sit Ups • 12 Single Dumbbell Stepback Lunges (Total)

Daily workouts featuring a variety of movements like squats, push-ups, dumbbell deadlifts, running, and more, to keep fitness fun whether you are at home or on the go JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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Mobile Grooming Services for Dogs & Cats!

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41 3 . 2 62 .4 8 3 6 | T H E P R O FE SS IO N A LCLE A N E RS . N E T

Hair of Fame The Salon & Spa

82 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA 01089 (413)733-9444

We specialize in the latest trends with • haircuts and styles • hair color • facials • hair extensions • pedicures • manicures • wax We invite you to enjoy an atmosphere of tranquility where you can feel beautiful from the inside out.

Maritza Rivera • Salon Owner

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, DETAILING, AND TIRE SALES Highly trained technicians Licensed and insured 18+ years experience Discount programs for military, seniors, and first responders

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31 Saint Jacques Ave, Unit A, Agawam MA 01001

Protect your Love

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Licensed Agent New York Life Insurance Company tnbajor@ft.newyorklife.com

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JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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J U LY 2 0 2 2

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

J U LY 2 N D

Party of Two at Mineral Hills Winery

592 SY LVESTER R D., FLOR EN C E MA | 2:0 0 P M Bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great wine and great music! Acoustic duo Party of Two plays all of your classic rock and folk favorites. For more details, visit MineralHillsWinery.com/events.html .

J U LY 9 T H

Rotary Rocks Concert: Back to the Garden 1969

429 MORGAN ROAD (PAVILION ) , WE ST S P R I NG F I E L D | 4 :0 0 P M After a two year hiatus, the West Springfield Rotary Club is excited to bring back Woodstock tribute band Back to the Garden 1969 for Rotary Rocks at the Morgan Road Pavilion. Join us as we celebrate the power of coming together and enjoy the music and emotion of the 1969 festival that reshaped musical culture!

Visit Portal.ClubRunner.ca/6035/page/rotaryrocks-2022 for tickets.

J ULY 1 2 T H

Brimfield Fair and Flea Market

ROUTE 20, BR IMFIELD MA The summer version of the annual antiques and collectibles extravaganza opens on July 12 and runs through the 19th. The show comprises 20 fields and show venues along an extended stretch of Route 20, and attracts over 5,000 dealers and vendors and over 30,000 collectors and enthusiasts from around the country.

J ULY 1 5T H

The Empire Strikes Back at Tanglewood

2 97 W EST STREET, LEN OX MA 0 1 24 0 | 8 :0 0 P M Join Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops as they present this classic film with live orchestral accompaniment in the Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood. Visit BSO.org/events/boston-pops-the-empire-strikes for tickets and more information.

J ULY 1 6T H

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival

LOOK PAR K, FLOREN CE MA | 9 :0 0 A M Join us for the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival for a variety of competitions: pipe bands, Highland dancers, drum majors, stone throwing, and more. Sample traditional fare and enjoy the musical entertainment.

Adults $25; Children 6-12 $5. Look Memorial Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA. 413.584.5457 or visit GlasgowLands.org for more info.

J ULY 1 7 T H

National Ice Cream Day

GRAN -VAL S COOP, G R AN VILLE MA | 1 1 :30 A M Bring the family to Gran-Val Scoop on National Ice Cream Day to enjoy our beautiful mountain views and our tasty homemade ice cream/frozen treats! We are excited to open our doors for a season of great ice cream, friends and fun! Gran-Val Scoop (Ice Cream & Petting Zoo). 223 Granby Road, Granville, MA or call 413.357.0164.

Want to be featured?

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

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EVE N TS

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OU T O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH US. LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTSPRINGFIELD

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ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN SLACK

GETTING OUT THERE WEST SPRINGFIELD MAYOR WILL REICHELT ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO ENJOY OUR RESOURCES

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O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

When it comes to appreciating the outdoor resources in West Springfield, there may be no greater proponent than Mayor Will Reichelt. An enthusiastic biker, hiker, and runner, Mayor Reichelt sees the town as being exceptional in the opportunities and facilities we have available.

“With Bear Hole on one side of town and Mittineague Park on the other, we are unique in having such natural resources within a single community,” he notes. Balancing safety and fun is a priority for the town. The existing trail cams in Bear Hole will be improved to provide real-time data feeds and the park will be monitored by a ranger part time. Police officers riding mountain bikes also contribute to the safety of Bear Hole. Ultimately, it is the population of users that drives the environment. “More good users, like bikers and hikers, drive out the less desirable users of the park,” says the mayor.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON? Bird scooters will be making their debut in West Springfield. Like the Valley Bike program, which allows users to rent a bike for a short time (hourly or daily basis), Bird scooters will be parked at convenient locations around town. You can rent them one-way through an app and when you’re done, the company will pick them up from your destination – whether that’s your home, office, or a local watering hole.

The town is installing a half-mile multi-use trail around the Park Avenue green, and similar improvements will be coming to the green on Elm Street. In the longer term, access to the bike trail that runs along the Connecticut River will be improved. “We want to extend the bike path to connect with Route 5, eventually extending the reach from Holyoke to Bear Hole to the Columbia Rail Trail in Westfield,” says Mayor Reichelt. The mayor acknowledges the complexity of factors that have plagued the riverside path, but by working with the Western Mass Task Force to End Homelessness, the issue is being addressed.

WHAT’S HOT NOW

MAYOR WILL REICHELT

Dining, culture, and leisure activities are thriving in town. Between its dining and theater offerings, the Elm Street area is booming; the mayor points to bNapoli Italian as an example of a business that has done a great job of contributing to our local vibe. “It has an almost international feel,” he says, noting that Covid’s silver lining was that some of the downtown businesses developed their outdoor space in a way that invigorates the city feeling of the area.

Beautification through sponsored traffic islands has also made a difference. Mayor Reichelt points out Calabrese Market and Affordable Auto Glass as two businesses that have done an outstanding job with their islands.

CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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LEND A HAND The businesses are not the only ones who can contribute to the growth and improvement of West Springfield. Mayor Reichelt encourages all citizens to become more involved.

“More feedback is always good,” he says. He would love to see more people volunteering for town boards and committees. The West Springfield Summer Music Series is making a return this year, and with it come opportunities to help. Some opportunities can lead to employment. To learn more about volunteering in town, contact the mayor’s office.

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O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

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$30 MONTHLY GYM MEMBERSHIPS mcutrainingcenter.com | 413-301-6040 | 153 Springfield Street, Agawam MA 01001 JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

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