West Springfield, MA August 2023

August is Made for Kids

Making the Most of August

Summers in New England are gone before we know it. We hope this issue inspires you to explore fairs, wineries, outdoor concerts, baseball games, and all the best things to be found and enjoyed in the Pioneer Valley. In August, we seek to soak up the sunshine at every opportunity – with that in mind, this issue highlights plenty of activities to share this summer with the kids and pets in your life.

August is the month when I teeter between squeezing every minute of enjoyment out of the long days and looking forward to my first cider donut. The sound of evening crickets in late August is one of my favorite signs of the season. But let’s not rush things. Before autumn encroaches on your leisure time and brings with it busy schedules, be sure to make time for your favorite summer traditions. For me, that means ice cream at any of the local joints (don’t make me choose a favorite) and a coconut margarita on the patio at Shortstop Bar & Grill.

Here’s wishing you long days, warm nights, and memorable moments with your loved ones.

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Amanda Waterfield | amanda.waterfield@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Anderson | sara.anderson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sara Anderson, Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman, Kellie Wagner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Crosby Photography, Karen Slack Photography

Corporate Team

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 Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Proverbs 3:5-6

AMANDA WATERFIELD, PUBLISHER @WESTSPRINGFIELD_LIFESTYLE

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @westspringfield_lifestyle

1: Alyssa Amato of Alexandra Aesthetics exhibited her services at the Connecticut Bridal Expo. 2: Comedian Jess Miller brought the laughs to the West of the River Chamber's annual meeting. 3: The Storytellers performed to a receptive crowd during the West Springfield Summer Concert Series. 4: West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt crossed the finish line at the Ironman Triathlon. 5: The Joey's Deli team at the Whoopie Pie Waddle fundraising walk. 6: Taplin Yard, Pump and Power held a Father's Day open house at their Agawam location. 7: Incoming West of the River Chamber board president Andrew Sullivan addresses the annual meeting.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Unique Sales & Strategy Offering New Email Management Coaching Program

David M. Foley of Unique Sales & Strategy, LLC, is offering a new productivity coaching program: Email Management for Business Professionals. Each month features a theme on topics such as digital organization, time management, customer service, and sales. The program focuses on improving leadership, production, efficiency, sales, and profitability, with practical strategies and hands-on guidance to streamline inbox organization, prioritize tasks, and improve communication skills. David can be reached at 413.348.2171 or david.foley@uniquesalesandstrategy.com.

New Area Business Ice Cream Emergency Scoops Up Frozen Delights

Scoopologist sisters Addie and Alyce Stiles opened Scoopin' Up Smiles LLC DBA Ice Cream Emergency in 2023, providing a full-service, mobile ice cream parlor that “saves” guests by treating their ice cream cravings. Guests are served on the Ice Cream Emergency bus, featuring super-premium, gourmet ice cream and decadent toppings. They offer vegan and dairy-, nut- and gluten-free options. The heated and air-conditioned bus is available by appointment for events year-round. Call 413.727.5080 for information.

Cigar Room II and Bar Fifty Two Under New Ownership

Agawam's Cigar Room II was recently purchased by Chris Borders and David Morgan, who continue to provide the community and events that their customers love. The cigar lounge allows patrons to enjoy cigars on site, and then partake in cocktails at Bar Fifty Two, upstairs from the shop. Chris emphasizes that the establishment is not, and never will be, a night club. Cigar Room II is one of only two cigar shops in the region.

Want to be featured?

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

Photography by Unique Sales & Strategy

Photography by Ice Cream Emergency

Photography by Cigar Room II

12

local experiences

best places and things to do in our area.

This summer, treat your dog to a special time at the dog park, lux grooming services, playtime with other dogs at doggie daycare, some new toys and supplies, in-home pet-sitting for while you're on vacation, or outdoor time with a dog walker. Whether you are spending quality time with your canine companion or keeping them busy and active while you're away or working, there are plenty of local options for your pup!

AGAWAM DOG PARK: Visit the Agawam Dog Park at 9-99 Armory Dr. for some off-leash fun for your furry friend! Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 9-99 Armory Drive, Agawam, Massachusetts 01001

AGAWAM DOGWORKS: Dogs just want to have fun! Agawam Dogworks offers three climate-controlled indoor play areas for doggie daycare, and halfand full-day programs. 860 Suffield Street, Agawam, Massachusetts 01001

THE PAWSITIVE LOOK: Take your pup for a spa day! The Pawsitive Look in West Springfield is a full-service groomer. Treat your dog to a blueberry facial! 865 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089

PET SUPPLIES PLUS: Visit Pet Supplies Plus in West Springfield for a vast assortment of toys, treats, health supplies, apparel and more. Also featuring a self-serve dog wash. 175 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089

FRESH AIR PET SERVICES: West Springfield's Fresh Air Pet Services offers dog walking, in-home pet sitting with play visits/care, and pet portraiture. Pet CPR and first aid certified. 317 Circle Drive, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089

for more photos and the full list. LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Scan

Attorney Katherine Garvey

Live Music All Summer Long

Sewing machine sales and service

Sewing and quilting classes and custom embroidery!

Specializing in: We carry Husqvarna Viking and Brother machines and accessories, as well as, Floriani threads and stabilizers

Phone: (413) 301 - 9656

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

Address 2005 Riverdale St West Springfield MA 01089

sewingwithparsons@yahoo com

https://sewingwithparsons com/

SENDING COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

ARTICLE BY SARA ANDERSON

Agawam

With back-to-school time approaching, plan your care packages for the college students in your life. Agawam Pack & Ship at 417 Springfield Street in Agawam, in business for more than 30 years, changed ownership in September 2017 to brothers Alan and Richard Cohen and is a convenient location to ship care packages. “Richard and I both retired from our career jobs and felt we needed something to stay busy,” says Alan. “It’s been a wonderful experience and has kept us extremely busy and satisfied.”

The business offers UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL packing and shipping; copying, faxing, scanning, and emailing; mailbox rentals, stamps, secure paper shedding, notary public services, fingerprinting, and more, all at competitive prices.

“Alan and I pride ourselves on providing caring service to all our customers, no matter how small or how large their needs,” says Alan. “We’re different because we’re privately owned and operated, and not dictated by corporate rules. For instance, we don’t charge for taping a pre-labeled package or assisting customers with packing and boxing.”

Care packages, especially during those first few “homesick weeks” of the semester, are welcome. You can also send items your student forgot to bring on move-in day. If your student has a special event you can’t attend, a gift lets them know you’re thinking of them from afar.

And of course, midterm and final exam times are stressful; care packages with food and items that make studying more fun show your support.

Homemade cookies are a perennial favorite, while snack foods are helpful for busy students. You can purchase single-serving snacks such as protein bars, chips, and candy bars, make trail mixes with nuts and dried fruits and portion into single servings in zip-seal bags, or send beverage items such as teas, cocoas, and coffee pods.

Laundry pods and fabric softener sheets, plus a stain-remover pen, get laundry done easily. Sending toothpaste, deodorant, lotions, first aid items, and over-the-counter pain and allergy medications ensures that your student is stocked up.

Study supplies such as highlighters, paper clips, staples, sticky notes, notebooks, and writing implements are great to include in a care package. Including a card too is a great way to say “I love you.”

Holiday decorations, string lights, posters, framed family photos, and plush throw blankets make dorm rooms cheerful. Cleaning supplies keep rooms fresh and clean, so consider sending cell phone and computer screen cleaner, general purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, and disposable dusters. Call 413.789.1023, email info@AgawamPackAndShip.com, or visit agawapackandship.com to learn more.

Pack & Ship will get your student's care packages sent quickly and securely

Tips for Sending College Student Care Packages

1 | Homemade Cookies

Nothing says “love” like homemade cookies. A tin from the dollar store protects baked goods, and bubble wrap and/or packing peanuts prevent cookies from crumbling. Expedited shipping keeps baked goods fresh  — tell your student to expect their package and pick it up ASAP.

2 | Personal Care & First Aid

Over-the-counter medications are fine to send, but check to see which prescription medications cannot be shipped. Tighten lids on liquids, and use appropriate taping and packing methods to prevent leakage.

3 | Single-Serving Snacks & Drinks

Purchasing or making single-portion, grab-and-go snacks is a great way to ensure your student has food in their backpack for busy times. Tell them that food is on the way so they pick up their package in a timely manner. Pack snacks and items like cocoa, tea, and coffee pods in sturdy packaging to prevent damage.

4 | Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

Let’s keep it clean! Securely tighten and tape lids on any liquid items, and pack laundry pods in metal tins or sturdy cardboard boxes, buffered with bubble wrap and/ or packing peanuts.

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Alan and Richard Cohen, owners of Agawam Pack & Ship; photo by Karen Slack Photography

SHAKE UP YOUR SUMMER SNACKING

Making cold, fruity drinks is an easy and healthy summertime activity for littles to teens

// Watermelon Refresher Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen watermelon chunks

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup raspberry yogurt

• 1 cup apple cider or apple juice

• 2–4 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar, to taste

• 2 cups ice

In a blender, add all ingredients and blend for 1–2 minutes, adding more juice if too thick, until all ingredients are smoothly pureed and blended. Garnish with watermelon shapes cut with mini cookie cutters on a decorative paper straw, if desired. Makes two large or four small servings.

ARTICLE BY SARA ANDERSON

// Blueberry Pie Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen blueberries

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt

• 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, or to taste

• 2–4 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar, to taste

• 2 cups ice

In a blender, add all ingredients and blend for 1–2 minutes, adding more milk if too thick, until all ingredients are smoothly pureed and blended. Garnish with additional blueberries on a decorative toothpick and a paper cocktail umbrella, if desired. Makes two large or four small servings.

// Strawberry Splash Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen strawberries

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup strawberry yogurt

• ½ cup milk (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)

• ½ cup cran-raspberry juice

• 2–4 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar, to taste

• 2 cups ice

In a blender, add all ingredients and blend for 1–2 minutes, adding more milk/juice if too thick, until all ingredients are smoothly pureed and blended. Garnish with a fresh strawberry, and add a paper cocktail umbrella, if desired. Makes two large or four small servings.

// Peach Cobbler Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen sliced peaches

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt

• 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)

• 2–4 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar, to taste

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste

• 2 cups ice

In a blender, add all ingredients and blend for 1–2 minutes, adding more milk if too thick, until all ingredients are smoothly pureed and blended. Garnish with a fresh peach slice and a sprig of mint, if desired. Makes two large or four small servings.

Camping with Your Canine Companion

TIPS FOR MAKING SUMMER CAMPING TRAVEL

EASIER, SAFER, AND MORE FUN

Most of us have summer travel plans and according to the American Automobile Association, more than half of U.S. pet owners take their dogs with them when they travel. Try something different — consider camping with your dog for a good time for all! Read on for our tips to consider before heading out.

PLAN. Contact campgrounds in advance to secure reservations. Review pet policies; not every campground is pet friendly. Inquire about amenities and check available dogfriendly trails to see what works best for you and your pup.

PREPARE . Pack food, water and bowls, treats, medications, toys, towels, cleaning supplies, bed, and favorite snuggle items. Visit your vet before leaving; make sure vaccinations are current. Establish a back-up plan for bad-weather activities.

Pack an emergency kit, including a photo of you with your dog, proof of vaccinations, gauze, non-stick medical tape, pet-safe eyewash, and antihistamines. Know where a local vet is located and their hours. Place an identification tag on your dog’s collar, and consider microchipping.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE . Respect other pets and campers. Don’t let your dog approach others without consent first. Pick up after your dog using earth-friendly waste bags, and dispose of responsibly. Apply pet sunscreen on nose and ears. Check paws for debris after each walk. Create a quiet place inside your tent or camper and play soothing music at night.

Camping is a fantastic way to spend time with your dog. With a little planning, you’re sure to have a great trip!

ARTICLE BY CARLEEN EVE FISCHER HOFFMAN

Our Recommendations

Bring the Right Gear

WAIST LEASH

Waist leashes are great for dogs that like to pull while being walked. They help prevent back and shoulder injuries and are a nice solution if you have hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder problems. Stay away from bungee or longer leashes because they are harder to control. Don’t forget to bring an extra leash in case one gets wet or damaged.

LIFE JACKET AND WATER SAFE TOYS

Most dogs love water, but some breeds are simply not built to swim. Others have a great time in the water but tire quickly. Have your dog fitted for a life jacket to make swimming easier and help keep them afloat during water activities. Water-safe toys are a great way to

keep your dog entertained while cooling off in the water. Choose floating toys that are bright in color so they are easy to find for both you and your dog.

FITTED HARNESS

Having your dog fitted for a comfortable harness keeps your dog safe on the trails. This design holds a collapsible bowl, water, and treats, which helps keep your dog hydrated throughout the day and offers an opportunity to give treats for a job well done. Check with your vet first to ensure this type of harness is suitable for your dog. While on the trails, take time to work on recall skills and other training and tricks. Your dog will enjoy the one-onone time with you!

life

waist leash

jacket & water safe toys

fitted harness

Making Moving an Easy and Stress-Free Process

A TO Z MOVING & STORAGE GUARANTEES YOUR ITEMS WILL BE DELIVERED WITH CARE

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WAGNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CROSBY PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s not uncommon for Benjamin Zeller, owner of West Springfield’s A to Z Moving & Storage, to post moving tips on his personal and business social media accounts. After all, Benjamin has been in the business for years. Benjamin took over A to Z Moving & Storage, begun in 1985 by his father, Robert Zeller, something he said he was destined for after watching and learning how to run the business. “Now that I’m walking in his footsteps, I can’t picture doing anything different,” Benjamin says.

“We like to provide valuable things other than just a price estimate,” Benjamin says of coaching potential customers through the tips that accompany a price quote from the company. He says they often move families as far as the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; primarily customers are on the East coast — and also beyond.

The company offers 26-foot or smaller moving trucks for mostly residential and commercial needs. One of the customer perks of working with the company is the “exclusive and expedited services” the business provides. “We have guaranteed pickup and delivery dates for long-distance moving,” Benjamin says. “Customers have a guaranteed truck.”

Benjamin Zeller, owner of West Springfield’s A to Z Moving & Storage

Benjamin identified a problematic issue in the moving industry: items being lost or missing — an important reason his company does not subcontract their work out to anyone and employs their own in-house movers. “They’re our trucks, our people,” he explains. “You should confirm you have a moving company, not a broker, not some Craigslist people,” he says, adding, “Be sure to always get a certificate of insurance from potential movers.”

In one of his recent Facebook posts, Benjamin gently reminded his customers that people should remain mindful of where their children and pets are during a move, a process that can be overwhelming for many people.

“If animals or children are not supervised well on moving day, it can be kind of dangerous,” explains Benjamin, an animal lover himself and the owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier named Queen. He also offers many other tips for people who are planning a move, including DIY packing tips, questions to ask a moving company before hiring it, and the many things to consider on a moving checklist.

In terms of the storage arena, A to Z Moving & Storage maintains bonded storage facilities where customers make an appointment to obtain items in storage and are escorted by an employee in what Benjamin explains is a “climate-controlled and secured area,” noting that this service is primarily for people in transit who are buying homes and have to wait to move in.

A to Z Moving & Storage recently did some of their own moving in February when the company relocated to Chapin Street after previously being on Union Street for over 25 years. Benjamin says the landlord needed the building back for other purposes, but gave him and his company ample notice to relocate, and Benjamin seized an opportunity to purchase a building for A to Z Moving & Storage.

A self-described transitional specialist, Benjamin recently earned his real estate license so he can be an asset in multiple ways for the transitions in people’s lives and “not only provide moving services.” A to Z Moving & Storage is located at 41 Chapin Street; call 413.736.4440 or email BenAToZMovers@gmail.com

“One customer perk of working with A to Z Moving & Storage is our exclusive, expedited service — we have guaranteed pickup and delivery dates.”

The new site at 41 Chapin Street

Diamond Auto Detailing: An Easy Car-Care Choice

Luxury, quality auto protection at an affordable price

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WAGNER

Just off the main road of Route 5 in West Springfield, Justin Walts, owner of Diamond Auto Detailing, works tirelessly to bring beauty to all cars, from luxury to everyday vehicles, through meticulous detailing. Every vehicle receives his excellent attention to detail, and owners will find his honest approach to vehicle care refreshing.

Before starting Diamond Auto Detailing, Justin had spent most of his life around cars. He began helping in his father's auto shop, Walt Brother’s Auto Repair, when he was nine years old, fixing all types of vehicles and performing routine customer support. More than six years ago, he began to detail vehicles on the side, earning a reputation for exceptional service.

Justin eventually ventured further, devoting himself to detailing full time while still helping in the family business. He prides himself on keeping his customers’ best interests in mind from the moment he meets them. “More people will return for repeat business when you educate them and explain the benefits of our services,” Justin reveals.

Justin chooses to not only protect a vehicle’s exterior from the harsh New England weather and summer

sun, he also strives to protect his customer’s wallets. Offering luxury level protection at an affordable price, the most popular service Diamond Auto Detailing offers is a ceramic coating by NanoPro. “It’s similar to a glass screen protector for your paint in a liquid form,” Justin describes.

NanoPro coating provides long-lasting scratch and rust protection, decreasing the amount of time spent on cleaning, including future details, as well as increasing the value of the vehicle. Diamond Auto Detailing also diligently cleans vehicles from the inside out, top to bottom, using high-quality products to protect the interior as well.

Every vehicle deserves long-lasting care and protection. Diamond Auto Detailing is an affordable option for any vehicle, from top-of-the-line luxury sedans and sports cars to family SUVs and work trucks. Be sure to like and follow “Diamond Auto Detailing” on Facebook.com for fabulous examples of detailed cars, as well as for giveaways! You can also reach Justin at 413.454.3623 to schedule an appointment.

JUSTIN WALTS: Justin Walts offers protective coatings including NanoPro 10H Radical ceramic coating, NanoPro Borophene MAX coating, and the top-tier Diamond Deluxe package for paint protection up to 7+ years. Justin also does paint correction to remove swirl marks, deep scratches, water spots, and more, and does complete interior detailing with NanoPro rim, glass, fabric, and leather coatings.

DOG gone GOOD

Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

ARTICLE

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly kneed. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).

Backyard Chickens

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet, but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages.

There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low-maintenance. And bonus—unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things to Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple henhouse can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through spring and summer and into the fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own, or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com.

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

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

Joke Day at the Agawam Public Library Children's Room

750 COOPER STREET, AGAWAM, MA | 9:00 AM

On your marks, get set, joke! Tell a joke to a librarian in the Children’s Room and receive a small prize on Joke Day, happening every Wednesday throughout the summer! This event lasts all day and is for all ages of children. Call 413.789.1550 for information.

Springfield Hockey Heritage Society's Hockeyday 2023

1305 MEMORIAL AVE WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA | 11:30 AM

Hockeyday returns Saturday, August 5 in the Young Building at the Big E, with more Springfield hockey legends in attendance than ever before, amazing new merchandise such as retro 70s Indians jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and lots more, like the Hockeyday auction with one-of-a-kind prizes. 11:30 to 4 p.m. Call 413.650.7447 for more information.

Teen Anime Club and Cosplay

WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY, 200 PARK STREET, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA | 5:30 PM

Join other teens ages 13 to 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for an anime watch party, crafts, games, snacks, and cosplay! Call 413.736.4561, extension 5, for more information.

Lego Brick Convention

MASSMUTUAL CENTER, 1277 MAIN STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA | 10:00 AM

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., experience this fan event where Lego builders gather to show off their creations in the Fan Display Zone. See massive models, meet professional LEGO artists, build with LEGO bricks at the building zones, witness LEGO cities and spaceships, and shop LEGO sets and accessories. Call 413.787.6600 for ticket info; children two and under free.

Wire-Wrap Sea Glass Necklaces

Class by Creative Girl Studios Mobile

POWDER HOLLOW BREWERY, 504 HAZARD AVENUE, ENFIELD, CT | 6:30 PM

Beginners ages 21+ will enjoy this two-hour craft'n'sip and make two beautiful wire-wrapped sea glass necklaces led by Laurie of Creative Girl Studios. A selection of wines, beers, and slushies available for purchase; outside snacks permitted. Sign up at creativegilrstudios@gmail.com.

James Paul Band, West Springfield Summer Concert Series

MORGAN ROAD PAVILION, 459 MORGAN ROAD, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA | 7:00 PM

The James Paul Band is a high-energy, good-time rock and roll band from Western Massachusetts. The band specializes in their own unique sound and style to cover songs that are instantly recognizable. Beer, wine, soft drinks, food, and snacks will be available for purchase from West Springfield Rotary Club and West Springfield Lions Club. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Call 413-781-3020.

Want to be featured?

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

Kathy Grudgen (413)433-0764

Dora Courchesne (413)218-7222

YOUR LOCAL HEADQUARTERS FOR LONGINES WATCHES

Characterized by a pioneering spirit, a quest for precision and a timeless vision of elegance.

(413) 536-7353

Located at the Holyoke Mall (lower level)