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West Valley, MA August 2026

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Kids + Pets

B O T O X ®

F I L L E R S

P H O T O F A C I A L S ( I P L )

P H O T O F R A C T I O N A L

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Letter from the Publisher, Kids + Pets Issue

As summer begins to wind down here in the West Valley, this issue is all about savoring the moments that become our favorite memories — sunshine-filled afternoons, sticky ice cream fingers, puppy kisses, backyard celebrations, and the simple joy of gathering together with the people (and pets) we love most.

One of the highlights of this issue was our absolutely magical cover shoot featuring my sweet little Maltipoo - Waffles Dior, at the iconic Holyoke Merry-GoRound. There is something timeless and nostalgic about this historic treasure — the music, the lights, the beautifully painted horses and watching Waffles Dior charm everyone during the shoot made it even more unforgettable. From twirling carousel rides to playful summer styling, this feature celebrates the joy pets bring into our lives and why they truly are family.

Inside these pages, we are also exploring one of the newest luxury home trends designed for our four-legged companions:  beautifully curated pet suites. From custom feeding stations to elegant built-in retreats, our feature with  @laclosets showcases how thoughtful design is extending beyond the family room and into spaces made especially for our beloved pets.

Of course, no summer issue would be complete without a little sweetness. We rounded up some of our favorite local ice cream destinations serving delicious seasonal treats for kids and even special pup sundaes for furry friends. Whether it’s a post-dinner cone, a family night out, or a spontaneous summer stop after the dog park, these are the places making the season taste just a little sweeter.

And as we say goodbye to summer, we celebrate one final New England tradition

— the DIY end of summer crab boil! There is something so special about gathering outdoors around a beautiful table filled with crab legs, sausage, potatoes & corn, chilled rosé, and candlelight as the sun sets a little earlier over the Valley. It’s a reminder that luxury is not always extravagant — sometimes it’s simply slowing down long enough to enjoy the moment.

Wishing you a beautiful close to summer and a cozy season ahead.

Cheers, XO

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Tricia Gouin | tricia.gouin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Madeline LeBlanc | madeline.leblanc@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Tyler King

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emma Eaton, Tricia Gouin, Madeline LeBlanc, Leann Parker, Maureen Sullivan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emma Eaton, Janie Jones, Madeline LeBlanc, Ally Montemagni

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Publisher Tricia's Dog, Waffles Dior. 2: Writer Maureen's Dog, Willow. 3: Photographer Ally and boyfriend Chris with their pups, Cenzi & Ralph. 4: Editor Madeline's cat, Loki. 5: Social Media Coordinator Tyler's dog, Murphy. 6: Photographer Hillary Lynn's dog, Hazel. 7: Writer Hannah's dog, Mickey.

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After Par-Tee West Springfield

The West Springfield Boys & Girls Club hosted a their 43rd Annual Golf “Fore” Our Kids Tournament. It is one of the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s signature fundraising events supporting scholarships for children and teens! This year, 186 campers and 40 preschoolers will attend their annual Summer Program. Explorers (Ages 5-7) and Trailblazers (Ages 8-13) participate in eight themed weeks of fun and learning!

Amelia Park Children's Museum: The Farm in the Woods

The Farm in the Woods embodies a dream that all children share: that they can have access to wild and overgrown spaces, can freely explore the ecology of the land around them, and can push themselves to take risks. Not every kid can grow up on a farm, but the lessons of farm living apply: stay curious, have respect for everything around you, and be comfortable with fear. Stay tuned for this to open later this year!

Playa Bowls Grand Opening

Playa Bowls has officially opened its newest location in Chicopee! What started as a small sidewalk cart quickly grew into a local favorite and eventually a nationwide movement, all powered by fresh ingredients, coastal vibes, and the feeling of summer every day. Stop by and check it out at 601 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA

Photography by Playa Bowls

THE Holyoke MERRYGOROUND

You are never too young or too old to take a spin on a MerryGo-Round. It’s always a thrill, no matter your age, to hop on a beautifully hand-carved painted horse or ride in one of the chariots. For me, it has always had to be the horse that goes up and down. But there have been times when the chariot makes me feel a little special. When Mountain Park in Holyoke closed in 1987, a group of Holyoke residents and community leaders were determined to keep the park’s carousel in the city, and purchased it for $850,000, entirely through volunteer donations. The antique carousel was lovingly restored and has been spinning for 33 years at its current home at Holyoke Heritage State Park, due to the dedication and passion of volunteers. Joe McGiverin and his daughters Brenda and Kelly have stepped in as the current volunteer leaders of the Merry-Go-Round, overseeing a volunteer board of directors. Lifelong Holyokers, they have memories of spending their own childhoods at Mountain Park and are committed to carrying on the beloved tradition. Part of their stewardship includes making sure that the carousel is maintained. The Merry-Go-Round recently received a local and state CPA Preservation Grant that is being used to restore four horses at the Carousel Museum in New Britain, CT. There, the paint on the horses will be completely stripped, the damage wood restored, and repainted to bring back, as closely as possible, the intricate details of each one. The Merry-Go-Round accepts donations to its Annual Preservation Fund, which, says Joe, has had repeat donors for 33 years. “Merry-GoRounds don’t survive easily, he adds, noting that the roof will be replaced this year, along with repairing the 32 windows of the building’s cupola. The project cost will be close to $120,000. The Merry-Go-Round is more than just a ride in the park. The venue hosts a variety of events and is available to rent for children’s birthday parties, weddings, retirement parties and other special occasions.

EMMA & ROSIE

The best spots to get ice cream with your pup!

The best ice cream spots for you and your pup! Emma and Rosie are sharing their favorite places in Western Massachusetts to grab a sweet treat and a pup cup. Emma loves the Bubblegum ice cream at Moolicious, while Rosie never says no to their pup cup. Whether you’re spending the day exploring local towns or enjoying a summer afternoon, these dogfriendly ice cream shops are perfect for making memories together.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA EATON

1. Moolicious - Southwick, MA
2. Scoops - Agawam, MA
3. Randal’s Farm - Ludlow, MA
4. Batch ice cream - South Hadley, MA
5. Sheldon’s ice cream - Southampton, MA
6. Mt. Tom Creamery - Easthampton, MA

Expert Tips for Glowing Skin All Season Long : featuring Michelle Cory, RN owner Boutique MedSpa

SUMMER SKIN STARTS HERE

Summer in the  West Valley means sunshine, vineyard weekends, patio dinners, and long days spent outdoors — but warmer weather can also take a toll on your skin. Increased sun exposure, heat, and dehydration often lead to dullness, pigmentation, and premature aging. According to Michelle Cory, RN owner of Boutique MedSpa, radiant summer skin starts with consistency, hydration, and treatments that support healthy skin from within.

One of Michelle’s favorite summertime treatments is Microneedling with  SkinPen Precision, a collagen-stimulating treatment that rejuvenates the skin naturally without heat or chemicals. Safe for all skin tones and skin types, SkinPen helps improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and overall texture with little to no downtime. Michelle especially loves pairing the treatment with  Ariessence Pure PDGF+ (growth factor serum)  for enhanced healing and glow.

For clients wanting a brighter complexion fast, the  VI Peel  remains another seasonal favorite. With visible results in as little as seven days, the peel targets sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, acne scarring, and signs of aging while revealing smoother, more radiant skin.

When it comes to everyday skincare, Michelle believes there are three essentials everyone should focus on during the summer months: sunscreen, Vitamin C, and hydration.

Her favorite picks include SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair - a sunscreen essential  - SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex - a vitamin C serum -  to help protect, brighten, and support collagen production. Michelle also recommends staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumbers, and using a daily moisturizer suited to your skin type.

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

A Personalized Approach

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

FROM SEA-TO-TABLE

WHY MASSE’S AMERICAN BISTRO SHOULD BE ON YOUR WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS DINING LIST

If you’re looking for fresh seafood, comforting pasta dishes, and a menu with something for everyone, Masse’s American Bistro in Chicopee is worth a visit. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients, this local favorite combines classic American fare with fresh seafood delivered daily.

One of the biggest highlights of our visit was the Angry Pasta Dish. Packed with chicken, shrimp, chorizo, spinach, and tomatoes, the dish is tossed in a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. Every bite is loaded with flavor, and the combination of seafood, sausage, and creamy sauce makes it a standout menu item.

Seafood lovers will also appreciate the fresh oysters. Served cold and incredibly fresh, they showcase exactly why Masse’s has built such a strong reputation for seafood in the area. Pair them with a Scorpion Bowl for Two and you’ve got the perfect way to kick off a meal with friends or family.

What truly sets Masse’s apart is that the experience doesn’t end in the dining room. Attached to the restaurant is a full seafood market where customers can purchase fresh fish and seafood to prepare at home. Masse’s receives fresh seafood deliveries from Boston every day, allowing guests to enjoy restaurant-quality ingredients in their own kitchens.

Whether you’re stopping in for a casual dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or picking up fresh seafood for your next homecooked meal, Masse’s American Bistro delivers quality, freshness, and flavor. From the creamy Cajun pasta to the fresh oysters and unique seafood market, it’s easy to see why this Chicopee restaurant has become a go-to destination for seafood lovers throughout Western Massachusetts.

For more local restaurant features, food finds, travel spots, and hidden gems across New England, be sure to follow Hello Food Reviews on Instagram at @hellofoodreviews for your next place to visit.

P E R M A N E N T M A K E U P

B R O W S

L I P B L U S H

E Y E L I N E R

A R E O L A S

F R E C K L E S

S a v e t i m e a n d m o n e y o n

b e a u t y p r o d u c t s

F e e l c o n f i d e n t i n y o u r o w n

s k i n a g a i n

E n h a n c e y o u r n a t u r a l

f e a t u r e s

THE pet SUITE

DESIGNING FOR THE MOST SPOILED MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

For years, luxury homes have been meticulously designed around the people who live in them. Dressing rooms tailored to extensive wardrobes, wine vaults curated around prized collections. Now, we're seeing another space rise to prominence: the pet suite.

THE PET MUDROOM

Perhaps the ultimate luxury for active dogs.

Imagine returning from a rainy walk, a muddy hike, or a day at the park. Instead of tracking dirt through the house, your pet enters a dedicated wash station complete with:

• Elevated grooming tub

• Handheld sprayer

• Custom drying station

• Towel storage

• Hidden cleaning supply storage

• Durable stone or porcelain finishes

• Built-in leash hooks and grab-and-go accessories

Done correctly, a pet wash becomes less utility room and more spa treatment room.

THE PET DRESSING ROOM

If people have closets, why shouldn’t pets?

For households with multiple dogs, show dogs, travel accessories, or simply an extensive collection of collars, coats, and seasonal attire, dedicated storage quickly becomes necessary.

Custom pet wardrobes can include:

• Hanging rods for coats, sweaters, and rain gear

• Display shelving for collars and leashes

• Pull-out drawers for toys and accessories

• Dedicated cubbies for travel carriers

• Accessory trays for tags, bows, and grooming essentials

• Personalized name plaques and integrated lighting

• Glass display cabinets for special collars, awards, or keepsakes

One of our favorite additions is a dedicated pet changing station. For smaller breeds ; like my Maltipoo - Waffles Dior - apull out platform or counter-height dressing surface allows owners to comfortably and safely dress their pets without bending over or lifting them awkwardly. Similar to a valet station in a luxury dressing room, it transforms a daily task into a thoughtful ritual. What starts as practical storage often becomes one of the most charming spaces in the home.

THE LUXURY FEEDING STATION

Pet bowls have a way of migrating across kitchens. Custom feeding stations create a permanent home for daily routines while concealing the less glamorous necessities.

Features might include:

• Integrated food and water stations

• Pull-out feeding drawers

• Airtight food storage

• Treat drawers

• Water filtration systems

• Refrigerated storage for fresh diets

• Built-in charging stations for automatic feeders and fountains

The result is a cleaner, more intentional kitchen environment.

THE INDOOR DOG LOUNGE

Some of the most impressive homes are now dedicating entire rooms to their pets.

Beyond a simple dog bed, these spaces may include:

• Built-in sleeping alcoves

• Integrated kennels concealed within millwork

• Toy storage walls

• Custom upholstery and performance fabrics

• Dedicated HVAC controls

• Outdoor access through automated pet doors

• Daybeds positioned beneath windows for sunbathing

The goal isn’t excess for the sake of excess. It’s creating a space that feels as considered as every other room in the home.

THE PET TRAVEL CENTER

For families who travel frequently, pet logistics can become surprisingly complex.

A dedicated travel station might include:

• Storage for carriers and crates

• Travel bowls and accessories

• Veterinary and boarding documents

• Leashes and harnesses

• Road-trip supplies

• Medication kits

• Grooming essentials

Everything organized and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

BEYOND THE DOG BED

The most interesting thing about luxury pet spaces isn’t that they’re extravagant. It’s that they follow the same design principles we’ve always applied to dressing rooms and private collections: understand the routine, anticipate the needs, and create a beautiful place for everything.

The same mindset that creates an exceptional closet can create an exceptional pet suite - one where grooming, feeding, traveling, and everyday care feel effortless and beautifully organized.

Because great design isn’t just about what we collect. It’s about how we live.

SUMMER END of CRAB BOIL

I love family-style meals such as a crab boil this time of year. The food is the star of the show and a vital part of the tablescape – decor optional! Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such as large seashells, coral or seaglass. Use whatever you have on hand that nods to the sea.

TABLE SETTING CENTERPIECE

White Pasta Bowls

Individual Ceramic Butter Warmers

Linen Napkins

Woven Placemats

Galvanized Tavern Mugs

Crab Napkin Rings

Crab Salt & Pepper

Crab Bottle Opener

Parchment Paper

Paper-Sail Centerpiece (instructions found in Martha Stewart’s book “Handmade Holiday Crafts” page 248) set in a galvanized bucket filled with white sand.

Blue Taper Candles placed in 8oz jelly jars filled with white sand.

Glass Bottles labeled “Let’s Sail Away.” Inside, roll up a handwritten note, joke or riddle for guests to enjoy a chuckle or conversation starter.

Large Galvanized Tray overlaid with parchment paper to hold the crab boil feast.

Fill a large stock pot halfway with cold water. Season with lemon peels, bay leaves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and add crab legs, sausage, potatoes, and corn until cooked. Strain water and serve on a large galvanized tray, newspaper or parchment paper – enjoy your meal with guests, family style!

Give each guest a bowl of garlic butter for dipping as well as lemons for squeezing (wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with twine to avoid seeds).

Include special beverages and desserts such as a tiered lemon cake or frozen treat to beat the heat.

For full instructions visit the blog at silvertoothhome.com/blog/crabboil . Enjoy!

CRAB BOIL MENU

FROM CAPE ESCAPES TO HOMES ACROSS MA

With deep roots along the coast and a pulse on the market, I help buyers and sellers move with confidence — whether it’s a forever home, a coastal escape, or a second investment.

JESSE BILODEAU

JESSE BILODEAU

DRIVEN TO DELIVER, FOCUSED ON YOUR FUTURE.

DRIVEN TO DELIVER, FOCUSED ON YOUR FUTURE. REALTOR® | 617.480.2518 | let’s connect!

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