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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A letter from the Editor Hello, West Valley! I am so excited to officially introduce myself as the Editor of West Valley City Lifestyle. You may have seen me online at @hellofoodreviews, where for the past several years I have shared my love for food, local businesses, travel and everything in between. If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I am a big foodie. I love discovering new restaurants, trying something I’ve never had before and finding those hidden gems that make Western Massachusetts so special. When I’m not eating my way through New England, you can usually find me with a book in my hand, planning my next trip or looking for something new to experience. So, it feels especially fitting that I get to introduce myself during our October Food Issue! This month, we’re sipping into fall and celebrating the flavors and experiences that make this season in Western Massachusetts one of my favorites. We’re visiting one of my go-to fall destinations, Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery. From apple picking and fall cocktails to cider donuts and afternoons spent taking in the view, it captures everything I love about fall in New England. Of course, October wouldn’t be complete without something a little spooky. Local author Chris Pisano is bringing a haunting story to the season with his new book, The Secret Spirit Society: Legend of Captain Shanks. As someone who loves to read, I can’t think of a better time to curl up with a new book, especially one with a local connection. We’re also making time to slow down with a visit to Rooted Aesthetics for a cooling jade scalp massage. It’s the perfect reminder that between all the fall activities, there is always room for a little relaxation and self-care. I am so excited to share more of the people, places, food and experiences that make our community so special. I hope each issue inspires you to visit somewhere new, support a local business or try something you’ve never done before. Here’s to sipping into fall and trying something new along the way!

October 2026 PUBLISHER

Tricia Gouin | tricia.gouin@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Madeline LeBlanc | madeline.leblanc@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Tyler King CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tricia Gouin, Madeline LeBlanc, Jessie-Sierra Ross, Amanda Waterfield C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

David Heisler, Angie Guzzo, Madeline LeBlanc, Chris Pisano, Johnathon Ross

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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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 Valley City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

24 Featured

24 30

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Wicked Inspired Facials

Thoughtful rituals, personalized education, and skin confidence come together in every facial at Rooted Aesthetics

Sip Into Fall

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Artist’s Palette FOOD + BEVERAGE

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Inspired By FOOD + BEVERAGE

Apples, autumn sips and family traditions come together at Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery.

Local Limelight BEAUTY

Seasonal Setups FOOD + BEVERAGE

How To ARTS + CULTURE

Wicked & Wonderful

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAGE

Open House REAL ESTATE

Cookbook author Jessie-Sierra Ross sets a grown-up trick or treat table with two bewitching cocktails

On the Cover Cookbook author Jessie-Sierra Ross serves up a wickedly wonderful Halloween experience, pairing enchanting cocktails with lush floral tablescapes and effortless entertaining ideas designed to make every gathering memorable and magical. Photography: Johnathon Ross

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OCTOBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

4 7

ANGIE GUZZO

1: Supposedly haunted spots in Western Massachusetts: Emily Dickinson Homestead Museum, Amherst MA 2: The Publick House, Sturbridge, MA 3: The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA 4: The Westfield Woman's Club, Westfield, MA 5: Quabbin Reservoir & Swift River Valley, Belchertown, Ware, MA 6: Hoosac Tunnel, North Adams, MA 7: Theodore's Booze, Blues, & BBQ , in Springfield MA

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OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

A New Chapter 1st Anniversary A New Chapter Bookstore in West Springfield MA, is celebrating their 1 year anniversary on Saturday October 17th with Chris Pisano, author of the young adult novel - The Secret Spirit Society : The Legend of Captain Shanks . Get your autographed copy & photo op - with the 2026 “reader raves” favorite local on air television personality!

Pan'e Dolcetti A hidden gem in Wilbraham, Pan’e Dolcetti brings a taste of Italy to Western Massachusetts with fresh pastries, specialty coffee, paninis and sweet treats. It’s the perfect cozy stop for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. 2133 Boston Road, Suite 3, Wilbraham, MA

Iron Ink Anniversary Iron Ink — Chicopee’s only two-story tattoo shop — is celebrating 1 year in their new home! What started in 2022 as a single rented room and two artists rapidly grew over the next few years. Last fall, Iron purchased and renovated its forever home at 336 Grattan Street and has grown into a group of nine tattoo artists and piercer Jeane. The crew looks forward to continuing to create body art with the community.

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A Swe e t Escape Pete’s Sweets turns the bakery into an experience with creative treats, elaborate decorations and a new theme around every corner.

If you have a sweet tooth like me, Pete’s Sweets in East Longmeadow is a spot you need to experience. This local bakery takes cupcakes, cookies and specialty drinks to another level, but what makes it even more special is that you never quite know what you are going to find when you walk through the door. Throughout the year, Pete’s Sweets completely transforms with different themes, elaborate decorations and an entire specialty

menu to match. Past themes have included SpongeBob SquarePants, Wicked, Harry Potter, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Golden Girls. It is so much more than adding a few themed cupcakes to the case. The entire bakery becomes part of the experience. Pete either finds or creates the decorations himself, spending weeks sourcing items and crafting pieces before taking about two days to completely transform the space. At the same time,

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

his team is behind the scenes creating and testing new desserts and drinks to complement each theme. One of my favorites was “Sponge Under the Sea,” inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants. The theme was especially meaningful to Pete, who grew up watching the show with his late father and created the experience in his memory. The menu was just as creative as the bakery itself, featuring a Krabby Patty Cupcake, Chum on a Stick, Bubble Buddy Blue Raspberry Lemonade and Home Sweet Home Pineapple Cupcake. And the creativity doesn’t stop there. During The Nightmare Before Christmas, the bakery offered Jack Skellington and Zero Cupcakes, an apple cider donut cupcake and quite possibly the best pumpkin spice cupcake I have ever had. For Wicked, the menu included the “Pop”ular Strawberry Pink Lemonade, Melting Witch Grape Limeade, Emerald City Cupcake and Wicked Witch Hat. CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W E ST VA L L E Y

It is the attention to detail that makes Pete’s Sweets such a fun local destination. There are little references hidden throughout the bakery for true fans to discover, while the display cases are filled with creative desserts that make it almost impossible to choose just one. The best part is that once one theme ends, you never know exactly what Pete will dream up next. Whether you stop in for a cupcake, a specialty drink or simply to see the latest transformation, Pete’s Sweets makes grabbing something sweet feel like an experience of its own. Follow on Instagram @petesweets0. Visit Pete’s Sweets at 32 Shaker Road in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. For more local restaurant features, food finds, travel spots, and hidden gems across New England, be sure to follow my blog, Hello Food Reviews on Instagram at @hellofoodreviews for your next place to visit.

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

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WHERE legends linger The Secret Spirit Society: The Legend of Captain Shanks invites readers into a haunting New England mystery. ARTICLE BY TRICIA GOUIN, PUBLISHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS PISANO There’s something about an old New England town in October. Salt-sprayed streets, historic homes, windswept coastlines, and the feeling that every creaking floorboard might be holding onto a secret. In The Secret Spirit Society: The Legend of Captain Shanks, author Chris Pisano turns that atmosphere into a thrilling adventure for readers ready to follow a mystery into the unknown. When Connor Preston moves to Old Fenwick with his family, he expects a fresh start. What he gets instead is a centuries-old house—and phantom footsteps pacing the hallway outside his bedroom door. With his little sister, Tib, and new friend, Cassius, Connor sets out to uncover the truth. Their investigation leads them through the town’s forgotten past, where hidden clues reveal a mystery that was never meant to be discovered. But the deeper the trio digs, the more they awaken something ancient, restless, and determined to protect its secrets. Perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon, The Secret Spirit Society captures the magic of spooky season without losing its sense of adventure, friendship, and discovery. It invites young readers— and anyone who loves a good New England mystery—to imagine what might be hiding behind the doors of the oldest house on the street, where every shadow has a story and every secret seems closer than it appears. You can purchase the book at darkinkbooks.com or follow Chris on Instagram at @chrispisanotv.

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

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The Amber Hour BOURBON, THREE WAYS Bourbon carries a certain mystique: dim lighting, hushed tones, a vocabulary all its own. Cut through it and here's what you'll actually find: a spirit that does more with three ingredients than most bottles manage with ten. Shaken with lemon and honey, it goes bright. Stirred with bitters over one good cube, it turns deep and unhurried. Add vermouth and a proper cherry, and you've got the drink that's been quietly holding up hotel bars for a century. One good bottle, a few minutes, a comfortable chair. Everything else is just details.

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

ONE BOTTLE, THREE DRINKS The Thyme-Honey Smash The easiest pour if you're new to bourbon INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz bourbon • ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice • ½ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) • 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus one to garnish • Large ice sphere or cube To make: Press the thyme gently in the bottom of a shaker (enough to wake up the oils, not enough to shred it). Add bourbon, lemon, honey syrup, and ice. Shake hard, strain over a large ice sphere, and finish with a thyme sprig and a strip of lemon peel. Honey syrup keeps for two weeks in the fridge and improves nearly every whiskey drink it touches.

The Old Fashioned Four ingredients. That's the drink. INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz bourbon • ¼ oz demerara or simple syrup • 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters • Large ice cube • Orange peel, to garnish To make: Stir bourbon, syrup, and bitters with ice for a full 30 seconds (longer than feels reasonable — the dilution is part of the recipe). Strain over one large cube. Pinch the orange peel skin-side down over the drink so the oils mist across the surface, run it around the rim, and drop it in. Demerara syrup, two parts raw sugar to one part water, brings a toffee depth that plain sugar can't reach. Classic: orange peel only. Dressed up: add a brandied cherry alongside the peel for a little sweetness and color.

Speak Bourbon Like You Mean It THE WHISKEY AISLE READS LIKE A SECRET HANDSHAKE. HERE'S THE QUICK TRANSLATION. • Wheated: softer, sweeter, leans toward baked goods. • High-Rye: more pepper, more spice, more backbone. • Single Barrel: one barrel, one personality, quirks included. • Bottled-in-Bond: one distillery, four years minimum, 100 proof. • Finished: aged a second time in port, sherry, or rum casks.

The Manhattan The drink that built a century of hotel bars. INGREDIENTS: • 2 oz bourbon • 1 oz sweet vermouth • 2 dashes aromatic bitters • Cocktail cherry, to garnish To make: Stir everything with plenty of ice until the mixing glass frosts over, then strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a real cocktail cherry (dark, rich, worth every penny of the jar). Park the coupe in the freezer while you stir. A warm glass undoes thirty seconds of careful work in about a minute. OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W E ST VA L L E Y

Baked POtato

Judge Madeline

Pickle Pizza

4-H Chocolate + Strawberry Milk

The Big Sexy

BIG E Bites

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

A F O O D J U D G E ' S M U S T- T R Y FAV O R I T E S AT N E W E N G L A N D ' S B I G G E S T FA I R

For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of being a food judge for The Big E’s Big Eats Competition. Each year, vendors submit their best savory and sweet creations, and we taste them all to find the standouts. After plenty of bites over the years, I’ve built my own list of Big E must-haves. Danny’s Smokehouse Baked Potato: The superior Big E potato. I grew up loving the Maine potato, but this one has officially taken its place. 4-H Milk Booth: A hidden gem that tastes like a milkshake. My order is always chocolate and strawberry mixed. The Big Sexy: I discovered this Broccoli Guys favorite while judging and immediately fell in love. Bonus, it’s gluten-friendly! Pickle Pizza: A staple. No Big E trip is complete without a slice. The Big E runs September 18 through October 4, with 17 days of fair fun!

I NSP IR E D BY | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

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Wicked - Inspired Facials Thoughtful rituals, personalized education, and skin confidence come together in every facial at Rooted Aesthetics Every facial is a collection of thoughtful rituals, from customized skincare to those little moments that help you truly unwind. One of my favorites is a cooling jade scalp massage—a simple touch designed to ease tension, encourage circulation, and elevate your entire facial experience says Tori Fontaine - owner of Rooted Aesthetics. Education is just as important to me. I never want you to leave with only a beautiful glow. I want you to understand why we’re treating your skin the way we are, what your skin needs, and how to care for it between appointments. A few things about me: My coffee order is any seasonal iced latte. My current obsession is my mini dachshund, Peanut. My

skincare essentials are SPF and a mandelic acid facial wash. And my favorite part of this work? Helping clients understand what actually works for their unique skin. “Healthy skin has never been about perfection to me. It’s about helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.” Skincare should feel both approachable and empowering—not overwhelming, complicated, or intimidating, ever. Because great skin starts with confidence, not perfection. Follow on IInstagram at @rootedaesthetics.bytori.

ARTICLE BY TRICIA GOUIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID HEISLER MODEL- SIERRA HATELEY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

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SIP INTO FALL

Goblin Grog, Pumpkin Wine

Apples, autumn sips and family traditions come together at Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

S EASON A L SE T U P S | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

There is something about fall in New England that just feels special. The crisp air, changing of the leaves, apple cider donuts, and of course, a festive fall drink. As you know I am a foodie, so finding a place that combines great drinks with a fun experience is always a win for me.

Caramel Apple Sangria

Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery has become one of my favorite fall destinations to spend quality time with my family and friends. Located just up Wilbraham Road in Monson Massachusetts, Echo Hill offers the complete fall package. Whether you are looking for a relaxing afternoon with friends, a family outing or somewhere to sip back and enjoy the season, there is truly something for everyone. One of my favorite parts about visiting Echo Hill is heading out into the orchards. Depending on what is in season, visitors can pick their own apples, blueberries, pumpkins and pears, along with beautiful sunflowers. There is nothing better than grabbing a festive drink and wandering through the orchard on a breezy fall afternoon, picking fresh fruit and finding the perfect sunflowers to bring home. Of course, I have to talk about the drinks. Echo Hill creates its own fruit-based wines, moonshine and cocktails, with plenty of seasonal options to choose from. My personal favorite is the caramel apple sangria. It is refreshing, festive and basically fall in a cup. They

also offer a great selection of mocktails, making it easy for everyone to find something fun to sip while enjoying the orchard. This family-owned business is heading into its 30th fall season, and it has become so much more than a traditional orchard. Echo Hill regularly hosts music bingo, which is always a fun addition to a fall night out. My recommendation? Grab one of their popcorn buckets before bingo starts. There is also typically a food truck or two on site, so you can easily spend a few hours eating, drinking and enjoying the atmosphere. Before you leave, make sure you stop inside the country store. This is where you will find one of my fall weaknesses: their apple cider donuts. They are absolutely incredible and a must every time I visit. The shop also carries Echo Hill branded shirts and stickers, candles, small gifts and bottles of their wines and spirits to take home. Every year, I make sure to pick up a bottle of their “Goblin Grog” pumpkin wine. It has become a little tradition of mine to save it and share it on Thanksgiving, CONTINUED > OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W E ST VA L L E Y

Echo Hill creates its own fruitbased wines, moonshine and cocktails, with plenty of seasonal options to choose from.

S EASON A L SE T U P S | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

bringing a piece of my favorite fall destination to the holiday table. During the fall season, Echo Hill is open Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., Friday from noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For me, the best fall days are the simple ones that include good food, a festive drink and time spent with the people

you love. Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery brings all of that together in one place, making it a fall tradition worth returning to year after year. For more local restaurant features, food finds, travel spots, and hidden gems across New England, be sure to follow my blog, Hello Food Reviews on Instagram at @hellofoodreviews for your next place to visit.

BREWS • OYSTERS • SPIRITS massesbistro.com | (413) 315-8501 massesbistro@gmail.com 1329 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020

Every Dish Tells a Rich Story of Balance, Texture & Flavor. Centered on fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and a character-filled setting with lively energy, this family-owned spot brings people together over sushi, sashimi, and hibachi - the best of Japanese cuisine. K’s Restaurant blends a modern point of view with familiar favorites, while interactive hibachi dining, craft beer, and sake add another layer to the experience. It is a place for family meals, group dinners, and spontaneous plans, with service that stays welcoming and food that keeps the focus on freshness and innovative twists.

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

PU M PK I N PE R F E C T ION Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.

For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers. Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.

H OW TO | ARTS + C ULTUR E

the CREEPY crawler

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

SHOP LOCAL OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/W E ST VA L L E Y

WICKED

ARTICLE BY JESSIE-SIERRA ROSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNATHON ROSS

Cookbook author Jessie-Sierra Ross sets a grown-up trick or treat table with two bewitching cocktails

WONDERFUL

Halloween is more than just a night for the neighborhood ghosts and ghouls! For local cookbook author, TV food personality, and former professional ballerina Jessie-Sierra Ross, it’s the perfect time to show you how to get creative with magical floral tablescapes and wickedly delicious cocktails! Jessie-Sierra’s years on the stage taught her how to make a dramatic entrance, and she brings the flair to the table without making a fuss in the kitchen. Rather than sticking to old-fashioned hosting, which so often leaves the party planner tied to a stove working out math on cooking times, Jessie prefers to use streamlined menus and table themes to take the stress out of gathering together. Her priority is making sure the host spends less time in the kitchen, and more time with guests! This Halloween, Jessie-Sierra conjures up two enchanting cocktails to add to your menu, and a florally lush Tarot-inspired Halloween tablescape for the grown-ups! Think green and pink libations, colorful tables overflowing with deep purple and orange blossoms, and a Tarot reading that says your future includes at least a drink or two! Follow her on Instagram at @straighttothehipsbaby.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Using 2-3 cups of fresh Honeydew melon chunks, blend on high and strain the juice. Discard the solids. 2. Add the honeydew juice, Midori, vodka, citrus juices, and simple syrup to a blender with ice. 3. Blend on high. 4. Serve in two lowball glasses. Garnish with edible flowers and a swath of black sugar. TAROT TABLESCAPE There’s magic in the air! Jessie sets an enchanted tablescape of flowers, fruits, and herbs. A palette of deep purples, orange, and magenta is accented by lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums. On the Table: Beeswax candles, baskets of apples, pears, and plums, a dusty blue runner, rosemary bundles, and a Tarot deck create a mystical scene. Order of Operations: 1. Drape the table runner, bunching occasionally for movement. 2. Set candlesticks, fruit, and florals in groups of three. 3. Fill cake stands with fruits and flowers. 4. Add herb bundles and small plates, light the candles for a magical glow.

The Wicked Witch

THE WICKED WITCH:

Tarot Tablescape

An icy-sweet ode to our favorite Emerald City rebel. Serves: 2 INGREDIENTS: • 4 oz honeydew melon juice • 2 oz Midori liqueur • 2 oz vodka • 1 oz fresh lime juice • 1 oz orange juice • 1 oz simple syrup • 1 cup ice

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THE GOOD WITCH: A vivaciously pink-lavender magical potion. Serves: 1 INGREDIENTS: • 3 oz white cranberry juice • 2 oz Hendrick's Lunar Gin • 1 oz fresh lemon juice • 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur • 1 fresh egg white • 1/2 oz butterfly pea flower syrup (recipe below) • Ice

The Good Witch

INSTRUCTIONS: Syrup: boil 1 cup each sugar and water with 3 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers, for 3 minutes. Strain and chill. Cocktail: 1. In a cocktail shaker, shake the ice and egg white until foamy. 2. Add remaining ingredients and shake for 30 seconds. 3. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with edible flowers. COOKBOOK Seasons Around the Table; Effortless Entertaining with Floral Tablescapes & Seasonal Recipes, by Jessie-Sierra Ross (Schiffer Publishing 2024), features over 100 recipes with full color photographs, and 16 versatile menus with floral tablescape ideas to recreate at home. Jessie-Sierra highlights her philosophy of “fancy, not fussy” cooking and modern home entertaining, so you become known as the host with the most. With easy step by step instructions for floral inspired table designs and delicious New England inspired seasonal recipes, JessieSierra shares an illustrated guide to memorable, stress-free gatherings all year long! Find online or wherever fine books are sold.

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Today Real Estate is

Showing Up In a field of over 2,400 Pioneer Valley realtors, Karen Kopeski has been able to stand out and thrive. Her move to Today Real Estate and a change of location last year have given Karen an edge in Western Mass. Today is celebrating one year at its MillWorks location in Westfield, a multi-use mill space that houses offices, photographers, co-sharing space, retailers, and a restaurant. Today Real Estate occupies a large space on the second floor, featuring high ceilings,

large windows, and some brick walls. The aesthetic is modern yet warm and classic. “The year anniversary has been tremendous,” says Karen. “We’ve loved it. We have 12 agents here including myself.” Today Real Estate originated on Cape Cod, and expanded into Western Mass and Northern CT when Karen, formerly the owner of Union Crossing Realty, joined the agency in January 2025. She notes that the technology, tools, and systems that are part of the Today system are a game changer. “The support is tremendous, and the tools and systems and tech are top of the line. It helps us with our day-to-day business.” Succeeding in such a packed field relies on reputation. “Honesty and integrity – it’s really important. I’m not a salesperson. I’m helping people,” she says. The true test of a home is how the buyer responds when they walk thru the door. A home has to speak to them-when they can picture themselves living there and say, “This is the one”, the home has done its job. That’s where I thrive. Once my buyers have found the right home, I bring my expertise, strategy, and negotiating skills to the table to structure a strong offer and give them the best opportunity to make that home theirs. Karen’s expertise in pricing strategy, marketing, and negotiation is critical to a successful sale. Pricing is often one of the biggest challenges for sellers who naturally want to maximize the value of their home. Karen uses market data, experience, and a clear understanding of buyer behavior to establish a competitive pricing strategy. In a strong seller’s market, the right price creates interest and competition, allowing market demand to drive the final sale price naturally. Karen has been licensed in Massachusetts since 2013. She is licensed in Connecticut as well. You can find her at www.karenkopeski.com or 413.427-2390.

ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD

O PE N H OU SE | REAL ESTAT E

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