Westfield, MA April 2021

A P R I L 2 02 1

ALSO SERVING SOUTHWICK

THE ECO ISSUE

LI F E + C U LTU R E WES T FI EL D RIVER WAT ERSH ED LO CAL H O N E Y AN D O U R ENVI RO N M EN T

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We moved—come see us at 99 Springfield Road in Westfield!

Real Estate Closings – Business Law – Wills & Trusts LLC & Corporation Formations Landlord/Tenant Matters – Personal Injury – Land Use & Zoning

Chip Smith

Jonathan Breton

Daniel McKellick

When Life Gets Legal SM WESTFIELD SPRINGFIELD AMHERST HADLEY NORTHAMPTON 413.781.0560 BACONWILSON.COM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Candice Berube | candice.berube@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

"ECO" conscious in Westfield and Southwick!

WESTFIELD LIFESTYLE IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY, AND A BIG PART OF THAT IS THE REGION WE CALL HOME. I think it's easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle of daily life, to stop and consider how we care about the environment in which we live. I know that many of us are aware of the need to preserve our natural resources, but what do we actively do to achieve those goals?

April's ECO Issue highlights the local entities and businesses that make it their job

Madeline LeBlanc INTERN

Abigail Daley AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Andrea Bugbee, Sarah Rose Stack CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kat Kattler Photography, Hannah Josephine Photography

to spearhead this mission. Our hope is that you will learn a little something about how much work goes into this locally and, perhaps, you will see just how you can join in, too! Whether it's the Annual Westfield River Cleanup on April 24th that the Westfield River Watershed Advisory hosts, or it's organizing your own Earth Day Clean-up, there are plenty of ways to get involved. And, if you've ever enjoyed Billy C's honey, we think you'll be awfully interested in the impact New England Apiaries has on the local and national agricultural system!

Lastly, please make sure you follow Westfield Lifestyle on FB and @westfield_lifestyle on Instagram. We are embarking on a pretty exciting time in Westfield Lifestyle. We

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

will host weekly drawings, request followers to tag their favorite businesses, and

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

offer opportunities for weekly submissions to be published. You won't want to miss

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

it! And, as always, we love to hear from you, so please reach out and make sure you

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

tag us in all your Westfield & Southwick revelry! #seeyouaroundtown

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Be well,

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Candice Berube, Publisher, 413-519-6752 ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

CityLifestyle.com/Westfield ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Westfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westfield areas’ 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 Westfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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5

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 16 New England Apiaries and Billy C's Honey Providing more than honey to the community

22 Westfield River Watershed Protecting the Land

28 Do you work a side hustle?

Tax planning in a Gig Economy

22 30

30 Benefits Of A Chemical-Free Home

28

16 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Our Town

28 Financial Buzz 30 Healthy Lifestyle 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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7

GOOD TIMES

Crossfit TLA 22 WOD to end Veteran Suicide Thank you to all those who joined us on February 22 and donated to help us raise $1100 to end Veteran suicide. Approximately 22 Veterans a day die by suicide, that is 1 every 65 minutes. We partnered with Official22wod.com. All proceeds raised will go to support the service animal assistance program and Honor & Courage programs through Operation Ward 57.

Artworks Westfield Weird Art Show 2021 Artworks Westfield hosted the Weird Art Show 2021 virtually on Facebook this year. Hundreds of entries were submitted by local residents to be voted as Best in Show, First Place, Second Place and Third Place. Visit the 2021 Weird Art Show group on Facebook to view the gallery.

8

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

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Our attention is focused on your specific needs and financial goals.

Here, you’re one of us.

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Banking products are provided by Berkshire Bank: Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Berkshire Bank is a Massachusetts chartered bank.

Rev. 2/21

GOOD TIMES

FlyLugu Flight School Community Flourishes through the Pandemic "I feel blessed to have become a part of the Fly Lugu community during the pandemic. When the flight school had to close, founder Rika Ballard kept everyone learning online. The day that Fly Lugu reopened was the best day ever! Since then, myself and others have earned the ratings that we started pursuing so long ago!" Sammie Gladu

Vision Board Workshop On February 21st, a Vision Board Workshop was held at MillWorks Co-Sharing Workspace. Hosted by realtors Leslie Lambert and Aimee Tompkins, the workshop included guided meditations, private psychic or mediumistic readings and vision boards in collaboration with Sylvia Ferreira, Kimberly Raven Pearson and Kathleen Farris.

10

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

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AROUND TOWN

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port by JP’s Lighting & Sound, and partnered with local Westfield nonprofits, drive-in concerts are coming to Westfield and Southwick! Our planned Westfield shows behind the Boys and Girls Club are Saturday evenings - July 24, August 28, September 25, and October 23 and will benefit Westfield on Weekends and local non-profits TBA. Southwick at the “Wick” MotoX track will be Friday evenings - May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10, and will benefit the Southwick Civic Fund.

Bands to be announced by March will be talent not normally seen in this area traveling in from all over the northeast and as far away as Philadelphia. Visit www.westfieldconcerts.com for updates and ticket info. *Dates subject to change.

SOUTHWICK'S NEWEST HISTORY BOOK IS AVAILABLE Southwick Revisited, the book curated and narrated by local historian Lee Hamberg, is available for purchase. The 128 page book contains 209 images celebrating Southwick’s colorful

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7 South Maple Street in Westfield # 413-568-0100 12

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

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The firm's new website features an active blog with articles about taxation, accounting, advisory, news and community. Additionally, MBK offers free newsletters centered around Taxation, Business, Not-ForProfits and Healthcare. You can subscribe to these newsletters via the subscribe feature on the site.

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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/Westfield using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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15

OUR TOWN

Bill Crawford and his first bee colony

PROVIDING MORE THAN HONEY TO THE COMMUNITY

16

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

NEW E N GL A N D A PI A R I E S A N D BI L LY C ' S HO N E Y

Strong colonies ready to make Billy C's honey

ARTICLE CANDICE BERUBE AND WILLIAM CRAWFORD

Supered hives making honey

IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO A LOCAL BIG Y OVER THE

WHY DID YOU FIRST DEVELOP AN INTEREST

LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE’S A GOOD

IN BEE-KEEPING?

CHANCE YOU’VE SEEN THE BILLY C’S HONEY DIS-

From a young age, I was fascinated with insects.

PLAY IN THE PRODUCE SECTION OF THE STORE.

During one summer, I took a “College for Kids” class

Bill Crawford is not only the founder and owner of Billy

at Westfield State University, called “Six Legs, Eight

C’s honey and New England Apiaries, but he is also a for-

Legs, and More.” While creatures with eight legs still

mer math student of mine! As a matter of fact, I believe

creep me out, I think it was this class that permanently

I received a bottle of honey for an end-of-year gift from

cemented my fascination with six-legged critters. I

this student-turned-entrepreneur! It was delicious then,

could often be found in Stanley or Paper Mill Park with

and it’s delicious today!

my insect net, catching butterflies, or chasing beetles

New England Apiaries is a local business making

and mantises in the bushes and grass. However, my

a positive environmental impact on both a local and

favorite of all the entomological activities revolved

national level. Bill shares a bit more on how his business

around raising Saturniidae, or giant silk moths, which I

started, and the bright future ahead of him.

sometimes still do today.

My father, Bill, was a Lieutenant on the West

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

Springfield Fire Dept, and every September, he’d have

I was raised in Westfield by my parents, Bill and Chris

numerous walking details at The Big E. One day in 2004,

Crawford. From a young age, I enjoyed several hobbies,

my dad brought home a “Bee School” flyer that he picked

such as coin collecting, insect collecting, and bagpiping. I

up from the Hampden County Beekeeper’s Association

graduated from Westfield High School in 2008, and from

booth inside The Massachusetts Building. At first, I felt a

there attended Holyoke Community College and gradu-

bit apprehensive about the idea of playing with stinging

ated Westfield State University with a degree in Biology. I

insects (something I think everyone innately fears), but

married Elaine Martin of Wallenstein, Ontario, in Westfield

it soon grew on me. For Christmas that year, my parents

in 2015, and together, we have three children, William IV(4),

purchased me a seat in the beekeeping class, a bee-

Yolana (2), and Donald (infant). As a migratory commercial

hive kit with all the necessary equipment, and the bees

beekeeping family, we snowbird. During the warmer part

themselves. In mid-April 2005, the 4lb package of bees

of the year, we call the oldest standing house (c.1740) in

arrived from Georgia. With the help of my father, we set

Southwick, MA, our home. And, during the fall through

up the hive in one of the fields of Pignatare’s farm, where

early spring, we live on our farm in Bristol, Georgia.

I worked, and we shook those bees into their new home.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

17

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

Little did I know at the time what a significant impact

Billy C’s Raw Honey. While the bees themselves are

this would have on the rest of my life.

moved throughout the country for pollination, the bees actually rarely produce surplus extractable

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO TURN THIS

honey during the pollination circuit. And to produce

PASSION INTO A BUSINESS?

enough local honey to last the whole year, roughly

As my hobby grew, I produced more and more

1000 colonies are parked in 35 locations in the

honey and started calling my new venture, Billy C’s

Connecticut River Valley during the short window

Raw Honey. I started selling it out of my backpack

of May and June to produce the bee’s sweet reward.

at WHS my sophomore year and I picked up my first

In addition to honey production and pollination

wholesale account at Pignatare’s Farm. Over the next

services, New England Apiaries sells both packaged

couple of years, I started selling honey to more farm

bees and small starter colonies, so hobbyists may

stands in the area, a few mom and pop stores, as

start or replace their own colonies.

well as HCBA’s booth at the Big E. During my college years, I earned money to get the startup funds to grow

HOW IMPORTANT ARE HONEY BEES

the business. By the time I was 21, I owned and man-

TO AGRICULTURE?

aged a little over 30 of my own hives. In June of 2012,

Very! In fact, I like to refer to bees as the unsung

a new buddy of mine texted me with an opportunity

heroes of agriculture, and not just for their ability to

I couldn’t refuse. His father and two brothers owned

produce honey. Modern crop farming practice calls for

a commercial beekeeping outfit in York County,

a farmer to plant many acres of one crop in a given

Pennsylvania. A couple days later, I embarked in my

area. While this system of food production is great

little red Suzuki Aerio to the South Dakota prairie,

from an economical point of view, it is not the greatest

and spent six weeks laboring at the farm. From there,

from the standpoint of a self-sustaining ecosystem. As

I worked for my friend’s father in PA, and landed a

a result, there are many more flowers that need to be

permanent job at the world-renowned, Hackenberg

pollinated than what the natural pollinators have the

Apiaries, based out of Lewisburg, PA. It was while

ability to handle. To alleviate this situation, farmers

here that I really became a commercial beekeeper,

rent bees to be placed in or next to their fields, which

growing and running a side operation with 200 of my

should result in an evenly pollinated field with higher

own hives, while learning the trade from Dave and

than natural yields. It is said that 2/3s of the food we

Davey Hackenberg. Eventually in 2014, I broke off on

eat is directly dependent on bees. And it’s not just

my own, and returned to Massachusetts with a vision

the fruits and vegetables of which we think that are

to reestablish myself from Pioneer Valley Apiaries to

included in this statistic, but also the seeds required

New England Apiaries.

to produce non-pollinated foods. For example, we eat the root of an onion, which itself does not need a bee

WHAT IS THE CURRENT BUSINESS OF NEW

to grow. However, bees are needed to make the onion

ENGLAND APIARIES, LLC?

seeds to plant the field. Also, while cows, and the milk

NEW ENGLAND APIARIES, LLC is a migratory

they produce, do not require a bee to make food, bees

commercial beekeeping operation, meaning it is

are indeed needed in the production of seeds for

a bee farm that seasonally moves its bees across

alfalfa, which is grown to feed the cow.

the country for the purpose of crop pollination

18

and commercial honey production. While New

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOCAL

England Apiaries, and it’s roughly 1500 colonies,

HONEY AND LOCALLY PACKED HONEY, AND

is geared more towards crop pollination services,

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR CONSUMERS TO

a significant amount of time is put into producing

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

Local Raw Honey in MA, CT, and NY during May

This is a very important question, and one

and June. This honey is packaged under the name

that should make people want to seek out

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

Bee colonies packed for transport

honey brand to more retailers in Massachusetts Billy C's Display at Big Y

and Connecticut. Another goal is to grow our bulk honey business, selling 60lb pails of local honey. I hope to do this by promoting its benefits to area food establishments, and by reaching out to more area honey packers, to pitch the benefits

locally-produced honey. Generally speaking,

of locally produced honey versus cheaper honey.

locally-produced honey is produced in the

And our third current major goal is for the bees to

rough geographical area where it is marketed

gainfully employ four full-time staff.

and sold. Locally-packed honey however, is honey that could be sourced from anywhere, but

HOW IS NEW ENGLAND APIARIES MAKING

jarred locally. It’s important to be able to dis-

AN IMPACT ACROSS NEW ENGLAND AND

cern between the two kinds of “local” products,

THE UNITED STATES?

as the locally-produced honey may have more

Whether it’s a single jar of honey being sold

significant benefits to health, such as a remedy

at a local store, or the crisp taste of a freshly

to allergies. New England Apiaries honey brand,

picked apple grown at the orchard down the

Billy C’s Raw Honey, is 100% locally-produced.

road, or helping to pollinate my largest pickling cucumber grower’s 250,000 bushel crop,

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE GOALS OF NEW

I know that what began as a humble hobby

ENGLAND APIARIES?

in 2005 has actually contributed to the health

The first is increasing the availability of truly locally-produced, raw honey by expanding our

and nourishment of my community and nation. www.newenglandapiaries.com, 413-454-8403

CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

19

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!

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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

21

PROTECTING THE LAND

Twin Bridges Westfield

ARTICLE ANDREA BUGBEE

Westfield River Watershed

22

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

Westfield River Canoe Cruise

“IT FEELS PRETTY WONDERFUL TO DRIVE OVER THE

“I would definitely consider the river to be a beneficial amenity for

BRIDGES DURING SUMMER AND SEE FOLKS ENJOYING THE

the city of Westfield, and an economic benefit as well,” says Conz,

RIVER,” SAYS BRIAN CONZ. After all, Conz is president of the

a Springfield native who got his first taste of enjoying – and pro-

Westfield River Watershed Association, and he and other members

tecting – the region’s wildlands through a leadership program with

of this all-volunteer group have been dedicated to helping people

Southwick’s Wilderness Experiences when he was a teen.

enjoy and preserve the Westfield River and its surrounding ecosystem since WRWA was founded in 1953.

During the pandemic, Whip City residents have, indeed, found solace walking, jogging, cycling, and romping with happy dogs along CONTINUED >

Val and Kirk Wondring of South Deerfield at Pynchon Point in Agawam

CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

23

WESTFIELD RIVER WATERSHED (CONTINUED) Canoe Cruise

“Our purpose is to bring people who haven’t been involved in outdoor recreation into the woods, into nature, into these river paths - to get to know the land and to appreciate it.”

Jake Lehan, WRWA board member”

Aaron Banks at the October fly fishing tournament 24

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

“PROTECTING THE WATERSHED GIVES US PERMEABLE GROUND TO ABSORB FLOODWATERS. IT DELIVERS CLEAN WATER TO MORE THAN FIVE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS. AND, JUST BY LETTING TREES DO WHAT THEY DO, IT REMOVES CLIMATE-CHANGING CARBON FROM THE AIR.”

Annual River Clean-Up

the raised dike that cradles

In October, they team with

the Westfield River between

Western Mass Fly Fishermen

Chapman Playground and the

to teach fly-fishing to anyone

city’s beautiful new Esplanade

who wants to learn.

and Half Mile Park. For gener-

In between, WRWA offers

ations, however, residents have

educational programs, intern-

also fished the river’s shoals

ships, and films.

and paddled its quiet (or fierce,

The purpose of all this,

depending on the season) twenty-odd miles. Generations of nature lovers have picnicked at its sides,

Lehan says, is “to bring people

wandered its banks, and thrilled to its songbirds, bald eagles, and occasional otters.

who haven’t been involved in

Just as momentous, the watershed’s 517 miles of hills and woods afford Westfield vital infrastructure impossible to replace.

“Having a forested, intact watershed helps to buffer flooding. It helps to provide clean water. It helps to provide habitat for wildlife and biodiversity. It also provides tremendous carbon sequestration,” says Conz, whose day job is chairing Westfield State University’s Geography, Planning, and Sustainability department.

Simply said, protecting the watershed gives us permeable ground to absorb floodwaters. It delivers clean water to more than five public water systems. And, just by letting trees do what they do, it

outdoor recreation into the woods, into nature, into these river paths - to get to know the land and to appreciate it.”

“We love to teach people to be stewards,” he says, “and to think about ‘Leave no Trace’ while also enjoying nature.”

removes climate-changing carbon from the air.

WRWA board member Jake Lehan describes himself as “a hiker, a biker, and a liker of nature.” He and Conz both say they’re energized to be part of a proactive group fueled by volunteers.

WRWA welcomes new members! To join, to support its

Twice a year, WRWA members organize river clean-ups. In late May, they open the West Springfield

mission, or for details about

fish ladder so people can see shad (and some salmon!) splashing their way up to spawn. In June, the

upcoming events, please visit

group sponsors an all-abilities “Canoe Cruise” to get locals paddling on a river most only drive across.

www.westfieldriver.org.

CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

25

home sweet home...

S A F E , S E C U R E , C O M F O RTA B L E .

A Beautiful Over 55 Vibrant Community

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*Couple featured in March Liberty Manor Editorial was Dave and Barb Arrighi

Schedule your tour today.

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MBK LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH EXPANDED RESOURCES

413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com 26

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

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27

FINANCIAL BUZZ TAX PLANNING IN A GIG ECONOMY

ARTICLE SARAH ROSE STACK

D O YOU WOR K A S I D E H U S TLE ?

TAX PLANNING IN A GIG ECONOMY In recent years, we have seen a rise in side hustles and gig work, where individuals take on part-time jobs or project-based work for additional income. This “gig economy” has been accelerated by the effects of the pandemic; Americans are being laid off or having to work from home and socially distance. Without a primary income source, people have turned to other solutions to pay their bills.

Companies such as DoorDash, Uber, Amazon, and Fiver all offer individuals the ability to earn income by doing work for companies and individuals.

People who sell artwork, wrap Christmas presents, or perform handyman services are also examples of individuals who could earn income on the side. If

for business, you could potentially deduct a portion of your mort-

this sounds like you, there might be some tax impli-

gage, utilities, even repairs to that dedicated space.

cations to take into consideration.

MEET WITH AN ADVISOR SELF-EMPLOYED VS. W-2

These benefits sound good, but what if you have unique sit-

Unlike a normal employed job where you receive

uations for your side hustle? What if you are paid through cash

a Form W-2, side gigs are reflected as independent

apps? Can you deduct the transaction fees paid to payment

contractors, and issue a Form 1099. If you made at

processors like PayPal or Stripe? Questions like these can be

least $600 from an entity that was not your employer,

answered by an advisor, like a licensed tax preparer. Here is a

you can expect one of these forms. 1099 wages are

quick list of things to bring to a meeting with a tax preparer:

considered self-employment earnings, which are

+ Any W-2s or 1099s received

taxed differently than W-2 wages. When you work

+ Personal or business bank statements

for an employer, they will withhold a percentage

+ Pictures of your home office

of your wages for taxes. However, when you are

+ Receipts of mileage/purchases for the business

self-employed, you are subject to self-employment taxes. The benefit of this is the self-employment

Working a side hustle can be an exciting and hopefully profit-

tax deduction, where you can deduct what an

able venture, however, it can add complexity to your tax return.

employer would have paid on your tax return. For

With some consideration throughout the year, you can take

delivery drivers, it is important to track your mileage,

charge of the additional complexity and minimize your tax liability.

as you can deduct the mileage driven against your self-employed earnings. If you used a home office

28

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

Visit www.mbkcpa.com for more info.

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Form available online or in store- orders due by April 15th CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

29

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think!

We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products.

When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do!

However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets.

The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most.

If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace.

To get you started, here is a DIY product that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

30

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer.

The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life!

There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

31

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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

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33

APRIL

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1-30 WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM ANNUAL CHILDREN, TEEN, AND ADULT POETRY CONTEST Westfield Athenaeum

April is National Poetry Month and the Westfield Athenaeum is celebrating

and more details to follow. Visit

go to www.pawsofnature.com or

www.westernmassmomprom.com

register by sending an email to jill@

for updates.

pawsofnature.com.

12

18

TEEN DIY NATURE PRINT TAKE-HOME

GALLERY DEMONSTRATION OF MEDIUMSHIP

Southwick Public Library, Southwick, MA

with it's annual poetry contest for chil-

Create photo-like images in minutes!

dren, teens and adults. Guidelines and

Place stencils, flowers, rocks or other

1029 North Rd, Westfield

submission requirements are available

items on the paper, then watch as the

Join us for an intimate afternoon of

at http://www.westath.org/events/

sunlight magically creates the designs!

reunions with friends and family in the

poetry-contest Only online submis-

Pick up your paper on a first come-

spirit world. There are two sittings:

sions will be accepted and winners will

first serve basis at the library while

1-2pm, and 2:30-3:30pm. Each attendee

be announced in May. Good Luck!

supplies last the week of April 12-17. For

will receive a contact. Reserve your spot:

CONTACT: Becky Blackburn 413-568-

students in 7-12 grade.

truyouhealingandwellness@gmail.com.

24

22

WESTFIELD RIVER ANNUAL CLEAN-UP

GREAT WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MORNING BREW

TruYou Healing & Wellness,

7833 ext 111 bblackburn@westath.org

7 VIRTUAL PART-TIME, EVENING, AND ONLINE COMPLETION UNDERGRADUATE INFORMATION SESSION

Twin Bridges, Meadow Street Parking Lot

Join the Westfield River Watershed

Morning Brew is a free networking

natural areas around us. All volun-

event. Grab your favorite morning bev-

Zoom

teers should meet at 9 a.m. in the

erage and let's talk, face to face, from

Westfield state University is hosting a

parking lot at the end of Meadow

the comfort of our own homes or offices,

virtual information session on Zoom to

Street across from Westfield School

whichever you prefer! Be prepared to

learn about their part-time, evening,

of

students,

talk briefly about your business, what

and online completion undergraduate

families, and organizations looking

you do and WHY and then share with

programs. You will learn about program

for volunteer opportunities are wel-

us how we can help your business grow

offerings,

requirements,

come. For more information, contact

in 2021! www.westfieldbiz.org

and have the opportunity to chat with

Mark Damon at (413) 977-1577 or

current students. For attending, they

markjdamon@gmail.com

admission

Music.

Individuals,

24

will waive your $50 application fee!

Register at www.GoBackNow.com

8

17

EMPOWERING VISION BOARD Results in Wellness,

PAWS OF NATURE HOSTING ONLINE DOG AND TODDLER SAFETY WORKSHOP

93 Springfield Rd, Westfield

Online Workshop

if you are empowered. Empowerment

Virtual Event.

Paws of Nature is hosting a free online

starts with a commitment to a vision.

The Western Mass Mom Prom and the

dog and toddler safety workshop for

Your vision is a beacon for your

American Cancer Society Relay for

parents, grandparents, child care giv-

success. With a crafted vision you

Life of Greater Springfield is hosting

ers, or anyone who has a dog that may

will be able to set up SMART goals

a Virtual Designer Purse Bingo and

be around children between the ages

that will ensure your success. Learn

Artisan Craft Fair. The goal is to raise

of 4 months and 4 years of age.

and create your board for 2021.

money in support of cancer research

Limited

www.resultsinwellnessllc.com

and services. This event will be virtual,

is required. For more information

VIRTUAL PURSE BINGO AND ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR

34

Zoom

Association as they beautify the

Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021

enrollment,

registration

No matter what you want to accomplish in 2021 – you will be successful

Let’s open doors together with the right home loan for you.

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