Westfield, MA May 2023

Tough As A Mother

All eyes on Mom this month! And we're not just talking about bio-moms and those with a bun in the oven. May is a month we can give a shoutout to all the influential ladies in our lives, including  tias,  teachers, daughters, dogmoms, wives, women family members, and many more.

This month is the perfect excuse to shop local and support the businesses owned by women around town. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and cheering on Westfield and Southwick.

In this issue, Andrea Allard (CEO) of the  YMCA of Greater Westfield discusses how her organization is the trifecta of mind, body, and spirit for community members, surpassing expectations that "the Y" is just a gym. KeenKut Landscaping , a local landscaping business owned by Lonnie Keene, explores mind-body connection through earthly elements using nature, landscaping, and design.

One way to a woman's heart is through her stomach. So we're highlighting  Hot Oven Cookies - a bakery belonging to a cookie-master called Sheila Coon and her daughter, Jenei Rivera. Take an inside peek at confectionary flavors like Guava Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate. If she seeks something more savory, try Fed by Foley’s convenient and creative charcuterie catering options Fed by Foley

We are movers and shakers, builders, and memory-makers. We are both seen and unseen. Our services bless those who are under our care. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to acknowledge the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

If it wasn't for the woman who read to me, leading me to be a voracious reader and inspirational writer, then I would not be scripting this letter for you today. Thanks, Mom (love you... more)!

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Candice Berube | candice.berube@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Virginia Maldonado

virginia.maldonado@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Madeline LeBlanc | madeline.leblanc@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Candice Berube, Jennifer Giffune, Lonnie Keene, Madeline LeBlanc, Virginia Maldonado, Maureen Sullivan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hannah Josephine Photography, Kat Kattler Photography, Madeline LeBlanc

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

VIRGINIA MALDONADO, EDITOR @WESTFIELD_NORTHAMPTON_CL

S U N G L A S S E S A R E A L W A Y S I N S E A S O N .

W i t h t h e l a r g e s t s e l e c t i o n o f s u n g l a s s e s , f i n d t h e s t y l e t h a t f i t s y o u !

D r M i c h a e l G o u s y o f f e r s c o m p r e h e n s i v e e y e e x a m s , c o n t a c t l e n s f i t t i n g s , a n d m e d i c a l v i s i t s f o r a d u l t s a n d c h i l d r e n

V i s i t o u r b r a n d n e w s h o w r o o m t o d a y

0 9 S o u t h w i c k R o a d | W e s t f i e l d , M a s s a c h u s e t t s

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @Westfield_Northampton_CL

1: Beautiful microblading results from Beauty and the Brow. 2: Try a Rainbow Blast: Tropical, Raspberry, Blue Blast, Rainbow Candy all swirled into one. Yum! 3: Whatever mom’s favorite flavor is: The Maple Leaf has a drink for her (and you)! 4: Crave Cafe celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon cutting! 5: Colleen, Kara and Amanda rocking Be Bella outfits for a party Saturday night! 6: Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. acknowledges and appreciates its two female partners. 7: Teddy from Whip City Animal Sanctuary blows his Saturday visitors a kiss!

DANNY NASON

BE BELLA BOUTIQUE

THE MAPLE LEAF

BEAUTY AND THE BROW

TAKE CHARGE NUTRITION JULIA ROSE

MEYERS BROTHERS KALICKA, P.C.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women: ‘Let Go’

The Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will host its first in-person event May 4, 2023. Leading the speaker line-up is local, award-winning Keynote, Paulette Piñero, social entrepreneur, writer and leadership coach, and Yvonne Williams, author of “Tested Faith,” and “It’s All About the Shoes.” Each will provide a keynote address to an expected audience of 300-plus attendees. For more information on keynote speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and panelists, go to  sheslocal.org/pioneer-valley-conference-for-women/

Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum: Used Book Sale

The used book sale is back! This year the location is First United Methodist Church (16 Court Street) May 4-6. Hours include May 4th, 10AM-7PM, May 5th, 10AM-5PM, May 6th, and 10AM-2PM. Gently used adult and children’s books, puzzles, DVDs, and CDs will be for sale. Go online to Facebook or westath.org/ friends-of-the-library for more information.

Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools & Spa Grand Opening

Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools & Spas serves Southern New England since 2002 and continues to install more than 1,000 pools over 20+ years. Come see the Grand Opening celebration on June 1st at 11:00AM. The Mayor of Westfield will be there with the Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments. Help celebrate the opening of the new showroom and outdoor display. All are welcome!

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Photography Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools & Spas

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Girls just want to have fun! We’ve made a list, now take your pick. Whether you’re looking to eat, laugh, relax, or learn something new—we’re sharing local hotspots and hidden gems with you.

Our Picks for The Gal Pals

GASLIGHT DISTRICT: Explore the bustling neighborhood of the Gaslight District in Downtown Westfield! Shop and dine local along the popular Elm & School Street area. Downtown Westfield

DAILY DOSE YOGA + CYCLING: Good friends encourage great health habits. Drop-in a yoga, cycle, or kettlebell class at Daily Dose with the woman you love to see thrive! 610 College Highway, Southwick

BEAUTY AND THE BROW: Self-care can sometimes be more fun with friends. Grab your girls and go to Beauty and the Brow for a permanent makeup play-date! 627 College Highway, Southwick

BAR SHOPPE SOUTHWICK: Wednesdays are for spicy margaritas and Paint & Sips by "JoJo," the Lead Mixologist and in-house artist, at Bar Shoppe in Southwick. 106 Point Grove Road, Southwick

TOBIKO: Watch a flight touchdown over the sunset and some sushi at Tobiko.  110 Airport Road, Westfield

Scan for more photos and the full list.

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Images of Westfield, Facebook

Gaslight District

The best part about doing my flight training with Fly Lugu has been the flexibility and dedication of all the instructors. I started my instrument rating while being a fulltime college student out of state, and my instructors were able to work around my unique schedule. Everyone at Fly Lugu is friendly and knowledgeable, and always there when you need them. Not to mention their fleet is well maintained and perfect for any stage of flight training.

Cennamo Construction, Inc, serving the Greater Westfield Area for more than 25 years. Specializing in septic system installations and residential excavation projects. Call for an expert consultation today.

- Aleksander Kucinski Commercial Student

The YMCA of Greater Westfield

DEVELOPING THE WHOLE PERSON – MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Ask Andrea Allard about the YMCA of Greater Westfield and the first thing she declares is: “We’re more than a gym, we’re a cause.” A cause that takes seriously the words represented in the inverted triangle that shines as the symbol for the YMCA - spirit, mind, and body.

“People come in as individuals, but stay because of the community they find here. They make connections and find a sense of belonging while achieving their goals. We develop the whole person in spirit, mind, and body,” she said.

Many people are introduced to the Y as kids and become lifelong members. One member, Jean, will turn 101 years on May 20! She joined the YMCA of Greater Westfield 23 years ago. Once you are a member and turn 90, your membership is free.

Andrea recalls experiencing the YMCA through  Camp Shepard at age 7, and then at 15 while working for summer camp. Post-college she worked for a YMCA, and later in her career, she was Branch Director for the YMCA of Greater Hartford. Now she’s back in her hometown at the Y where everything began. “Now I get to lead the organization that made me who I am,” she smiles.

Andrea noted that many of the Y’s Board members have their own history at the Y as youth. “The Y made such an impact in their lives – they wanted to come back to move the organization forward.” As CEO of an organization that serves adults, families, and children, Andrea and the YMCA team are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. “The adaptability of the organization is how we have thrived and have been a vital part of the community

for 135 years,” she asserts. “We’re committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” Andrea said, noting the wide variety of programs offered by the YMCA.

Children can begin their Y experience with licensed childcare and before-and after-school programs, then attend 105-acre Camp Shepard, just five miles from the YMCA, where its 8-week summer day camp offers what Andrea calls “an incredible outdoor experience, not too far from home.” Campers leave their electronics at home and get back to nature. “They come to camp nice and clean, and they go home dirty,” Andrea said. Many kids start at camp at age 4 and then become staff as teens.

Registration for camp 2023 season is open now. Another program for children is the 7-week Safety Around Water Program, offered free to second graders at Franklin Avenue School in Westfield, a program the Y is hoping to expand to other elementary schools. The Y has two swimming pools – one warm water pool and a six-lane, 25-yard pool. The Teen Leadership Program creates friendships and a sense of belonging among a group of teens who meet weekly to discuss how they can serve the community. They volunteer at community events and at the Y.

Living a healthy life by maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body is at the core of the programs offered at the Y. This is the gym where members can work with personal trainers, participate in group exercise classes, health and wellness programs like Livestrong, which is a 12-week exercise program for cancer survivors who are currently in (or have completed) treatment. Designed by

Stanford University, this program has proven to help survivors regain strength, overcome fatigue, and enhance their functional ability to do everyday tasks.

Active Older Adult Programs are offered for the growing segment of adults aged 55+ who want to remain active. These classes teach members to build muscle strength, endurance, and increase mobility. The Y also offers a program for those with Parkinson’s Disease called Fight PD - named with a boxing component in mind. The program is free for members; nonmembers can participate by paying a $5 drop-in fee.

The YMCA of Greater Westfield also offered $175,000 in assistance to 1,000 families last year. This year, they will hold a fundraiser, Comedy for a Cause, featuring Michael Winslow on May 19 at 6PM at Tekoa Country Club. Tickets are available online at westfieldymca.org.

YMCA OF GREATER WESTFIELD 67 Court St, Westfield (413) 568-8631 westfieldymca.org

The Greater Westfield YMCA's Annual Comedy Show

1,000 CREATIVE COOKIE FLAVORS

HOT OVEN COOKIES

ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Guava Cheesecake, Coquito Snickerdoodle, Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt. Let’s not stop there. How about the Craggy Chip or the Brookie? Those are just a few of the 1,000 Hot Oven Cookie flavors. Are you craving a cookie now?

The sweet deliciousness of Hot Oven Cookies has arrived in Westfield, and now founder and chief baker Sheila Coon can finally “share the cookie love” here. Cookie lovers craving the arrival of Hot Oven’s creative cookie flavors to Westfield are flocking to the bakery’s new space in the former Mama Cakes location on Elm St where 1,000 cookies were sold on opening day in February.

Sheila, whose daughter Jenei Rivera manages the Westfield store, left Hot Oven’s Springfield location at 11:30AM on opening day to be with Jenei and to meet customers. She said when she walked into the store, there were just two dozen cookies left. “I sent Jenei to Springfield to get more cookies,” Sheila recalled. Then, she baked six dozen more in Westfield. Jenei came back with 300 more cookies – and before the day was over, every cookie had been sold.

“Business has been amazing,” Sheila said. Westfield residents were waiting for Hot Oven to open in a new location near Aldi’s in April of 2021. When that didn’t happen, something better did. When Sheila learned that Mama Cakes

was closing, she made an appointment that day with the landlord to look at the space. “We had an agreement the same day,” she said.

Back to the cookies. There are the “Always” signature flavors that are on the menu all the time – Boozy Cake Batter Sugar, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Guava Cheesecake – cheesecake sugar cookie dough, cinnamon, coconut rum, coconut extract, vanilla, guava paste, and cream cheese – all in a cookie. According to Sheila, it’s a riff on a Quesito, a staple in Puerto Rican bakeries. Also, on the “Always” menu is the Coquito Snickerdoodle, another nod to Sheila’s Puerto Rican heritage and inspired by Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink.

Hot Oven’s 1,000 specialty cookies rotate weekly. The Craggy Chip, a vegan cookie, has a different texture, more like a mounded cookie, according to Sheila. She describes The Brookie, a double chocolate cookie as “like a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie had a baby.” The weekly menu is posted on the Hot Oven Cookies Facebook page. Cookies are made fresh daily. The store is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11AM to 6PM – or until the cookies sell out. Of the Westfield location, Sheila said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better place.”

HOT OVEN COOKIES

40 Elm St, Westfield | (413) 889-4099 |

“BUSINESS HAS BEEN AMAZING. WE COULDN’T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER PLACE.”

- OWNER SHEILA COON

Manager Jenei Rivera

Alan M. Kasperowski, DDS • Bryan M. Kasperowski, DMD, FAGD • Meghan Kelley, DMD • Dr. Alison Leecock DMD Specializing in expert dental care including preventive, restorative, implant and cosmetic services 79

The Glycemic Index

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER GIFFUNE

Eating less sugar is beneficial whether it's to be healthier in general or to manage diabetes specifically. To help you maintain your health goals, scientists and nutritionists recommend using the Glycemic Index (GI). The GI is a scale that rates foods by how fast they can raise blood sugar. A high GI (over 70) is where you mostly find white, refined, processed, and sugary foods. Less processed, whole foods, which are rich in fiber, tend to have a low GI (under 55). Foods with little or no carbs (most veggies, fish, poultry, meat, and fat) have such a low GI that they are not rated. The path to controlling your blood sugar seems clear. Can it be that simple?

It is more complicated than it appears. At first glance, it makes sense to choose only low GI foods. Several issues get in the way though; making it harder to determine the actual effect that food will have on blood sugar. The GI of a food can rise because of ripeness as well as the style of food prep and cooking. It is common that foods are combined when we eat, and mixing foods during

meals can change the GI too. Additionally, individuals may react differently to foods. Certain foods may cause a sharp rise in blood sugar for you, but not in someone else. Other factors that make a difference include age and exercise.

It is important to note that by avoiding some high GI foods you risk missing out on some vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals). Finally, just because a food has a low GI, does not mean you can eat endless amounts of it. Too much food equals an excess in calories which leads to weight gain and raised blood sugar.

Currently, the American Diabetes Association does not recommend that you base your whole dietary planning on the GI scale. But choosing foods that have less of an impact on blood sugar is a step in the right direction. Fill your plate with nutrient-rich, fiberfull, whole, less refined foods to get started instead of bleached products that have been processed.

JENNIFER GIFFUNE, RDN. is a freelance author, professional speaker, and nutrition counselor.

Are you ready to make a change in your nutrition? Jennifer sees clients in person throughout Westfield and by phone or video. To make an appointment call (413) 579 - 5450 or email jen@jenthedietitian.com

HOW A DAUGHTER REMEMBERS HER MOTHER

How do you keep the memory of your mother alive after she dies? It was important to keep my mother close to me after she died in October of 2021. I knew I would think of her every day; I would look for signs from her, but I needed more.

When we were going through her possessions, my siblings and I each chose things that meant something to us. We agreed we could even share some things – her flatware could be the star of the show at holidays and other special dinners. Whoever was hosting the event could use the flatware, but as the eldest child, I would be the keeper. I was the matriarch now.

Most pieces were still in the curved wooden box that my mother unwrapped as a wedding gift in 1955. A few forks, knives, and spoons were missing, disappearing over the

years after having been loaned for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The flatware was made by The International Silver Company and was part of its Homes & Edwards Collection of Inlaid Silverplate. I had not seen my mom’s pattern anywhere else until one day, out of curiosity, I was scrolling through an online auction and saw a picture of a set of flatware in the same pattern as my mother’s. I began bidding, $100 at first, then $175, then $200. Someone else wanted this flatware, too, but did they want it because they liked it, or was it meaningful to them? I set a cap at $250. I told myself I would not bid more, but I was outbid again... The adrenaline was flowing. My emotions were in charge. In the end, I paid over $500 for the flatware – far more than I wanted to pay, but worth CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY

every dollar. Surely, this was a sign from my mother. Now, there are enough knives, forks, and spoons for everyone at family gatherings.

My mom loved her sunglasses and because she worked as a frame stylist for a time, she wore various chic styles over the years. I had new lenses with my prescription put in my mother’s frames. On every sunny day, when I put on those sunglasses, I imagine my mom sitting next to me in the passenger seat of my car. We’re traveling together, as we often did on weekend getaways or day trips.

For those trips, my mom packed her makeup in a quilted floral cosmetics bag. I use it now, and when I take out a tube of lipstick, I think of her – because she always wanted to know if she was wearing enough lipstick. Had it worn off? Did she need to apply more?

My mother’s wallet was tucked away in a drawer at my house – her credit cards, license, and insurance cards all still in it. My own wallet had fallen apart, and I was in search of a new one when I remembered the wallet in the drawer. It’s mine now.

When I hold the wallet, I’m reminded of how well my mother managed money, and how she always found great bargains on clothes, which she loved. One of those bargains was a black sweater with a quilted satin front and gold zipper – stylish for an 89-year-old, but would it fit me? It sure did – now it’s one of my favorite sweaters.

This Mother’s Day will be the second without my mom, and although I miss her every day, I am grateful that I have found so many ways to keep her close.

Staff writer, Maureen Sullivan

This Mother’s Day will be the second without my mom, and although I miss her every day, I am grateful that I have found so many ways to keep her close.

KEENKUT LANDSCAPING

ARTICLE BY CANDICE BERUBE AND LONNIE KEENE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW A LANDSCAPER INTEGRATES NATURE INTO LANDSCAPING PROJECTS

Certified woman-owned landscape construction company owner, Lonnie Keene, began incorporating the elements of nature into her projects when her love for maintaining parks and natural recreational resources with open spaces became a part of her beliefs. For KeenKut, the process flowed organically.

Since KeenKut opened in 2001, there was always a drive to create beautiful spaces that could be enjoyed by everyone. As we went through the process, we began to correlate our service maintenance and ideas with our love of these elements— earth, water, air, fire, and space.

As a result, these elements serve as the five pillars of creativity that we employ in all of our work. With these principles in mind, KeenKut is able to maintain and/or create projects in wide spaces.

Large open spaces put us in a state of awareness which is calming to the soul. Employees have expressed that their job satisfaction is higher working here because of their sense of freedom when their time is spent in these open spaces.

The awareness of self in nature glistens as the sunlight illuminates on the water and accentuates the vastness of the earth. Everywhere you look there is open space with light. Becoming one with nature gives us an immediate feeling of peace when we let ourselves become absorbed with the natural world. It’s the place where we can reflect on the meaning of life.

Patio areas can be uniquely created with elements of fire and water as shown in this stacked slate sphere. The impressive flame illuminates the night as the water gracefully cascades over the stacked slate texture. Thanks to

KeenKut founder and owner Lonnie Keene Stacked Slate Sphere

Aquascape and our in-house certified Aquascape installers, the lightweight, durable fiber-resin composite construction is built to last and the natural-looking stacked slate finish provides years of enjoyment.

Equally important to KeenKut’s creative element of work is the connection between breath, movement, and the mind—or flow, where, in this case, water moves dynamically incorporating that energy to run together. Similar to the book of Tao, like water, KeenKut’s creative element is yielding, and we have learned that timing is everything, and “Water tends to cleanse and refresh all creatures without distinction and without judgment . . . freely and fearlessly going deep beneath the surface of things.” Like the flow of water, KeenKut does not resent or resist—instead we yield to what our customers want, but we will speak honestly and simply in order to shed light and create harmony.

This kitchen features a large island in this outside dining area. As meals are prepared, the avid cook can socialize with guests all in one room or simply gaze out into the yard and gape at nature.

Another element of creation is air and breath. This is the number one element in life and nature—being open to whatever emerges. Without criticism, KeenKut perceives all people with a natural tendency to be good and truthful, and like the air, “openness is simply more potent than any system of judgments ever devised.”

Kinetic sculptures are another way to reflect air as a classical element in the garden with the design principle of movement being the key—waiting for that little breeze to make them come alive with the spirit of the wind. This can be achieved by adding a dramatic stainless steel wire fairy sculpture to any garden dancing in the wind . . .

Associated with the 3rd chakra, Manipura, which is located deep within your abdomen, is the element of fire. The creative element of fire, like in nature and creative features in our projects is captured as the heart of any backyard. With heat and warmth, there is plenty to go around sharing

with others. This true blessing benefits everyone. The award for doing this work becomes apparent naturally.

KeenKut loves this practice of promoting business-to-business relationships with other diverse businesses. As we tap into our frequencies daily, we have something the world needs. This is so important to understand as we all

Everywhere you look there is open space with light. Becoming one with nature gives us an immediate feeling of peace when we let ourselves become absorbed with the natural world. It’s the place where we can reflect on the meaning of life.

Kinetic Sculpture

This outdoor kitchen features a large island. As meals are prepared, the avid cook can socialize with guests or simply gaze at nature.

have a gift and the keys to the universe! When we pay more attention to the moon cycles and the algorithms, it’s incredible to see how things we all started have grown. Thanks to all who continue to tap into your frequency because the world needs us now more than ever. We all have gifts, and by example, we share this spiritual experience with folks from near and far. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, how cool this is. We give thanks every day for being able to be the best version of ourselves. We tapped into this great experience and we’re abundantly grateful because of our alignment where we can serve the world selflessly. It has never been about us. It was about helping others and what we give. In doing so, we also have the experience to learn. Together, let’s continue to look for solutions for opportunities to grow.

Interested in implementing these same practices into your home and creating your own oasis? Contact Lonnie at keenkutlandscaping.com or 413-896-9240.

Equally important to KeenKut’s creative element of work is the connection between breath, movement, and the mind— or flow, where, in this case, water moves dynamically incorporating that energy to run together. Similar to the book of Tao, like water, KeenKut’s creative element is yielding, and we have learned that timing is everything, and “Water

tends to cleanse and refresh all creatures without distinction and without judgment . . . freely and fearlessly going deep beneath the surface of things.” Like the flow of water, KeenKut does not resent or resist—instead we are yielding to what our customers want, but we will speak honestly and simply in order to shed light and create harmony.

rate will be variable and may increase. The maximum interest rate is 18%. The minimum interest rate is 3.75%. Rates are for owner-occupied, one-to-four family properties only. Maximum loan-to-value (LTV) is 80%. Processing fee of $99 will apply if line of credit is approved and originated. Borrower-paid appraisal required for loans equal to or greater than $400,000 or for loans less than $400,000 where the bank is unable to determine a value using the standard method. Appraisal costs are $580 for a single-family property or $780 for a 2-4-family property. Other closing costs may vary based on the HELOC amount requested. Property insurance is required. Offer may be rescinded by Westfield Bank at any time without notice.

FED by FOLEY

ARTICLE

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

Fed by Foley is the perfect addition to any event! I was lucky enough to try the charCUPeries (charcuterie in a cup) at an event last month, as well as meet owner Jill Foley! These cups opened up my tastebuds to a whole new combination of cheeses, meats, and fruits that I didn’t know I needed. The way the bite-sized brie cheese paired with the meat and cracker was so delicious, I now have a fridge stocked full of bite-sized mini brie cheeses!

Fed by Foley offers custom charcuterie with standard boards and different sizes, charCUPeries with traditional and kids options, and build-a-board workshop events. As a lifelong lover of snack time, Jill has made it her mission to eat all the cheese and is excited to share her love of snacking!  With 30+ years of experience with snacking, Fed by Foley was born in January 2022 to serve the board needs of the Pioneer Valley.  Reach out today to see how she can customize your order. All Fed by Foley Charcuterie boards are designed to be pretty on the eyes and enjoyable for the taste buds. Leveraging local products and the highest quality of meats and cheese allow for constant variety and rotation of flavors!

Contact Jill today at  fedbyfoley@gmail.com or through her website fedbyfoley.com

Founder Jill Foley

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

Make an Impact for Mom

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

FULL SERVICE KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

Multiple lines of custom and stock kitchen and bath cabinets. Custom Laminate, Corian, Granite and Quartz Countertops.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AND MENTION WESTFIELD CITY LIFESTYLE TO RECEIVE A FREE CUTTING BOARD.

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

Email: bush.lw@verizon.net

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:30pm

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Second child, same family 1/2 price

Monday - Thursday 8:30am

Starting July 10th for 5 weeks

events

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

MAY 6TH

Flat Fast 5K - runwestfield.com

SOUTH LOT WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY | 1:00 PM

America’s Fastest 5k starts at the South Lot, Westfield State University, and finishes at Elm St in downtown Westfield. Fitness Expo is Friday May 5th from 3-8pm at Blessed Sacrament and Post Race block party will be held in Downtown Westfield, near the Finish Line Area. To register and for more info, visit runwestfield.com or email info@runwestfield.com

MAY 12TH

Spin ‘n Sip

ROOTS CYCLE, 181 ROOT RD, WESTFIELD | 6:30 PM

Join us for our annual Spin ‘n Sip event! Ride from 6:30-7:15 with beverage tasting from 7:15-8:00pm. Book your ride at rootscycle.com or call 413-568-2782.

MAY 13TH

Barnes Air Show

BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, 175 FALCON DRIVE, WESTFIELD | 7:00 AM

The long awaited Westfield International Air Show is returning on May 13th-14th, 2023. We have some very exciting performers this year including the US Air Force F-35A Demo Team, the US Army Gold Knights Jump Team, an F/A-18 Demo, and so much more! There will also be a wide variety of stationary aircraft for spectators to explore and enter. westfieldairshow.org

MAY 19TH

The YMCA Annual Premier Event - Comedy for a Cause

TEKOA COUNTRY CLUB, 459 RUSSEL RD, WESTFIELD | 6:00 PM

Our headliner is Michael Winslow, a master of vocal gymnastics.He is perhaps best known for his roles in all seven Police Academy films and Spaceballs. Our opening act is Carolyn Plummer. Tickets $100. Purchase tickets by calling 413-568-8631 or visitingwestfieldymca.org

MAY 20TH

The Mill at Crane Pond Market Maker’s Event

GREAT AWAKENING BREWERY, 77 MILL ST, WESTFIELD | 12:00 PM

You’re invited to The Mill’s semi-annual Market Maker’s Event. Join us at Great Awakening Brewery to enjoy a beverage and get to know the local businesses that call The Mill, and surrounding area, home.

MAY 20TH

Springfest: Westfield River Brewing Company

2:00 PM

Springfest is throwing it back to the 90's with NYC"s premier 90"s band: The Fresh Kids of Bel, The Frank White Experience, and a live tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. More information on Facebook facebook.com/WRBCo

Want to be featured?

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

CHRISTINA BEEKE

AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT IN WESTERN MASS

ARTICLE BY CANDICE BERUBE

Helping the Community with Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug Plans

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN MEDICARE?

I started my 10-year career in insurance with Aflac. In 2019 I started doing my continuing education in Medicare. Once Covid hit, I started working with clients to help guide them toward the best plan for them. I concentrate my services in Western Mass which allows me to expertly educate on the local hospitals and medical services in our area.

WHAT EXPERTISE DO YOU BRING TO YOUR CLIENTS?

I work with most Medicare Insurance carriers in Western Mass, so I am familiar with a lot of companies and I can narrow options down quickly. Each client has their own item that is most important to them.  Some clients rather pay Monthly Premiums for Medicare Supplements and a Prescription Drug Plan to avoid co-payments and have a set budget.  Most of my clients prefer the lower premium cost of Medicare Advantage and pay as they go.  Extra benefits can be very generous on these plans from prescriptions to Dental coverage.

WHAT CAN SOMEONE EXPECT WHEN THEY CALL YOU TO SET AN APPOINTMENT?

I travel to clients’ homes or I meet them at the Library. I explain how Medicare will affect them based on their situation. This year I have noticed a number of clients that have had job loss before or after turning age 65. There are steps that need to be taken depending on the age of the client and their spouse. If someone waits to receive guidance on this change, it can cause them to incur Part B or Part D penalties for the rest of their life.

WHAT’S ONE TIP YOU CAN SHARE ABOUT MEDICARE?

I feel everyone should look at Medicare before they turn 65, so they can compare their current plan with what is available for Medicare. Each scenario is unique, and I can help!

Interested in learning more about your Medicare options? Call Christina to set up your no-obligation consultation at (413) 977-6016, cbeeke1@gmail.com.

Christina Beeke helping a client

INTRODUCING THE 2023 LINCOLN AVIATOR

Where customers become friends since 1929!

Monday - Thursday 9a-8p | Friday - 9a-6p

Saturday 9a-5p | Sunday 12p-4p

245 Springfield Street, Agawam 413-786-0430 | saratlincoln.com