Make your life’s work about changing lives. Enhance your career and earn your non-credit certificate in one year!
Prepares you for licensure eligibility with: The
(413) 572-8033 westfield.ma.edu/ace
*Additional requirements may be needed.
Readies you for a career in the addiction treatment workforce.
Hybrid format on evenings and weekends starting in September.
Can we ever say thank you enough to those who raise, love and nurture us? I feel that is an almost impossible task, given the amount of work the women in our lives do. Let's think about this deeper for a minute. Being a father is the most challenging thing I have ever done. That being said, every now and then I pause to look at what my wife, my mother, my sister, and all the other mothers that I know do. Talk about a wakeup call! Our mothers have a different bond, starting in the womb, throughout our childhoods, and even into adulthood, a mother's job is never done.
In today's world, the importance of women has not just expanded, it has skyrocketed. Look around at our community, for example. From business owners to government leaders, educators to fighter pilots, ladies do it all!
This issue barely scratches the surface of telling the story of some of the women in our community who really keep us all going. Whether you are solely focused on being the best mom you can be, or the most career driven leader on the block... ladies, we thank you!
I hope you enjoy this month's tribute to our ladies as much as we have enjoyed making it. Cheers,
WADE RIVEST, PUBLISHER @WESTFIELD_CITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Crystal Childs | crystal.childs@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Virginia Maldonado, Maureen Sullivan, Amanda Waterfield, Madeline LeBlanc, Jennifer Giffune R.D.N
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
j81 Studios, Willow and Grace Photography, Madeline LeBlanc
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
our 75year history. From the most established partner to the newest member of the team, we work with you to understand your objectives, goals, and fiduciary responsibilities. And we’re here for you all year long—not just during tax season.
1: Homemade muffins and treats, always ready at Congamond Coffee 2: The Colleens Court at 22News 3: Jillian Rivera along with members of the BCARC brain injury center. 4: Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe speaking at the GWCC mayors coffee hour 5: Amber Champagne-Matos stocking up on all your skin care needs 6: Stanley Starfire visits with our own Westfield Bombers before the St. Paddy's Parade 7: Sarah the Fiddler entertains the residents of Armbrook Village
(2/21/24) – Dakin Humane Society will hold its third annual Will Run for Cookies 5k Run/2k Walk to benefit the organization’s services and programs, Saturday, May 18 in Westfield’s Stanley Park. Registrants will be invited to bring their dogs (on non-retractable leashes) to take part in the event. Event day registration/ check-in will take place at 9:00 a.m., and the race begins at 10:30 a.m. Online pre-registrations are being accepted now through May 16 at https://racewire.com/ register.php?id=13823
Springtime celebrations call for cake. Sample a bounty of elegant options - easy to prepare in your own kitchen.
Saturdays in May - 1 to 5 pm Terra Americana at the Mill at Crane Pond, F Entrance, Parking Lot #3 off Crane Ave in Westfield, MA.
Ladies, learn to golf with no stress during our Ladies Lesson Mondays, starting on May 13th!
Also, we will be hosting Line Dancing on Thursdays from 6-9. Golf is open to the public daily, plus tennis and more! Call (413) 568-4087 or email info@shakerfarmscc.com for more info. We hope to see you at the tees.
The Brain Injury Community Center, located in downtown Westfield, is a place for individuals with brain injuries to form connections, learn skills for success, and engage with the community. A day program of Berkshire County Arc, the BICC is always welcoming new members! Contact Jillian Rivera at jrivera1@bcarc.org or 413-579-5044 for more information
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Photography by BCARC
Westfield, MA - Grandmother’s Garden is turning 90 years old this year and there is a lot to celebrate!
Events will be running throughout the entire summer. Mark your calendar for these events in the month of May: May 7 Seeds of Inspiration in the Garden and at the WTA Annual Plant Sale
8am-5pm - May 18 5th Annual Car Show in Chauncey Allen Park 10am-2pm - May 19 The Sex Lives of Wildflowers 9am-11pm
Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Gagnon, owner of Day and Night Party Rental, and his General Manager Morgan Proulx, about what drives them, and some offers we may have not even known they had. With over 15 years in the business, Day and Night Party Rentals has proven to be the local go-to for your get together entertainment. One other thing I learned after this great conversation… I really want to rent a tent and a bounce house now!
Q: SO, I HAVE TO KNOW; ARE YOUR FAMILY PARTIES THE BEST AROUND?
A: Yes, absolutely! We have lots of nieces and nephews, as well as huge 4th of July parties. It’s a nice perk to owning a party rental business.
Q: IN SUCH A CRAZY, SERIOUS WORLD, THIS JOB MUST FEEL LIKE THE ABSOLUTE BEST THING GOING. IS THIS THE “PERFECT JOB?”
A: It sure is. It’s amazing to show up to a house and see the excited look on children’s faces as we are setting up the equipment. Although, they are not as happy when we have to leave.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU DO TO KEEP RENTERS SAFE, AND DO YOU FEEL IT IS BETTER TO RENT THAN TO BUY?
A: We definitely think it’s better to rent as opposed to buying your own party equipment. The quality of our bounce houses, slides, and tents is far beyond what you can get in the stores. As far as extra safety is concerned, we ensure that we use oversized stakes, and weighted barrels. We also thoroughly clean and inspect all of our equipment after every use. On top of that, we are fully licensed and insured, so we are accountable for everything we do. Safety is key with us.
Q: WHAT IS ONE LOCAL EVENT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
A: We were asked to set up our tents and some kid’s entertainment for the fallen Firefighter and Police wiffle ball tournament. It was a great event for a very worthy cause, and we were honored to be a part of it.
Call (413)552-6688, visit www.dayandnightpartyrentals.com, or stop by 321 N Elm St in Westfield for bounce houses, tents, slides and more.
ARTICLE BY WADE RIVEST | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAY AND NIGHT PARTY RENTAL
WE HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST INVENTORIES OF TENTS, TABLES, CHAIRS, INFLATABLE BOUNCE HOUSES, BOUNCE SLIDES, OBSTACLE COURSES, AND WATER SLIDES
REGION.
Cut your closing costs when you’re shopping for a home this spring. Now through June 21, 2024, Westfield Bank will cover the cost of your Appraisal and Credit Report.* And right now, you can combine this offer with either our $500 lender credit for first-time homebuyers or our $500 lender credit to first responders.
Spring truly is a time of possibilities!
Creative Kids in Westfield was established in 1986 by Fran Frere and Sherri Morini who are still operating this unique preschool. They both continue to cultivate a special place for working parents to leave their children with familiar faces every day. The preschool cares for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a nurturing and educational environment, challenging their little minds in each age group. The families are able to build a strong and trusting bond because of the same management team and consistent staff members, creating a family atmosphere.
Creative Kids’ goal is to set up each child for success. The infrastructure of the building features touchless sinks that encourage both a lasting foundation of hygiene and self-reliance. Theme-based programs translate across rooms for all of the age groups. So now, imagine your child is at preschool and has a special guest in class: the local Fire Department here to teach about fire safety and prevention. Your child is cheering with friends around a shiny red firetruck and the firefighters encourage the kids to explore the vehicle: wheels, hoses, water tanks, sirens and honk the horn of course. When they return to class, the teachers and assistants use tangible lessons that relate to their special guest by using the building blocks of learning. Students express their comprehension through creative art by building their own version of a fire engine.
They also learn math, geometry and sequencing by identifying shapes and how they relate in this process. Four circles for the wheels, cylinders for water hoses, a rectangle for the storage tank and how it all goes together to create their own version of a fire truck or any other vehicle.
The learning at Creative Kids not only transfers from room to room but from generation to generation.
The heritage of Creative Kids and the families here run deep. Many students who attend now are second generation. This means a lot to Fran and Sherri because of the trust that they have earned throughout the years. Several current teachers are past students, showing the impact that the school left on their lives and inspiring them into a career in early childhood. Thanks to the personalized relationship the staff provides, families have faith in Creative Kids to make memories of enjoying the world while laying the foundation of early education. As a whole, Creative Kids believes in continued education for all - the students and staff alike. Teachers engage in professional development through accredited courses from leading industry institutions.
It takes a lot of experience and energy to run any business, especially a preschool between state regulations, policies and budgets. Fran and Sherri have developed a successful formula for their business; long standing staff and consistent policies for everyone who comes through their door to join the Creative Kids family.
Together, Fran and Sherri make a dynamic duo and recently have transitioned lead toddler teacher, Kate Chapdelaine of 15 years into a director position. This change gives them time to pursue personal interests. Fran and her husband, Marcel have a bucket List to see all of the baseball fields across the country (27 out of 30 so far) and is championing each one state by state. Sherri and her husband, Rich also share a love for traveling across the country in their camper to see all the national parks.
Many teachers are past students of the preschool who cherish the impact that the school left on their lives and strive to give the current community the same value.
From behind the stylist’s chair, Basia Belz, owner of Vivid Salon and Spa, serves as a “hairapist” – someone who is privy to the highs, lows, and challenges of the clients who sit in her chair. This access gives her a unique insight into the struggles that young people face in terms of bullying and feeling accepted. Basia has taken on the cause of bullying by serving as a longtime board member of the Pioneer Valley nonprofit organization Unify Against Bullying. “I was not aware of how much cyber bullying was going on,” says Basia, noting that her clients have shared with her some of what occurs in their lives. “Because our doors are totally open to kids, we’ve enabled the kids who might have felt like outsiders, or who felt they didn’t belong, or were suicidal, to realize that there’s a group that helps supply them with information and that does events that provide a sense of inclusion.” “With Unify, we’ve been able to have students – peers – go into classrooms to share their experiences with other students. We’ve handed out thousands in grant money. Scholarships are available that can be applied to projects and antibullying activities,” says Basia. “One student used her scholarship money to construct a buddy bench where anyone who needed a friend could sit and be supported.” Unify scholarships can also be applied toward higher education. Local businesses can support Unify’s mission by hosting events, collecting round-up donations, or branding certain products in support of the nonprofit. In the past year, more than 20 local businesses lent their support to the mission. Vivid will be hosting a cut-a-thon to raise funds for Unify. “As far as the salon goes, I’m grateful for community development and support. We won the Reader Raves 2024 – not just because of our services, but because of our amazing clientele and community members who show their support,” says Basia.
LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN SUPPORT UNIFY’S MISSION BY HOSTING EVENTS, COLLECTING ROUND-UP DONATIONS, OR BRANDING CERTAIN PRODUCTS IN SUPPORT OF THE NONPROFIT.
10pm Monday - Saturday and 9pm on Sundays. We offer Take out and dine in options. Go to 7bsbarandgrill.com to check out our Spring/Summer Catering Menu as well.
Live Music every Friday night Free Jukebox every Saturday night
CONGAMOND COFFEE & CAFÉ IS ONE WOMAN’S DREAM COME TRUE
ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW AND GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Pam Sclafani had always dreamed of owning a coffee café. After many years of working in real estate marketing, Pam realized her dream when the owners of the café that was formerly in the historic building at 108 Congamond Rd. in Southwick, put the business up for sale.
The spacious building, located along the Southwick Rail Trail, is the perfect setting for Congamond Coffee & Café. There’s plenty of seating in the main room - inviting sofas, as well as large and small tables.
Tucked away on the side, is a separate space to work or meet. There is also a front porch with outside seating.
Congamond Coffee & Café opened in March and has attracted a following of local people as well as cyclists taking a break from riding along the bike trail.
On most days, you’ll find Pam in the kitchen. “I want you to have fresh, really good food,” she said. “I love to test new items for the menu and see what people think.”
Cinnamon rolls, waffles, a yogurt bowl, muffins, and avocado toast, are some of the breakfast offerings. Lunch is served, too.
Before the cafe opened, Pam’s daughter
and her boyfriend, who Pam described as “coffee snobs,” were visiting from Los Angeles. She sent them on a search to find the best coffee in the region. The winner? Six Depot Coffee in West Stockbridge. “If I call Flavio (the owner of Six Depot) today, my coffee is roasted today and delivered the next day. Our coffee is never more than three weeks old,” Pam said. She plans to offer seasonal drinks and already has a schedule of events planned.
Congamond Coffee & Café also features the work of a local artist each month. Paintings by Joy Newhouse of Westfield are on display through May.
Fresh muffins Pam Sclafani Pam and Crew Pam and Crew
ARTICLE BY: JENNIFER GIFFUNE, R.D.N.
Ask anyone who has been anemic, and you’ll hear the same thing, “I was just so tired!” Iron helps the blood carry oxygen to cells. Anemia means there isn’t enough iron to help and the result is fatigue. Anemia is the leading nutritional deficiency worldwide.
More women than men have anemia. There are many causes of anemia, such as rapid growth, inadequate intake, blood loss, and poor absorption. Fatigue is not the only symptom of anemia.
ADDITIONALLY, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE:
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Cold hands & feet
• Pale skin
• Chest pain
• Heart problems - Irregular heartbeat, murmur, enlarged heart, heart failure
• Brittle nails
• Swelling/sore tongue and cracks at the corners of the mouth
• Enlarged spleen
• Restless leg syndrome
• Blue color in whites of eyes
• Frequent infections
Some people with iron-based anemia exhibit Pica; a type of food craving in which non-food items are eaten such as ice, dirt, paint and starch.
If you have symptoms of anemia, get checked. Once the diagnosis is confirmed take action! You may start taking an iron pill. The best absorbed ones are Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Sulfate and Ferrous Gluconate. Iron can be tough on your digestive tract, so buy an enteric coated or slow-release pill. Add iron rich foods to your plate every day. The best-absorbed iron is from animals.
Every day, have a couple of servings of high iron foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish and lean red meat. You can also get iron from plants, but it is less absorbed. Good sources are iron fortified cereals, cooked dried peas/beans, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables, molasses, and raisins.
Get an extra boost in your ability to absorb iron by combining those iron rich foods with a good source of vitamin C which is found in fruits and vegetables.
BEST SOURCES OF VITAMIN
Fruit: berries, cantaloupe, citrus, honeydew melon, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, and mango
Vegetables: bell peppers, hot peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, green cauliflower, collard greens, green beans, kale, spinach, tomatoes, and white potato.
Once you start to replenish your iron stores, be patient. It can take up to 2 months to start to feel significantly better. Having energy, and not always feeling tired, is well worth the wait.
ARTICLE
Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
LEMON GLAZE ICING:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!
This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ¾ cups warm water
• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional:
• Fresh rosemary
• Coarse sea salt
• Fresh pressed garlic
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.
Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
MAY 2ND
Shaker Farms CC - 866 Shaker Rd. Westfield, MA | 6:00 PM
THURSDAYS!! Country Line Dance Lessons at Shaker Farms in Westfield, Ma. 6-9 $10pp at the door or Venmo & comment SFCC and the date you are paying for ex. SFCC 3/7! Hope to see you on the Dance Floor!!
MAY 9TH
Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center - 53 Mill St. Westfield | 3:00 PM
May 9-13th, 2024
Join us for a week of impactful healing and workshops designed for couples to resolve traumas, calm your nervous system, enhance communication & conflict resolution, and more. Attendees receive healing visits in the highly acclaimed The Cortina Method (TCM) by Trauma Resolution Expert Michael Cortina. TCM is designed to heal PTS, Guilt, Anger, Fear, Physical Pain, Limiting Beliefs, and more.
MAY 11TH
Shaker Farms Country Club. 866 Shaker Rd. Westfield, MA 01085 | 12:00 PM
Join us for a great day of Golf and help raise money for the WHS Band and Alumni Band Scholarship Fund!
MAY 14TH - 19TH
6 Mill Lane Rd, Brimfield, MA | 5:30 AM
Come join me, my friends and the other 1000s of dealers, dozens of food trucks and live entertainment for a lifetime memory. From large $1 tables piled with 1000s of small items to 5-figure rare antique pieces. If it is not at Brimfield, it does not exist!
MAY 18TH
Storrowtown Tavern - 1305 Memorial Ave, Gate 1 West Springfield, MA | 5:00 PM
The 250th-Anniversary Committee cordially invites you to join us in celebrating 250 years of history. This special event will feature a plated dinner combined with an immersive journey through the history of West Springfield, complete with music, songs, and vivid portrayals of historical figures.
Tickets for this exclusive event, limited to 250, will be released within the next few weeks.
JUNE 1ST
Pine Hill Cemetary, 117 Court St. Westfield | 1:00 PM
Mark your calendars for Pine Hill Cemetery's living history, theatrical tours! Learn from Westfield ancestors about their fascinating lives and how they shaped our city. Tours run from 1:00 PM-3:40 PM. Tickets are $10, can be purchased at the Westfield Athenaeum or online at eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more visit the cemetery's Facebook page, call 413-568-7026
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This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a delightful array of desserts from Chrissy G’s Bakery. Whether she craves tangy fruits or rich chocolates, Chrissy G’s has something for every palate to make her day extra special. Start the celebration with a raspberry turnover, bursting with ripe berry flavors encased in flaky pastry, sure to awaken Mom’s taste buds. Indulge her with a millionaire bar, boasting layers of buttery shortbread, velvety caramel, and rich chocolate—a true symphony of flavors fit for royalty. For a touch of sophistication, serve up a slice of maple cheesecake, where creamy smoothness meets the warmth of maple syrup in every bite. End the celebration on a refreshing note with a lemon cream puff pastry, a delightful blend of tangy citrus and airy sweetness. Show Mom your love and gratitude with these delectable desserts from Chrissy G’s Bakery. Visit them today at 124 Elm Street in Westfield to make this Mother’s Day truly memorable. Because when it comes to celebrating Mom, there’s no such thing as too much sweetness! For more food reviews and behind-the-scenes footage, check out @hellofoodreviews on Instagram.
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