
Kids & Pets








"Kids and Pets" is an issue that is close to many of us. No matter what type of day I'm having, hearing the clip-clop of little paws running to the door when I get home, followed by "Daddy's home!" will forever make me smile. Children are our future, while our pets help keep us sane in the present. If you are a parent, especially of little ones, you know exactly what I mean by that.
I never had the chance to own pets growing up, so it wasn't until I bought my house that I got my first dog, Olaf. I was always skeptical about having a pet. The fur, the "messes", caring for them... all the difficulties. But, once I had my boy, he became my absolute best friend. (my wife just had a big "I told you so" moment right there). Olaf was there when I brought my daughters home, and was instantly the big brother. His first reaction was to lay down by their carriers and just watch. He checked on their every little noise, and alerted us with a look if he felt something was "off". His expressions were looks for the ages his entire life. From puppy smiles, to looks of confusion when the kids would lay on top of him... he truly was the "bestest boy".
My family recently lost our Olaf, and to say it has been difficult would be an understatement. We are starting to mend, but we miss him daily. I don't say this to make anyone sad, or to bring the mood down... I say this to let people know that our pets are 100% our family, and they help us raise our kids. My children are better for having had Olaf... we all are. Speaking of children, that is another story all of its own. My twins are, well, challenging. They are beautiful, smart, and hardworking...when they want to be. Motivating kids is a skill, and one that my wife and I are working on getting better at. I figure we may have it down by the time the girls move out, but who knows. What I do know, is watching them succeed is the best feeling on the planet. From school to gymnastics, the look of pride when they "nail it" can melt anyone!
So pay homage to your kids and pets, they deserve it! Cheers,
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Crystal Childs | crystal.childs@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Waterfield, Maureen Sullivan, Virginia Maldonado, Madeline Leblanc
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
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Bring in Envelopes to be redeemed this Month.
It's not too soon to be thinking about Booking Holiday Parties, book now before dates are gone!
Dining Room Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 3:30pm to 8pm
Thursday and Friday 12pm to 8pm
Banquets available 7 days a week
1: Madison Curbelo performing at 52 Sumner in Springfield 2: Event workers at Stanley Park 3: Sean from Camp K-9 hangin with a good pal on "Golden Day" 4: I.T students at Westfield Technical Academy practice valuable interview skills with local business professionals. 5: The team from Meyers Brothers Kalicka joining the "Bed for Every Child" team! 6: Tucker's crew is always ready for your dining and banquet needs. 7: 4th Grade students from Franklin Ave school celebrate moving up to 5th Grade.
ARTICLE BY WADE RIVEST
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW AND GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Q: WITH SUCH AN AMAZING PORTFOLIO, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF PHOTO SHOOT?
A: In 10 years, I have captured so much! Choosing one type of shoot is difficult! I absolutely love capturing weddings, and the raw emotion of a couple’s day, the contagious high vibrations of energy and happiness is awesome. So many of my wedding couples come back to have me capture their maternity, newborn and family photos year after year!
If I had to choose two categories, because I can’t just choose one, it would be weddings and families. As a mother of 6 myself, there is nothing more that I cherish other than children and family. Documenting milestones,
GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY, WE HAND EDIT EACH IMAGE TO REFLECT ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL!
and yearly family photos are so valuable and important as we grow older with our babies! It is a way for us to preserve and freeze time, allowing us to look back and reflect, share, and reminisce about for years to come! The last few years, incorporating grandparents has become a trend, which I think is lovely! So has bringing the family’s beloved pets!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST FUN YOU HAVE EVER HAD ON A SHOOT?
A: Being silly with the kids of course! Making silly faces, sounds, splashing and submerging in water if we are near a creek or ocean!
I absolutely enjoy our Santa sessions. I love being able to watch the joy, the connection and happiness unfold literally right before my eyes!
I’ve had so many wonderful and different experiences, such as capturing families on their family farm, in dads race car, at ski resorts, carnivals, I captured surprise engagements, and military homecomings, births, beach camping trips.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO METHOD FOR KEEPING KIDS AND PETS FOCUSED WHEN YOU NEED THEM TO HAVE EYES ON CAMERA?
A: Singing songs, being silly, peek a-boo. We often use small breaks for younger children or going for walks. I also like to incorporate natural pictures. Pictures of families not looking at the camera, yet instead having true moments.
This is often a huge concern for some families either because they haven’t had their family photos taken, they had a bad experience prior, or they are worried about their child’s behavior. As both a seasoned photographer and mom, I promise you, your session will be okay. Take a breath and enjoy, I’m 100% confident with handling, posing, coaching and capturing your family, and delivering images you’ll love!
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ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW & GRACE
Shopping at Westfield Feed is a tradition that goes back 100 years. Generations of families in Westfield and nearby towns have relied on the store for their supplies of livestock food, cat and dog food, and supplies, wood pellets, grass seed and fertilizer.
The store holds a lot of memories for some customers who, as children, remember coming to Westfield Feed with their grandfathers. In a day and age when people can go online to order products, and have them delivered, Westfield Feed stands apart because customers want to come to the store. The reason is simple, they are treated like family.
“Hands down it’s the customer service that keeps us in business,” says Mike Sadowski, one of the owners. Mike was a longtime employee of the store’s original owners, Bob and Linda Williams, who built Westfield Feed on customer service. In 2019, Mike, along with Bob and Linda’s daughter Jennifer and her husband Dave Stauffer, bought the business.
Mike points out that the business has been built around community. “My staff is like family,” he adds. Many of the staff are longtime employees. Mike began working at the store in 1995, and although he went on to other jobs, he was drawn back. Manager Jeremy Sevila has been an employee for more than 25 years, and Joe Sinico, another manager, has worked at Westfield Feed for 12 years. This longevity means that when customers walk in the door, they are greeted by familiar faces who are always ready to assist if needed.
“We know our customers on a first name basis. We listen to their wants and needs, and they keep coming back,” Mike says. If you are planning to raise chicken, for example, the staff can tell you what supplies you’ll need.
You can come to Westfield Feed and ask questions - and while you can’t bring your horses, chickens, or cows, you can bring your dog with you.
On Baby Goat Day, you can sit on a bale of straw and hold a baby goat. The Butcher Block Food Truck is on site, too. There’s no charge to attend the annual event, but cash and food donations are accepted for the Westfield Food Pantry. Last year’s event raised $1,800.
As Mike says, “Westfield Feed is your one-stop shop for lawn care, animal needs and wood pellets. “We’re a true traditional feed store – there are not many of those around anymore.”
Westfield Feed is located at 288 Union Street, Westfield. Call them at (413)562-3689 or visit them online at www.westfieldfeed.com
Westfield Feed is your one-stop shop for lawn care, animal needs and wood pellets. “We’re a true traditional feed store – there are not many of those around anymore.”
THE BIGGEST LITTLE PET STORE IN TOWN
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
Get to know Richard Simons a bit and you will quickly discover a gentle, knowledgeable businessman with a love for animals. The owner of Simon Sez Pets encourages visitors to come see him for the experience of meeting the animals as much as for buying pet supplies.
When you open the door at 77 Main Street in Westfield, you may be greeted by Taz the ferret or Rosie the hedgehog and her family.
Simon Sez Pets, also known as The Biggest Little Pet Store in Town, offers pet supplies, food, and lots of knowledge. You will also find live critters such as reptiles, small animals like hamsters, and fish. “We tend to carry animals that no one else has,” notes Richard. Recent pets include chinchillas, a snow leopard gecko, a blue-tongued skink, and axolotls. “We’re an old-fashioned pet store,” says Richard, “With all of the signs, sounds, and smells. There’s a lot of interaction here. I’d like to see more people enjoy the experience of visiting the pets.”
Richard is a Westfield native whose father was an employee of Westfield Gas + Electric for more than 30 years. After graduating from Westfield High School, Richard joined the Air Force and served for more than 20 years, including an assignment in Thailand during the Vietnam War. His retirement from the service landed him in California, where his first job was managing a pet store. He moved into pet supply sales, traveling his territory with a pet dachshund as a companion.
Family needs eventually brought Richard back to Westfield, where he became the Northeast representative for the same company that employed him in California.
These days, you are as likely to find Richard in front of the store as indoors. “I’ll sit out front with the ferret and visit with passersby,” he says. Stop by and explore Simon Sez Pets. You just might make a new friend!
“There’s a lot of interaction here. I’d like to see more people enjoy the experience of visiting the pets.”
fantastic
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
HOW
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
ICE
There is nothing better than enjoying ice cream on a hot summer day. Whether you're looking for unique flavors or classic creamy delights, an ice cream crawl through Connecticut and Massachusetts is the perfect way to cool off. Here are my top five spots:
1. Grassroots Ice Cream , Granby, CT – Known for its unique and adventurous flavors that will excite your taste buds.
2. Northside Creamery , Westfield, MA – Offers creamy classics that never disappoint and always satisfy.
a delightful array of flavors to choose from.
and inventive creations that make each visit memorable.
5.
,
MA – Enjoy homemade ice cream while taking in scenic views, making it the perfect ending to your sweet journey.
Indulge in this delicious adventure and discover your new favorite ice cream spot! For more information and behind the scenes footage, head to my Instagram page @hellofoodreviews. I Scream, You Scream, We ALL Scream for ICE CREAM!!!
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
Ali and Nick began their mission to build Camp K-9 from the bare bones up, and now with nearly a decade in business their tails aren’t the only two wagging here in town. Ali is a purebred Westfield resident, and they are proud to raise their family here as part of the pack who call this city home. Westfield is a hotspot for families with pets and with the busyness that life brings - Westfield can benefit from having a safe haven for hounds while their people are away.
Ali lights up when she talks about her own fur-family - Eleanor, a young French Bulldog, and Riley, her 13-year old yellow Lab. Eleanor is a playful breed that breathes life into Riley who is living out her golden years. After battling cancer she is now a tripod, and also the mascot for Camp K-9.
Young as she is, Eleanor has challenges of her own with gastrointestinal issues such as IBD, so Ali and Nick relate to any family who must tend to their pets’ particular regimen for medical needs. Camp K-9 is a 7,000 sqft facility with its staff trained in First Aid and CPR.
They are familiar with every single dog and family that attend. Recently, the facility has been upgraded from 1 to 3 outdoor play areas and now has 2 additional overnight cabins. It is fully heated with AC, and has outdoor pools outside. The programs offer Day Camp for dogs who need care during waking hours plus overnight Sleepovers to accommodate longer stays.
Day Camp includes a full day of play and even naptime! It is ideal for working individuals who are away due to work, day trips, construction,
and life events such as weddings and babies. Day Camp and Sleepover services include both indoor and outdoor play. Sleepovers are perfect for pets who need overnight care. The Sleepover includes Day Camp where families do drop-off during the morning and permit their pet to sleep there overnight. Complimentary webcam access to view your dog overnight is also featured. Families fill out a Sleepover Sheet that outlines their pet-parent preferences such as food, toys, and treats. The Camp K-9 team works with each Sleepover family to ensure their fur baby has the best Staycation!
It is not a free-for-all like some may fear. Every dog is evaluated and properly placed in a group by size, temperament, and play style. The areas are staff monitored so there is always someone mitigating or encouraging behavior. High activity is not for every dog, but Camp K-9 is structured and there are routines.
If you want to give it a try, the first day is free! Camp K-9 does not discriminate by breed and requires each dog to go through an evaluation. All new families are required to fill out
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forms and provide documentation of vaccination to get started.
The next best window to register your dog is now through October. Families prepare for back to school,
holidays, and the cold months that winter brings. The Camp K-9 Camp Counselors prepare what you need to do, bring, and what’s required. For more information on how your dog can join the pack, visit the Camp K-9 website.
Every dog is evaluated and properly placed in group size, temperament, and play style.
20 Elm Street, Suite A Westfield, MA 01085 413-562-4030
AUGUST 6TH
Zumba in the Park
65 Gillett Rd. Westfield - Stanley Park | 6:00 PM
ZUMBA in the park is back for the 2024 season! Certified instructor Caitlyn Olearcek will lead the Latin-inspired dance ZUMBA® workouts. This class will be low-impact, high-energy, perfect for beginners and seasoned ZUMBA® participants alike!
New students will need to complete a registration form. If you have any questions, e-mail stanleypark@stanleypark.org or call 413-5689312 ext. 108 or ext. 112
AUGUST 8TH
866 Shaker Rd. Westfield - Shaker Farms CC | 7:00 PM
Join us for a fabulous ladies night out! Feature designer handbags such as Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Michael Kors as well as amazing raffles! Keep watching this event website for more details and sneak peaks of what is instore. Reserve your spot today, this event is expected to sell out pretty quickly, so get your ticket today!
AUGUST 16TH
131 Elm St. West Springfield at the Majestic Theater | 8:00 PM
Ray Guillemette Jr, proudly presents his 2024, multi-award winning Elvis Presley tribute, concert spectacular….”A-Ray Of Elvis”. Returning as the 1st ever Majestic Theater summer concert, this high energy, family friendly experience delivers year after year. Tix are on sale NOW!! 413-747-7797
AUGUST 17TH
21 S.Broad St. Westfield - Amelia Park | 9:00 AM
The Thunderbirds have their last Community Caravan at Amelia Park on August 17th from 9am-1pm, in conjunction with our Street Hockey Tournament! Bring your canned goods to be entered into a ticket raffle! Canned goods will be donated to Rachel's Table. For more information contact Keith Allen at 413-417-230
AUGUST 17TH
400 Western Ave, gate 1. Westfield - Stanley Park | 2:00 PM
Join us in the Annex Pavilion as Family Jungle provides an interactive, educational and entertaining exotic animal and reptile show which teaches conservation and nature appreciation. They will have 10 - 15 different animals with them for an entertaining experience for all ages!
AUGUST 28TH
Poweder Mill Rd. Southwick - Whalley Park | 6:00 PM
Join King Saison at Whalley Park Pavilion for Southwick Rotary Club's 2024 Summer Concert Series. Craft brews, vendors and entertainment with award-nominated Original Songwriting, King Saison. FREE SHOW, All ages.
CHANGE UP YOUR PB&J GAME BY DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE OL’ STANDBY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And don’t get me wrong — I love a PB&J. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:
Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.
Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.
Chip in: Probably the wackier idea you’ll see here, and one a toddler would either love or abhor, but chips on sandwiches are a great way to add crunchiness and saltiness to any sandwich — especially the PB&J. Apparently, Channing Tatum loves to eat Cheetos on his PB&J, though I’ve had others tell me they love to add Doritos — both the Nacho and Cool Ranch variety — to theirs, too.
Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your PB&J game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!
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