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Westfield City Lifestyle
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Life’s Little Things
Kids and Pets... While maybe small in stature, they play a massive part of our lives. If I could give you a piece of advice/info on either, it would be that none of us truly know what we are doing. Let's talk pets first, shall we? As of right now, we have one giant cat and one tiny dog in our house. Angus, our cat, is about 20lbs of orange fur that loves to eat and stalk the dog. He sleeps on top of my shoulder, making my arm go numb and ensuring plenty of fur gets sucked into my CPAP each night... blissful, as you can imagine. While he may be a tad invasive and shockingly gigantic, the cat is my buddy. Low key, easygoing and fluffy! We also have the smallest dog that you may see strutting her stuff around Camp K-9, letting all the big dogs know that's "her house." Raya the mighty Mini Dachshund is quite the ham. She demands attention, but only on her terms. In her mind, she is the size of a Rottweiler but will jump up on your lap the very second you take your eyes off of her. Raya's best quality is her ability to keep me calm. Ever have a bad day where the stress piles up and you can feel your heart rate elevating? Well, when that happens to me, our little fur missile shoots herself across the room at me and will not get out of my face until I calm down. Odd yet effective, I guess. In short, pets are awesome, and you should have a few.
Now on to kids. You've read a few things in the past about my daughters in here. By the time this issue comes out, they will have just turned 11. (YIKES) They are getting to the age where they already lock themselves in their rooms and only come out if/when they want to go shopping or watch a show. I'm out of advice to give here, but willing to take some for sure... or the winning lotto numbers, that would promptly be spent at Five Below.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the tidbits in this "Kids and Pets" issue, and have a great rest of your summer! Cheers,
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Waterfield, Virginia Maldonado, Andrea Bugbee, Cathy Sypek
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
j81 Studios, C.Pinney Photography, James Wang August 2025
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Rich of Kitchens Direct finding the perfect slab. 2: Ali, owner of Camp K-9, really has the best job in the whole city. 3: Jasmine takes shipment of her "Higgy Bears" for other kids with scoliosis. 4: Westfield Women's Club Annual Tea was a hit. 5: Congrats to Carrie Bradbury for 21 years at Southwick Fire Dept. Thank you! 6: Simon Sez "Snakes make great pets too". 7: 104th FW members conduct annual training with surrounding bases.
KITCHENS DIRECT INC.
8: It's always Christmas for the kids and pets at Taplin in Agawam. 9: Students at WTA receive the "Friends of Barnes" scholarship from Fly Lugu 10: Me and my dog, Raya, as she strenuously objects to my making our City Scene
TAPLIN YARD, PUMP AND POWER
WESTFIELD TECHNICAL ACADEMY
RAYA RIVEST
413–642 –5276 // rich@sypeklaw.com // cathy@sypeklaw.com 60 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085 www.sypeklaw.com
business monthly
WKB Carpentry - The Clear Choice
Windows and doors are not an easy thing to replace, and you definitely don't want just some "handyman" taking the job. Bill Butler and the crew at WKB Carpentry are not only up to the task, they excel at it! Energy saving, industrial, and special dimension are just a few things on their list of skills.
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Shortstop Covers ALL the Bases
Shortstop Bar & Grill is not your average place for a quick bite. Indoor golfing, pinball machines, concerts, special events, comedy nights, and even banquets are just a few things happening daily right here at 99 Springfield Rd. Stop in for a visit, tell them we sent you! Oh... and check out Chef Mike's NEW Menu!
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Caring Solutions Makes Eldercare Easy
When employing Caring Solutions, you can expect to be aided by loving caregivers whether you are just recovering from being in the hospital, need a companion, need help around the house, or just need a friendly reminder to take your medication. Serving Westfield and surrounding towns!
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Photography by j81 Studios
Photography by Willow & Grace Photography
NATIONAL “Make-a-Will” MONTH
Sypek Law Makes a Tough Process, Easy
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE SYPEK
The professionals of Sypek Law
August is National Make-a- Will month. For many busy Americans, this yearly reminder is just the motivation they need to finally sit down and create their last will and testament. If you don’t have a legal will, this is a great reminder to get your paperwork in order. And once you do, many find the process isn’t as long, tedious, or expensive as you may have anticipated.
A will is a legally binding document that outlines your wishes after your death on important things like distribution of your assets, care of any minor children, and other final wishes .
Here are three great reasons that will motivate you to complete your will this August.
1. It’s an important legal document that everyone should have.
All adults should have a will — it’s a powerful document that lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you pass away.
2. It provides peace of mind to you and your family.
Wills aren’t just for the rich and famous. They make life (and death) easier for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Consider your belongings. You may not think you own a lot, but you likely have more property than you realize: your home, vehicles, furniture, clothing, books, financial assets, sentimental items, and more. If you don’t have a will, your loved ones will be tasked with finding a home for this property when you pass on. Creating a will prevents family conflict, eliminates confusion, and ensures your assets go to the people you most want to have them. It also gives your family guidance and reassurance that they can fulfill your wishes during what is likely a very difficult time for them.
With a will, you can also plan ahead for those who are in your care — for example, you can name a legal guardian for your minor children and choose who should care for your pets.
The logistical benefits of having a will are important. But above all else, having a will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love.
3. It lets you create a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime.
None of us live forever. But there are ways to continue making a positive impact on this world long after you leave it. One of these ways is by donating to a charity in your will.
There are many different ways you can use your will to benefit a charity — you can give cash, stock, real estate property, and more. Leaving a gift for a nonprofit in your will costs you nothing during your lifetime but will ensure that you can make a positive impact on causes close to your heart for years to come.
The process is simple – make an appointment to get one done before the end of National Make-A-Will month. You will be glad you did!
WESTFIELD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND
Growing Skill & Enjoyment
According to music education experts, learning to play music improves students’ cognitive and noncognitive skills more than twice as much as sports, theater, or dance. Music study is linked to academic achievement, including improvement in verbal memory, literacy, and spatial learning. But for the kids at Westfield Intermediate School, playing in the band is just cool.
“I’m trying to foster joy,” says William Choe, band director at WIS. And he seems to be succeeding: The
band program at WIS is growing in popularity. More than one-third of the student population at WIS plays in the school band, with 247 students playing last year. More kids are starting to play instruments compared with years past, and fewer students are dropping out along the way. It’s an eight-year commitment, notes Will.
With five performances throughout the school year, the fifth- and sixth-grade musicians have multiple opportunities to perform for an audience.
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY
William Choe
“We have five performances: three concerts, the Bandtastic concert (with all bands in the school system), and the Memorial Day Parade.”
Most students in the band learned to read music in elementary school, and the transition to the intermediate school band represents a huge leap in the level of musical skill and the quality of the concerts. “Concerts are very different from the elementary school – there is more experience; it’s their first experience
with a giant band. It’s a very different sound for them and it’s a really cool experience for them. A lot of the students come out of the concert pumped for the next one.”
Band represents a serious commitment for these students. “In WIS, we rehearse every day. The progress is noticeable right away –you see the changes happening from concert to concert,” notes Will.
Most of the band students are renting their instruments, and although the most common scenario is for students to rent, some
students do not have access to an instrument. The school has a collection of instruments but are always welcoming donations. What do kids take from their experience in the band? Musical skill and the technical ability to play an instrument is just part of it. The ability to use music as an expressive tool is a valuable benefit to playing an instrument. “It’s not just about right note, right time,” says Will. “It’s about how you play it…I hope they can recognize and appreciate those things. I want them to leave with a good feeling about music!”
Just a few members of the WIS Band
BIRD FRIENDLY STRATEGIES TO BATTLE MOSQUITOES
FROM THE ALLEN BIRD CLUB (SPRINGFIELD, MA)
ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WANG / WCL
Warm, wet weather means mosquitoes, but broadcast spraying of pesticides can put all pollinators - not just mosquitoes - at risk. Many birds rely on insects for food, and insect pollinators are essential to vast quantities of food crops and flowering plants throughout the world.
Luckily, natural home mosquito control is safe and simple. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so be vigilant about emptying any containers with standing water every few days. Change and clean bird baths every 2-3 days.
For more active control, build a home mosquito trap. Start by filling a bucket halfway with water. Drop in the recommended amount of “Bti” (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, a commercially available, natural bacteria toxic only to mosquitoes, biting flies, and some gnats), then add handfuls of straw or grass clippings. This watery “stew” will attract female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. If desired, drill a hole in the top quadrant of the bucket to release overflow in case of heavy rain. Finish your trap by slanting a board from the inside bottom of the bucket to the top so any hapless critters that fall in can escape.
Empty and rinse your mosquito trap every 30 days. This trap will also work without Bti but must then be emptied and refilled every three days. Whichever version you choose, birds and other pollinators will thank you!
The Allen Bird Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing Greater Springfield area birders together since 1912. For more information, please visit www.AllenBirdClub.org
Natural mosquito repellents, like essential oils, reduce harmful chemicals, creating a safer environment for birds. By minimizing mosquito populations, they enhance bird presence, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance in habitats.
Backyard Whimsy
Creating a Kid-Friendly Backyard Space
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids
to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.
For this project, we visited our local hardware store to get all the necessary supplies we needed. The deck is an 8 x 10 decking so there is no need to cut down the length of any boards and pressure treated wood was used. First, dig holes
CONTINUED >
18 inches down to put the footers, which is a 4 x 4 x 8 treated post, and cut those into two foot lengths. Next, pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, and set the posts in and let it dry. We used lag screws to attach the base 2 x 10’s to the corner posts, and then 2 x 6’s for the joists with metal hangers. Now time to put on the decking boards with exterior screws. Don’t forget to constantly check with a level. Once the decking is finished, now it is time for the fun!
For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree angle at the bottom. You can run a 4 x 4 along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2 x 4’s to the structure. The top of the A comes together and is held by exterior screws. For the roofing, we used 8-foot corrugated clear panels and screwed those into the A frame for a weather protecting cover. We left three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.
Attraction Passes!
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO
THE WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM HELPS TAKE EXPLORING ON THE ROAD
Looking to spend a fun, educational day out without breaking the bank? The Westfield Athenaeum makes it a breeze with the Museum Pass Program! Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Athenaeum, library cardholders can borrow passes to local and regional attractions for free or discounted rates. Fan favorites include a Massachusetts State Park Pass, Connecticut Trolley Museum, and Riverside Reptiles at The Connecticut Zoo.
Reserving a pass is simple: visit the website, search for Services, and click the “Reserve a Pass” button under the Museum Pass page to get started. You can book for the day you plan to visit and reserve up to a month in advance. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, stop by the Reference Desk or call at (413) 568-7833 x4.
Passes can be checked out by anyone with a valid library card. Most are loaned for a single day and should be returned before the library opens the next morning. Need more time due to travel or have special circumstances? Let them know when you make your reservation because exceptions can sometimes be arranged.
Returns are easy: bring your pass back to the Circulation or Reference Desk during business hours or use the drop box by the driveway after hours. Please return your pass on time—other families are most likely waiting to use it once you’re done. Be careful holding onto it because lost passes carry a replacement fee.
Explore destinations like Old Sturbridge Village, the Zoo in Forest Park, MASS MoCA, and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Please note some passes — like those for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston — can’t be reserved in advance, so stop by the Reference Desk to grab one while supplies last.
Whether you’re planning a family outing or just looking for a change of scenery, the Athenaeum’s museum passes are a great way to discover local gems. Check out the full list and reserve yours today!
Westfield Athenaeum 6 Elm St, Westfield (413) 568-7833
Whether you’re planning a family outing or just looking for a change of scenery, the Athenaeum’s museum passes are a great way to discover local gems.
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY DOG
BIRTHDAY PARTY
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR
OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
AUGUST 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 2ND
WHS
Band 6th Annual Golf Tournament
Shaker Farms CC - 866 Shaker Rd. Westfield | 12:00 PM
We invite you to experience a thrilling afternoon of golf with a noon shotgun start at Shaker Farms Country Club to benefit the Westfield High School Band and Alumni scholarships. If you don’t golf, we warmly welcome you to join us for the banquet that will take place immediately following the tournament.
AUGUST 8TH
Friday Mornings for Children - Family Jungle Entertainment
Stanley Park - 286 Western Ave, Gate 2. Westfield | 10:00 AM
Presented by The Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation:
Join us for a wild time! Family Jungle features a reptile and exotic animal show, providing a unique and educational experience that teaches audiences about the animal’s natural habitats, diets and interesting facts. This show is entertaining for all ages. $5 donation per family is suggested and greatly appreciated.
AUGUST 10TH
Westfield Riding Club Games Day
Westfield Riding Club - 29 Fowler Rd. Westfield | 9:00 AM
Join us for our annual games and fun day!
Follow our event page for class list, important updates and details coming closer to the event!
AUGUST 15TH
A Ray of Elvis
Majestic Theater - 131 Elm St. West Springfield | 8:00 PM
Ladies and gentlemen...So proud to present to you once again, truly, New England's most beloved and documented, award-winning ETA! "A-Ray of Elvis" and The Memphis Jam Orchestra!! Tickets at Majestic Box Office: 413-747-7797
AUGUST 22ND
Murder Mystery Dinner
The Ranch Golf Club - 66 Sunnyside Rd. Southwick | 6:30 PM
Tickets: https://golf.campaignpilot.com/murder-mystery-dinner Join us for an interactive murder mystery dinner where professional actors lead you through a thrilling 1920s whodunnit! Sip on themed cocktails, indulge in a delicious dinner, and dress to impress—flapper dresses, fringe, fedoras, sequins, suits, ties, pocket squares, and headbands encouraged!
AUGUST 23RD
20th Annual Golf Tournament
Edgewood Golf Course - 161 Sheep Pasture Rd. Southwick | 1:30 PM
As we proudly enter our 40th year, the West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee continues to represent our community with award-winning floats, a beloved Colleen Court, and Season of the Green events. tickets at:www.stpatricksparadecommitteeofwestspringfield.org
Want to be featured?
20 Elm Street, Suite A Westfield, MA 01085 413-562-4030
UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
ENJOY UP TO A $300 ACCOUNT BONUS
*Special offer is for opening a new Get Real Checking® account. Minimum balance to open Get Real Checking is $10. Bonuses are for new consumer checking account customers and limited to one account per tax owner. Tax owner must be at least 16 years old at the time of account opening to qualify for the bonus. Customers who have previously received a bonus on a checking account from the bank are not eligible. Bonus payment may be 1099 reportable. Account must be in good standing and have a positive balance at the time the bonus is paid. May not be combined with other promotional offers. This is a limited time offer and subject to change without notice.
$150 promotional offer is for enrolling in eStatements and having a minimum of $1,000 in aggregate direct deposits posted to the account OR enrolling in eStatements and conducting a minimum of 25 point of sale (POS) debit card transactions of $10 or more posted to the account within the first 90 days of account opening. The bonus will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 90th day the account was opened. $150 loyalty bonus will be paid after the account has been open for 12 months if the account is still enrolled in eStatements and has an active recurring direct deposit posted to the account within the last statement cycle OR if the account is still enrolled in eStatements
