If You Think About It....
As I sit outside of my office here at the Mill looking down at the Little River, all I need to do is turn to my left to see so many local gems all right here. Great Awakenings, The Mercantile, Bubble Mug Cafe at Pottery Cellar, and many others all made me come to a wonderful realization...there is a TON to explore in this town! Whether you want to take in some beautiful sights in nature, have an evening out with friends and family, or go grab a fresh pressed juice before an appointment with your realtor on Elm St, Westfield and our close surrounding neighborhoods really do have all life's little wants and needs.
Within the pages of our July "Explore" themed issue, we hope to re-introduce you to the thought of exploring. From downtown, to the Hilltowns, all the way to out of town, this issue has something for every explorer out there. I urge you to feed that curiosity you have growing inside you. Take that first flight up at Fly Lugu. Try Sushi for the first time with Tobiko. Get that new hairstyle at Bella J's Salon after having a mountain sized burger at 7B's. After all that excitement, take a nice stroll down by the riverwalk, or a relaxing bike ride down the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.
As always, we here at Westfield City Lifestyle hope you enjoy reading this month's issue as much as we enjoy making it for you, our neighbors and friends. Cheers,
July 2024
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
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
J81 Studios, Willow and Grace Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: James Hardie Grand Opening 2: Commercial Distributing golf team at this years GWCC Golf Tournament. 3: Game Changer Amusements LLC hosts local pinball tournament. 4: Westfield Technical Academy Students showing best in class results. 5: The team from Tribeca hangin with Stanley Starfire at the Westfield Ampitheater opening 6: Joe Mitchell and Bill Parks at Great Awakenings 7: Mayor McCabe with Tom Flaherty at Great Awakenings
business monthly
Beauty and the Brow Expansion
Beauty and the Brow now has a second location at 1152 Springfield St, feeding Hills! Stop in to see the fabulous new spot, new services and for a limited time, grand opening prices to celebrate this expansion! Can’t wait to see you there for all your beauty needs! Beautyandthebrowkelly.com
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Teamwork makes the Dream Work
New partnership alert here at Westfield City Lifestyle. In order to provide the best for our ad partners, we wanted to make sure we aligned ourselves with some of the areas best. Chad Erickson from "INeedaTVCommercial.com" is helping us make professional commercials for our partners, and we here at WCL could not be more greatful.
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Domorre Group Brings Well Rounded Approach
Crystal Childs has been a staple in the local marketing scene for years and is now the Founder/CEO of the Domorre Group. A full-fledged solution to one of the trickiest parts of the business world... the right marketing strategy. From Marketing Boot Camps, to working alongside us here at Westfield City Lifestyle as our Publication Director, Crystal and crew have their pulse on all things marketing.
Photography by Beauty and the Brow
Theatrical Explorations
Chester Theatre Presents New Works for 35th Season
True stories, intrigue, comedy, and drama. Compelling live summer theater, including two world premieres and one American premiere, is just a short drive along Route 20 from Westfield.
Founded by Vincent Dowling, a former artistic director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, Chester Theatre Company, which is celebrating its 35th season, is an award-winning professional theatre company known for presenting high quality, contemporary productions with top-notch actors, directors, and designers from across the country since 1990.
James Barry and Tara Franklin, who performed in Sister Play together during the 2016 season, have worked together as actors at Chester ever since. Last season, the couple took over as artistic directors. “Tara and I thought we’d throw our hat in the ring, and here we are, Barry said. “We’re very excited and both very proud of our first season.”
The couple’s second season includes “Unreconciled,” by Northampton resident Jay Sefton and Mark Basquill. The true story of an adolescent actor cast as Jesus in a play directed by a priest, it chronicles a survivor’s journey as he confronts his past and discovers the courage to use his voice.
“I am just thrilled to be a part of Chester Theatre Company’s 35th season with the
world premiere of Unreconciled. Tara and James have been so supportive and encouraging, championing the play and me since Mark and I started collaborating on it. I could not be more grateful for their efforts to bring Unreconciled out into the world and feel extremely lucky to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of artists this summer in Chester” Sefton said.
Chester Theatre’s season brochure describes Sefton’s virtuosic solo performance as “an unflinching quest for justice, brimming with heart, humor, and compassion.” The play runs from July 4-14.
Up next and running from July 25-August 4 is the world premiere of Will Sacrifice, a comedy about a couple living in a cramped New York City apartment. The wife’s stagnant career convinces her to search for a country escape in the post-9/11 real estate gold rush in the Catskills.
The season wraps up with the American premiere of Big Big Sky by Tom Wells. The play explores nature’s influence on friendship and family, and the belief that anyone who’s lost can be found. It runs from August 8-18.
All performances take place at the Town Hall Theatre,15 Middlefield Road, Chester. For more information, visit www.chestertheatre.org
Compelling live summer theater, including two world premieres and one American premiere, is just a short drive along Route 20 from Westfield. “
Cathy Burns
Hero Marguerite
Jeff Sefton
Ken Cheeseman
Abuzar Farrukh
ProTour & Cruises
SEEING THE SIGHTS THE RIGHT WAY
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO | PHOTOGRAPHY
ProTour & Cruises, a travel agency in Southwick, is your gateway to top-tier travel. Imagine setting sail from a nearby port: awaken to an exotic destination on your birthday and indulge in being catered to by night. Celebrate under the sun at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Treat someone to unforgettable memories where dreams come true at the most magical place on earth - Disney. The owner of ProTour & Cruises, Kasie Provencal, has an impressive repertoire to book your dream vacation.
Her education includes Hotel & Restaurant Management backed by Hospitality Engineering. She is a champion of design for the 1996 Olympic Games helping manufacture the Olympic Village and mobile food facilities on-site. She was part of the Travel Team that managed sport travel for NCAA, moving 100,000 people in a span of days during the Final.
She liaised with the NCAA managing sports travel for 100,000 people in a span of days during the Final Four & Sweet Sixteen. From there, a private tour agency hired her to plan domestic and international bus trips where she was able to finetune her group travel skills. In March 2014, she launched an independent line of booking and concierge to service existing clients, relationships, and vendors.
BY J81 STUDIOS
Kasie Provencal
Q: WHY BOOK WITH PROTOUR & CRUISES?
A: I’m a one-stop source for the entire trip with special deals or extra amenities and a vast knowledge of products to filter out fact from opinion. We take the guesswork out of logistics and coordinate the aspects of your vacation so it flows: proper entry/exit documentation; security time, flight duration, transfers, excursions, currency, gratuities, room placement, dining, maps. I book you the best package for your budget matching your expectations to the experience and memories awaiting to be made.
Q: WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OR MISTAKES?
A: Don’t think you have zero control over your vacation. You have an advocate on your side to ensure you’re making the best moves. Typically travelers either overplan (book too much in a short period) or underplan (aren’t prepared with the right information and the trip is underwhelming).
Q: DO YOU HAVE A NICHE OR SPECIALTY?
A: I am a Group Travel Specialist. Your party can be as small as 5-8 but grow to hundreds. My niche is domestic/international guided tours, cruises, all-inclusives, and destination weddings. I also employ a department fully dedicated to Disney.
Q: HOW DO YOU MAKE DISNEY BETTER?
A: We have an 8 Step Process that includes air, transfers, hotel, dining & reservations, Lightning Lane, Genie+, property experiences, plus tips on how to save money or get the most value out of your vacation. Picture this: a dinner during golden hour at Sanaa with binoculars in hand to overlook exotic wildlife after you dine. Between appetizer and entree at California Grille, sneak off with champagne to an outdoor patio for a spectacular fireworks show mid-meal. We describe Disney logistics for seamless travel between parks as well as the ambiance at each resort and location.
“We take the guesswork out of logistics and coordinate the aspects of your vacation so it flows.”
step by step help
“Parents are realizing kids’ gifts go unused or under appreciated. Now families are enjoying time together and holidays away with one another.”
Q: WHAT’S TRENDING IN TRAVEL?
A: Group honeymoons, family reunions, milestone anniversaries, and the gift of experiences. Parents are realizing kids’ gifts go unused or under appreciated. Now families are enjoying time together and holidays away with one another. A great starter cruise 4 to 8 days long is Bermuda out of BOS/NYC meanwhile Jamaica has a broad range of all-inclusive resorts to fit many travel styles.
Q: ARE THERE POPULAR TRIPS UPCOMING?
A: We’re excited for many trips this fall! We’re hosting a personalized group Disney trip plus two cruises out of NYC including 5 beautiful days in Bermuda (October) and a holiday getaway at sea (November). For more information on specials and sales, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/protourcruise.
It’s important to find the right experience because not all destinations are the same. Kasie qualifies your preferences: pool or beach, buffet or a la carte, craft cocktails or draft beer and wine for example. She informs you about the destination, ship, hotel, restaurants, as well as what to do and see so you can leverage your vacation. ProTour & Cruises makes you feel like you return home with more than you paid for.
Kasia lays out logical, sequential options
SUSHI WITH A VIEW
Tobiko at Barnes Airport
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, visit Tobiko at our local Barnes Airport for rooftop patio seating. It’s the perfect place to watch planes come in and take off while enjoying a delicious meal. The menu features a variety of mouth-watering rolls and dishes. Try the Barnes Roll, a local favorite, packed with fresh ingredients. The Salmon and Avocado Roll is a classic choice, combining creamy avocado with tender salmon. For something unique, go for the Crab Rangoon Roll, which adds a twist to a traditional dish - my personal favorite!
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, the Steak Hibachi Dinner is a must-try. It comes with juicy steak and a mix of vegetables, cooked to perfection.
Relax on the rooftop patio and savor your meal while watching the bustling activity of the airport. It’s a dining experience like no other! For more information and behind the scenes footage, head to my Instagram page @hellofoodreviews.
“EXPERIENCE A WIDE VARIETY OF ASIAN CUISINE. FRIENDLY STAFF, FULL BAR AND THE OCCASIONAL JET TAKING OFF MAKE TOBIKO A DESTINATION WORTH EXPLORING.”
Dr. Lisa B. Emirzian
Dr. Alissa B. Mariano
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD
AND GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Exploring the Rail Trail
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW
The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail Provides Recreation and Connectivity Through Westfield and Beyond.
The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (CGRT) is one of Westfield’s most beloved recreational facilities. Stretching 3.2 miles from just north of the Westfield River, through downtown, and ending at the Southwick line, the CGRT is part of a network of trails that, when completed, will stretch from Northampton to New Haven.
The trail began as an 86-mile canal that was built in the 1800s to transport commercial goods and travelers, according to CGRT chair Carmel Steger. “Our multiuse bike path railways were later built adjacent to the canals as a more efficient mode of transportation. Once cars were affordable, much of the railroad became obsolete. The rail trail is built on these old lines above street traffic so the raised elevation with eight bridges makes ours unique; there are only a few trails like this in the country,” states Carmel.
The CGRT sees a lot of traffic from surrounding areas, such as West Springfield and the Hilltowns, that lack their own rail trails. Connector segments near Meadow Street, Orange Street and Franklin Avenue will eventually provide increased access to and from downtown Westfield. The Friends of the CGRT plan to install signage directing trail users – many of whom are not local – to specific places in Westfield that are near the trail, such as Chrissy G’s Bakery, the Maple Leaf Pub, and Kismet Brewing Company.
The trail is supported by The Friends of the CGRT, which promotes education and usage of the trail through activities and events. Recently, the Ride of Silence was held to honor those killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The Mayor’s Bike Ride was held in May to celebrate Bay State Bike Month, and in October, the Friends of the CGRT will partner with New Horizons Bikes to hold the Great River Ride. A Harvest Moon walk is also in the works for October.
The Friends of the CGRT recently donated an electronic bike to the Westfield Police Department for the purpose of enhancing safety along the trail.
To learn more about the events, developments, and community of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, visit columbiagreenway.org
The Friends of the CGRT plan to install signage directing trail users – many of whom are not local – to specific places in Westfield that are near the trail, such as Chrissy G’s Bakery, the Maple Leaf Pub, and Kismet Brewing Company.
ENJOYING SUMMER
In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Beach Ball Garland
Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!
Materials
• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)
• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)
• Thin rope or twine
• Air pump
Instructions
1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!
2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.
3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.
4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.
Watermelon Cake
A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!
Ingredients
• 2 large watermelons
• Assortment of berries and fruit
• 4 wooden skewers
• Toothpicks
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.
2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.
3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.
4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”
OPENING IN JULY
here for you all year long—not just during tax season.
events
JULY 4TH
Karaoke with DJ Brew
Rail Trail Ale House - 23 Point Grove Road, Southwick, | 9:00 PM
DJ BREW PLAYS THE HOTTEST MUSIC AND MAKES YOU THE STAR!!
Join us for a July 4th Celebration you will NOT want to miss.
JULY 7TH
Yoga 101 Deepening your Personal Practice
The Bismarck Blg. 16 Union Ave, Suite 3B, Westfield | 12:00 PM
Are you new to yoga? Have you been practicing for a while? Are you ready to step off the mat and dig deeper into the science of this ancient practice? Four Sundays, 14 hours. $449, early bird discount $400 if paid by June 1st scholarships available!! message us for details
JULY 9TH
Zumba in the Park
Stanley Park, Westfield | 6:00 PM
ZUMBA in the park is back for the 2024 season! Certified instructor Caitlyn Olearcek will lead Latin-inspired dance ZUMBA® workouts. This class is low-impact, high-energy, perfect for beginners and seasoned ZUMBA® participants! Children 10+ are welcome with adult. Wear comfortable workout clothes sneakers, and water bring (also a small towel). Donations to the Park welcome, $5 per person per class.
JULY 12TH
Friday Mornings for the
Children: "Forever Book" with Denise Calvho-Berndt
Stanley Park Gate 2, Westfield | 10:00 AM
Let your child’s imagination run wild and turn their ideas into a timeless Forever Book! Children will utilize the artwork of local artist, Denise Calvo Berndt, as inspiration to write their own story based on the pictures in a pre-assembled book about Stanley, the duck, and his friends as they explore the different locations around Stanley Park.
JULY 18TH
Howie Day - 20th Anniversary: "Stop all the World Now"
The Barn at Westfield River Brewing Co. 707 College Hwy, Southwick | 7:00 PM
Howie Day’s emotionally resonant lyrics and inventive melodies have earned him both critical praise and a legion of devoted fans. He is known for his energetic, heartfelt shows, where he connects with audiences through the strength of his songwriting and his quirky sense of humor.
JULY 28TH
Sunday
Night Concerts - Changes in Lattitude
Stanley Park Gate 1, Westfield | 6:00 PM
Changes In Latitudes is the country's premier tribute show to singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the master of the tropical lifestyle. Leader Steve Kareta mimics Jimmy's casual, storyteller style, taking you on a laid-back yet up-beat musical trip through the sun-drenched Caribbean
BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
The Corfu Trilogy
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.
Blue Latitudes
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
The Island of Missing Trees
BY ELIF SHAFAIT
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
Cutting for Stone
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
The Museum of Innocence
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
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5.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing checking account customers only. For new customers, both accounts, checking and CD, must be opened at the same time to unlock the bump up rate of 5.00% APY.
4.75% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing customers without a checking account.
11-Month CD rates are effective as of 06/03/2024. Minimum CD opening deposit is $1,000. Automatically renews at maturity for 12 months at the then current CD rate and term. For both 7-Month and 11-Month CDs, minimum balance to obtain APY is $0.01. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Available for IRAs and business customers. 3CASH
