Explore Beyond your Comfort...
Hello Westfield and Southwick, and welcome to our "Explore" Issue. When I was thinking about what to write for this issue, I wanted to make sure I touched on what true exploration could look like for as many of you as possible. Like I always say, "I'm here for the people," so here we go...
To me, exploring usually involves a long drive with no real destination planned out. For a few years now, one of my favorite things to do is to grab the kids, pack some food and hop in the car. From there I will let their little minds simply wander and have them take control of where we go. They can tell me any direction to drive, and barring crashing into a river, I'll go whatever way they want. "Left here, Daddy... no straight!!" makes for some sporty trips, but they sure are fun. Going on these little explorations has made some lifelong memories and allowed us to discover some really cool places within the local(ish) area.
Recently a friend of mine had the epiphany that supporting local was a much more rewarding experience than supporting major corporations. To her, exploring has become visiting a cozy coffee shop en route to a small boutique. This form of exploration has opened her eyes to the importance of community, and how her dollars can make an instant, true impact on someone's day. Although sometimes more convenient to just "hit the big name," you really can't even compare the level of care from a corporation to a small "mom and pop shop." Long story, short... explore local!
Personal exploration may in fact be the most intimidating form of exploring out there. For me, personal exploration is sitting down and writing a few paragraphs for my upcoming book. This allows me to be who I am, which is very analytical and prone to being "over creative" with my words. Personal exploration requires a level of accountability that I challenge you to take. I'm not saying you have to write a book, but I am saying take a look in the mirror and just think.
Until next month!
Cheers,
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Virginia Maldonado - Maureen Sullivan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
j81 Studios - C.Pinney Photography
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
Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Congrats to Lieutenant Stephen Backman, sworn in as the 1st career Lt. for SFD 2: Mixhaulogy brings the party to you. 3: Kids and parents alike enjoying the "Fairy Walk" at Stanley Park 4: Happy graduates at WSU Commencement 5: Tis the season for biking on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail 6: The Starfires are fun for all ages! 7: New England Dance Center loud and proud
business
Nextgen for the Win
Nextgen Roofing does more than simply cover your home; they cover our community. With constant donations and local sponsorships, Rene Gauthier and his team really are here to help.
Greg's Keeps you Running
Finding an auto mechanic is stressful, especially considering the precious cargo we all carry in our cars.
The folks at Greg's bring old school customer service along with all the latest and greatest for your ride. Don't take my word, go see Scott and tell him we sent you!
BankESB is Here for YOU
Banking with a company that truly has your best interest in mind is a no-brainer. BankESB not only has the best rates and services around, but they also add the personal touch possible to your banking experience. They are easily found at almost every local event as well!
Photography by j81 Studios
Photography by Greg's Auto
Photography by BankESB Scan to read more
Because you deserve more than just speed. You deserve a connection that keeps up with your passions, fuels your creativity, and brings loved ones closer, no matter the distance. SIGN UP TODAY for your
Chappy’s Mobile Culinary Experience
In a world of fixed menus and cookie-cutter flavors, Chappy’s Mobile Culinary Experience rolls in gourmet food with a side of versatility and a whole lot of heart. Fueled by husband-and-wife team Sarah Teal and Jim Wood, this vibrant trailer is driven by passion, family, and a love for bringing people together through food.
ARTICLE
BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO PHOTOGRAPHY BY C.PINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah Teal & Jim Wood
The inspiration behind Chappy’s is steeped in years of global culinary exploration. From local kitchens like Nora’s Restaurant to Jim’s time as a corporate chef for Aer Lingus, his journey spans the spices of the Caribbean, foraged flavors of Seattle, coastal Nantucket, and rural Vermont.
“The common denominator in life is the relationship you have with food and with people,” Jim says.
“It’s symbiotic — food brings families and cultures together.” The catchy name pays homage to their oldest son, and transforms a full-scale brick and mortar restaurant vision called Elijah into a bitesized mobile tribute using his nickname instead.
Chappy’s isn’t your average burger-andfries stop. While many food trucks are bound to one cuisine, Chappy’s thrives on flexibility and flavor. From handmade fettuccine alfredo to elevated eggs benedict, the menu is fluid, intentional, and far from ordinary. Their custom catering — for a Jack and Jill, a wedding brunch, or 300+ parishioners — proves their plates please every kind of crowd.
At its core, Chappy’s is a culinary rendition of family. Sarah runs the marketing, Jim commands the kitchen, and her brother Jesse Martin handles the business operation mise en place from trailer maintenance to large-scale support. Close friends who are chefs lend a hand, especially when the fire’s hot.
Chappy’s gourmet food has rolled into town with impressive flavors and attention to detail, making Western Mass an even tastier culinary capital on the rise. Their catering clientele is growing and with a residency at venues like Westfield River Brewing and The Bar Shoppe, Chappy’s is raising the bar for food truck affairs, one drool-worthy dish at a time.
For anyone craving something seasonal, soulful, or simply unforgettable, this culinary experience on wheels is worth the chase! To book your event, contact Jim and Sarah using the contact information below.
Chappy’s Mobile Culinary Experience (413) 454-4813 chappys.mce@gmail.com www.chappys-mce.com
Find Chappy’s Mobile Culinary Experience on Facebook!
Jim gettin’ it done!
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO
5 Local Hikes in Western Mass
Accessible, Dog Lovers’, Night-Friendly, Rigorous, and Right by Food
1. Universal Access Trail
@ Mount Tom in Holyoke
Mt. Tom’s Universal Access Trail is an 0.8-mi loop introductory hike that is wheelchair accessible and winds though white pine and hardwood forest, with wetland and lake views, out to Bray Brook bridge. There is an alternate accessible route so users can make a shorter loop trail on the return. Hungry? Hit up Tavern On The Hill right across the street!
2. Mount Holyoke Summit @ Skinner State Park in Hadley
With Barstow Dairy Store and Bakery conveniently at its base, Skinner State Park offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails and outstanding vistas. This daytrip is ideal for hikers who want impressive sweeping views to pair with a picnic located at a hotel summit turned hiking hotspot.
3. Sanderson Falls @ Chester-Blandford State Forest in Chester/Blandford
Tucked between two beloved hilltowns, this park is off the beaten path and cooled by shade and streams. Featuring Sanderson Falls — a pretty, cascading waterfall — this lowkey spot is quiet, quaint, and the perfect place to beat the crowds.
4. The Hickey Trail @ Monument Mountain in Great Barrington
At a little less than 1 mile, the Hickey Trail is the most straightforward and strenuous trail at Monument Mountain. From there, the Peeskawso Peak Trail is the summit connector for the Hickey Trail and Mohican Monument. Take a moment to catch your breath and see if you can spot an eagle soaring above the quartzite mountain crests.
5. Evening Activities
@ Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton
Showcasing a variety of group hikes and educational activities, the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary has a schedule of family-friendly nighttime fun. This summer enjoy experiences such as Flashing Fireflies, Bats: Nighttime Navigators, and Late Summer Birds: Nighthawks. Arcadia opens its grounds to participating families looking to learn and explore on-site at events.
With no shortage of outdoor activity, Western Massachusetts will stimulate your mind as well as your body. Whether you enjoy strolls with pets, sitting and admiring the view, or helping our Seniors take in some fresh air, there is something for everyone.
&
Picnics Pairings
CREATE A LIVELY, NUTRITIOUS, AND TASTY SENSATION AT YOUR NEXT COZY PICNIC
ARTICLE BY KIM COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Have you been eyeing a breathtaking view or a luscious green patch near a waterscape? For special times with your favorite people, nothing says warm weather fun like a picnic. Follow these tips for preparation ideas.
Ambiance:
Throw pillows are a must. Pull them from your couches or invest in outdoor pillows that can be used repeatedly. A large throw is also essential to protect from moist ground and grass stains. Bring your favorite tunes with one of the many available portable speakers or unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature. Cut flowers add a wow factor.
Gear:
You don’t have to own a picnic basket to have a picnic. But if you do bring a basket, make sure to have some way to chill your perishables and drinks. Reusable silverware, plastic wine or drink cups, and plates often come with a picnic basket set, but can also be purchased separately. Keeping it elegant, but easy (and cool) is the key!
Accompaniments:
A cheese plate with fruit is the perfect start to your picnic fare. As with the cheese, your drink selections should coordinate with the main dish. For salads, pair accoutrements with the dressing in mind. A lemony herb vinaigrette dressing goes well with smooth cheeses and tart beverages such as lemonade, prosecco, or sauvignon blanc.
Enjoy your perfect picnic!
www.masciadrelliandsonheatingandaircondinc.com
20 Elm Street, Suite A Westfield, MA 01085 413-562-4030
202 South Westfield Street Feeding Hills, MA 01030 413-786-0494
WHERE WILL THE ROAD Take
ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
Jeff Sarat
So, you want to take off on a road trip and explore somewhere you’ve never been – or maybe you want to visit the town where you grew up or visit faraway friends.
The thing is, you don’t want to drive your old car and put all those miles on it – or maybe you’re taking the family and there’s not enough room in your car for everyone and their luggage plus your best canine friend.
You could buy a new car, or you could rent one for the trip, which gives you the opportunity to experience the ultimate test drive– and you might just want to buy one after that.
Jeff Sarat, general manager at Sarat Ford Lincoln in Agawam says the options at his dealership are plentiful. “We’re not a traditional dealership,” he adds. What that means, according to Sarat, is that the dealership is versatile – with a selection of not only new Fords and Lincolns, but also used vehicles, rentals, and loaners. Add to that, a huge parts and service department.
The rental fleet, housed at two locations – Agawam and Chicopee—offers a choice of SUVs, passenger or cargo vans, sedans, and pickup trucks, which are often rented for tailgating at Gillette Stadium or for picking up a large purchase such as a gas grill. Ford Expeditions and Explorers are the most popular choices for rental, with the Expedition being the top choice, Jeff says. “It fits seven people and their luggage comfortably.” It’s a great choice not only for a day trip to the beach, but for a one-or-two-week vacation.
Cargo vans, says Jeff are great for packing up your student to move in or out of a college dorm.
To get the best deal or choice of rental vehicle, Jeff recommends reserving weeks or months in advance, especially for the summer.
This year marks the 96th anniversary of Sarat Ford Lincoln, which was founded by Sarat’s grandfather John on the same street corner where the dealership stands today. Jeff’s father, Jack, later took over the dealership and still works there today.
While the mission and values of the family dealership may not have changed over the years, the vehicles have. You could say they are not your grandfather’s – or even your father’s cars.
Jeff Sarat explains that a lot of new models have been remodeled and redesigned. “When you’re driving to the beach, you can take your hands off the wheel, and the vehicle takes over,” he says. For those who feel intimidated by this technology, Jeff says the car will slow down or accelerate, depending on traffic.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator says Jeff, “is an absolutely beautiful vehicle, reengineered with technology.” He explains that while Lincoln added more technology, it reduced the number of buttons that are visible. For example, if you are the only one who drives the vehicle, you can hide the power mirror switches in another screen, so you don’t have to adjust the mirror every time you drive.
Ford and Lincoln have also added BlueCruise, which allows you to drive hands free on approximately 750,000 miles of highway known as Blue Cruise zones across the United States and Canada. Driver tip: the vehicle asks you first.
“Once you try it and get used to it, it’s absolutely amazing,” Jeff adds. The Mustang EV, for example, he says, is so
“Once you try it and get used to it, it’s absolutely amazing,” he adds. The Mustang EV, for example, says Jeff, is so technologically advanced, if it senses there is no car next to you, it changes lanes, and if someone cuts in front of you, the vehicle stops.
“The 2025 Lincoln Navigator” says Jeff, “is an absolutely beautiful vehicle, reengineered with technology.”
technologically advanced, if it senses there is no vehicle next to you, it will change lanes automatically when you use the blinker, and if someone cuts in front of you or traffic slows, it will stop.
Electric vehicles such as the Mustang EV are getting better and better, Jeff says, adding that the dealership is selling more EVs than ever before. The first thing people ask about is where can they charge the car, he says. Ford has customers covered. “When you buy a new EV, Ford will give you a really good charger and install it at your house.” In addition, there are 16 charging stations at Sarat Ford Lincoln, and Jeff points out that no matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you can charge it there.
“Everyone’s biggest worry is about charging, but at Sarat, there is always a charger open,” Jeff says. If you’re ready to hit the road on your next adventure, why not check out a ride that will get you there in comfort and style, while you create memories along the way.
Sarat Ford Lincoln 245
413-786-0430
Saratford.net
RO A D CHOW
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easy-to-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
DIRECTIONS:
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 22ND
Baby Goat Yoga
9 Babb Rd. Southwick, MA | 4:00 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baby-goat-yoga-tickets
Advance tickets required, bring own mat and water. This class will be run by Gina McCray, owner of Inner Light & Soul Yoga. Gina's love for yoga, animals, and children is going to bring a great energy to the farm!
JUNE 23RD
New England Swing for the Fallen
Orchards Golf Club - South Hadley | 9:00 AM
Tickets available via Zeffy.com/new-england-swing-for-the-fallen. 2nd Annual Golf Tournament honoring fallen Military & First responders from New England. Registration starts at 9 am with a shotgun start at 11 am. Boxed lunch provided along with a BBQ at the end of the day. If you don't golf you can still come BBQ. Awards and Gold Star family & First Responders family recognitions. Raffles, games, food.
JUNE 28TH
2025 Southwick National Pro MotoCross
The Wick 338 Motocross - 46 Powdermill Rd. Southwick | 7:00 AM
The Wick 338 is home to round 5 of the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship. For more information, visit promotocross.com
JULY 13TH
Sunday
Night Concert Series: Rowe County Band
Stanley Park - 286 Western Ave Gate 2, Westfield | 6:00 PM
Rowe County Band is a high-energy country band from Western Massachusetts, delivering electrifying performances that seamlessly blend contemporary country with classic rock favorites. This performance begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Beveridge Pavilion and has a suggested donation of $5 per person. Chairs will be provided, and food service will be available from The Bubble Mug Cafe at Pottery Cellar.
JULY 14TH
BINGO
at WOW
Westfield on Weekends - 105 Elm St. Westfield | 6:00 PM
$10 for first card that plays 11 games. $5 for each additional card.
We have both reusable cards and dabber cards. We also have water, soda, and snacks for sale at only $1 each item. Children who can sit and have some bingo fun are welcome. Please note, children cannot win cash prizes, but their adults can!
JULY 22ND
CREED, Summer of '99 Tour
Xfinity Theater - 61 Savitt Way, Hartford, CT | 7:00 PM
Tickets available via https://concerts.livenation.com
Featuring Daughtry and Mammoth. Come in down to CT and rock out with some of our ages best!
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
This magazine exists because Wade said ‘Yes.’
Behind every City Lifestyle magazine is a leap of faith — someone who chose to shape the story of their city. They saw a chance to inspire, connect, and elevate the voices that make their community shine.
Now, new cities are waiting for someone to say yes. What if it was you?
Westfield City Lifestyle
Published by Wade Loved by Westfield
Your story is waiting. Explore open markets nationwide.
