Westfield, MA June 2024

LIFE + CULTURE

LEADING A STRONG, SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY JUNE

The Return of the Gentleman

Happy June everyone, and welcome to Summer!

In following with the "Ladies' Issue" in May, June will bring the focus to the gentlemen in our community.  With so many historical, influential, and caring men within our area, I am pleased to be able to highlight just a few.  In today's world, at the risk of sounding "controversial", it is difficult to praise a man for doing his due diligence of being a traditional, strong leader.  The years of the gentlemen...the REAL gentlemen are not over, though.  I assure you, as I get to know the men of our area better, I can say there are still men who work extremely hard, while still holding doors, protecting their families, and believing in all the right values that help prop up a society.  From business owners, construction workers, military commanders, and every hardworking man in-between I salute you.

As always, thank you all for picking up our publication, and allowing us to spotlight just some of the amazing people in our local area.  I am honored to be able to tell the story of our people here in greater Westfield and our close community. Cheers,

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Crystal Childs | crystal.childs@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Virginia Maldonado, Maureen Sullivan, Amanda Waterfield, Julie Cecchini Cook, 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 Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

At MBK, our commitment to promoting the next generation of talent is as important as 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.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Becky G with En3rgy Up Organic Juices & More 2: Duane Desilets of Park Square realty sharing some knowledge. 3: Tammy, owner of Flowers by Webster is ready for your order! 4: Jessica, owner of Willow and Grace Photography showing just a small bit of her portfolio. 5: always some fun costumes at the Westfield River Canoe Race 6: Chef Patrice takes delivery of a new kitchen at Tribeca Gastro Bar & Grill. 7: Katie Warner Mitchell of 7B's runs the Boston Marathon to benefit the Boston Childrens Hospital

WADE RIVEST

WADE RIVEST

WADE RIVEST

KATIE WARNER MITCHELL

TRIBECA

America’s Past Time, Here in Westfield

THE WESTFIELD WHEELMEN

VINTAGE BASE BALL CLUB

ARTICLE BY JULIE CECCHINI COOK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT TIDLUND, ALAN KENDZIOR & J81 STUDIOS

“Listen to the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd as they transport you to a simpler time.”

The Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club, founded by local historian Dan Genovese, is a group of passionate individuals committed to preserving the legacy of America’s favorite pastime. Dating back to the late 1800s, baseball was more than a game – it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated the hearts and minds of Americans.

Fans of all ages are fascinated by the quirky rules and equipment, as well as the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed on the field. The sight of players donning old-fashioned uniforms, swinging wooden bats, and catching balls without gloves is a nostalgic experience that resonates with baseball enthusiasts.

However, the club’s mission goes beyond simply playing the game. They are dedicated to educating others about the rich history of baseball. Through demonstrations and exhibitions, the Wheelmen bring the sport to life for spectators of all ages. They showcase the skills and techniques used by players over a century ago, providing audiences with a captivating glimpse into the past.

Nestled in the charming Hill Top Farm in Suffield, CT, their home field serves as the perfect backdrop for their exhilarating games. On June 8th and 9th, 2024, the club

will proudly host the Early Bird Old Tyme Baseball Festival, an event that promises to enchant spectators of all ages. This festival will transport attendees back in time, immersing them in the sights and sounds of vintage baseball.

The Wheelmen participate in exhibitions and games held in iconic and historic locations throughout the country. In July, they will return to the historic playing fields of Gettysburg, where they will engage in thrilling matches that pay homage to baseball’s cherished heritage.

For those seeking a deeper connection with the club, The Mercantile at Crane Pond in Westfield offers a calendar of events and Wheelmen select products. Supporting the Westfield Wheelmen means becoming an integral part of their mission to preserve and promote vintage baseball.

Take a step back in time and embrace the essence of a bygone era. Listen to the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd as they transport you to a simpler time. Witness the unwavering commitment and skill of the Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club as they honor the legacy of this timeless sport. By joining their journey, you will be helping to ensure that vintage baseball continues to thrive for generations to come.

Nitor Laser: Carving a Niche

In an industry where the margin for error is nonexistent, brothers Steve and Todd Phillips have built a name for themselves. That name is Nitor, which is Latin for ‘beam of light.’ Based in Southwick, Nitor Laser delivers high tech solutions using laser technology for customers in the aerospace, firearms, and medical instrumentation industries. “We create products from raw materials, and we add value to the products that our customers supply us, whether that’s laser welding or laser cutting or laser engraving,” says Todd.

Nitor Laser launched in 1996, when Todd encouraged Steve to quit his job as a history teacher and join him to start their own business. Both were too young to realize the risk, and dove in with no Plan B. As Chief Sales Officer, Steve handles the front end of the business – sales, marketing, and customer acquisition. A large percentage of Nitor Laser’s new business comes from trade shows and word-ofmouth. Todd is the Chief Operations

Operator and has a background in mechanical engineering. He worked for United Technologies prior to launching Nitor Laser. Both men are 20-plus year veterans of the 104th Fighter Wing, where Todd was a crew chief and Steve worked in munitions (AMMO). The parallel between their current business and their roles in the Guard relates to precision. “There was no room for error there. We lived by tech data – you could not deviate from the process whatsoever, because there were planes and lives at risk,” says Steve.

Nitor Laser is going through an ISO certification process now, which provides instant credibility among potential customers. With this certification (ISO 9001 &13485), “We have a stringent quality system in place, and it means that we say what we do, do what we say,” says Steve. “There is no room for error. If you mess up, you’re decertified and can no longer perform work for that company.”

We have a stringent quality system in place, and it means that we say what we do, do what we say.

laser etching

Steve & Todd Phillips

custom work

Nitor Laser

Dr. Lisa B. Emirzian

Dr. Alissa B. Mariano

FABZ WELD & DESIGN

Art with Heat and High Voltage

ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW AND GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Fabiani, founder of Fabz Weld & Design, is sewing with fire and cutting with high voltage here in the heart of Westfield. Specializing in CNC plasma cutting, Fabiani creates signage for homes and businesses, functional and ornamental steel fabrications, and handcrafted metal repair work.

Michael has his back against the grindstone for over 15 years and counting. His long standing history as a structural welder for a raising gang sets a solid and impressive foundation for his skill. Having started the trade in school and a successful member of the union, he is a well-known and hard-working ironworker who has tenure erecting buildings for Local 7 of Boston, MA.

The sky’s the limit, and if you can dream it - Mike Fabiani can design it. This includes home and interior decor like address signs, garden posts, and sports memorabilia. Other cherished creations commemorate career-focused and industry designs, as well as a salute to our military, police, firefighters, and first-responders. You can see his work exalted at businesses around town: a mountain range glistening with natural patina and stainless steel letters showcase Skyline Beer Co.; En3rgy Up Organic Juices & More flashes a cut-out with neon-colored branding in the front window; Whip City Animal Sanctuary warmly welcomes visitors with two friendly signs for the farm.

His work ranges from signage to steel fabrications which means clients can customize their home or office from the furniture to the decor and more. Past clients have requested clothing racks while Steel Vault CrossFit is renovated with sturdy, ornamental handrails inside. Another popular product is firepits, but his expanding

Michael Fabiani

Mike’s personality is like lightning, striking energy and passion into every person and project he touches.

scope of work also includes flatbeds and truck bumpers. Fabz Weld & Design completes repair work on heavy equipment used in businesses both inside and out. He services trailers, landscaping equipment, skid steers, and plows as well as appliances and equipment for restaurants or kitchens. Thanks to his ingenuity, high caliber tools, and proficiency in tig, mig, and stick welding - Fabz Weld & Design is rated with top-tier precision. He operates with an array of material like steel, stainless, aluminum, LED lighting, and a blend of paint finishes and stain techniques.

Mike Fabiani isn’t just known for working with his hands. He has a heart of gold, too. Father of two, coach of many, and a friend to countless others - Mike’s personality is like lightning, striking energy and passion into every project and person he touches. His son, Gavin, is a student at Westfield Technical for electrical and is enlivened with the same drive as his dad. His daughter, Kaylee, is a seasoned equestrian who attends Southwick and competes in softball for the Westfield Little League - 12U where Mike continues to coach for the second year.

Mike leads those around him to keep their craft alive, care for others, and have fun while doing it.

To get your sparks flying and submit a design request, contact Michael at Fabz Weld & Design by phone or online.

Fabz Weld & Design (860) 916-8858 Fabzweldndesigns@gmail.com Facebook.com/FabzWeldnDesign

Countertops and full wall splash in the beautiful Cambria-Nevern!

THESE RACES ARE WILD

ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF DEFEO - J81 STUDIOS

The Westfield River Wildwater Races began in the winter of 1953 as a challenge among friends. As they told tales of their canoeing skills while sitting around the bar at the Whippernon Club in Russell, Dick Waterhouse, the club owner challenged the friends to a race down the Westfield River on the first Sunday in April.

The prize? A case of beer.

When the owner of the Wildcat Springs Restaurant on the river in Chester, caught wind of the challenge, he added another case of beer to the prize.

The course of the race was determined – it would start at one bar and end at the other.

The race is now the oldest consecutively run wildwater race in the United States. Many elements of the race have changed over the years, but the tradition continues.

The race evolved in the 1970s under Merritt Andrews. Jeff DeFeo and the late Jurgen Igel took over in 1983, and that year they began holding race clinics in the weeks before the race. Jeff continued to organize the race until 2012.

A

Westfield Tradition Continues with Jeff Defeo

He’s even taken some brave reporters on the course, and in 1993, he hosted the American Canoe Association National Championships on the Westfield River – an experience Jeff considers one of the highlights of his racing career.

If anyone knows the race, it’s Jeff. Next year will mark his 50th race. Jeff was in high school when he and a friend entered the race for the first time.

The race was still being held the first weekend in April, and he recalls that there was still snow on the river.

He hasn’t missed a race since and holds the distinction of being the longest-running racer.

“I’ll race as long as I can. They’ll have to drag me out of the boat,” he said.

“I’ll race as long as I can. They’ll have to drag me out of the boat.”

Mens Health

Superfoods to Fight Prostate Cancer

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER GIFFUNE, RDN

In 2024, it is predicted that there will be over 299,000 newly diagnosed cases of Prostate Cancer. Most men are diagnosed around 67. It is uncommon for men under 45 to get Prostate Cancer. 1 in 8 men will develop Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. Prostate Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer for men in the US.

There are known risk factors for Prostate Cancer - being over age 50, being African American, and having multiple men in the family with Prostate Cancer. There are some risk factors that need more research to link them to Prostate Cancer- exposure to arsenic, Agent Orange, Fire Fighter chemicals, dairy and obesity. Inflammation, STD’s and vasectomy may be risk factors, but much more research is needed. Smoking has not been linked to increased risk of prostate cancer, but once diagnosed, it increases your risk of dying.

There are steps everyone can take to lower the risk of all cancers, such as:

• Choose at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruit daily that are deep, rich colors

• Have whole grains

• Pick heart healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, olive oil & avocado

• Keep alcohol daily to 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men

• Limit red meat

• Cut down on highly processed foods such as pepperoni, bacon, hot dogs, sugar sweetened cereals/treats & ready-to-eat meals

• Avoid sugar sweetened drinks & energy drinks There are promising foods to add to your plate to lower the risk of Prostate Cancer because they contain phytochemicals which are naturally existing plant-based chemicals that protect cells. Daily add some of these superfoods to the menu-

• Fish: Anchovy, haddock, mackerel, salmon, sardine, trout & white albacore tuna

• Fruit: Guava, watermelon, papaya, persimmon, pomegranate, grapefruit & mango

• Drinks: Green Tea

• Legumes: beans, chickpeas & lentils

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Soybeans

• Veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, red bell peppers, red cabbage, tomato juice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sundried tomatoes, turnip & watercress There is no strategy that absolutely prevents Prostate Cancer. We do know that lifestyle and nutritional changes have been shown to make a difference. So serve up some nutrient rich foods regularly to lower your risk of Prostate Cancer. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Jennifer at (413) 579-5450 or at jenthedietitian.com.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

Harvest & Rust- Neil Young Experience with Sage King

The Barn @ Westfield River Brewing Co. 707 College Hwy, Southwick, MA | 6:00 PM

It’s hard to represent the wide-array of Neil Young’s influential material in one show, but that’s exactly what the band HARVEST & RUST does. Based in Western Massachusetts, HARVEST & RUST often augment their show with other well-known local musicians to reproduce every era of Neil Young’s music.

JUNE 1ST

Whip City BrewFest 2024

9 Central St. Westfield, MA | 12:00 PM

The 6th Annual Whip City Brewfest features unlimited beer tastings from local craft breweries, vendors, food trucks, live music, raffles, and more. All proceeds benefit Amelia Park Children's Museum, to help operate and maintain our facilities in Westfield and continue to bring fresh exhibits and programs to the young children of our community.

JUNE 2ND

The

Eagles Experience

Stanley Park, Westfield | 6:00 PM

THE EAGLES EXPERIENCE is the most authentic tribute show to The Eagles on the road today. Every member of THE EAGLES EXPERIENCE is dedicated to presenting their part as accurately as possible. Performance begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Beveridge Pavilion and is free! Chairs provided and food will be available from The Bubble Mug Cafe at Pottery Cellar.

JUNE 7TH

Food Truck Fridays w/Cousins Maine Lobster

Great Awakenings Brewing Co. 77 Mill St. Westfield, MA | 4:00 PM

We're excited to welcome Cousins Maine Lobster to our Riverside Outdoor Beer Garden! They'll be serving up a delicious selection of seafood fare, and our Great Awakening Team will be serving cold beers in accompany! * Great Awakening will feature a limited food menu for this event www.greatawakeningbrewing.com for ticket registration.

JUNE 8TH & 9TH

Early Bird Old Tyme Baseball Festival

Hilltop Farm in Suffield, CT

Watch your Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club bring history back to the modern era.  Visit www.hilltopfarmssuffield.org/events for exact times and more information.

JUNE 9TH

BIG BOOZY Book Fair

ShortStop Bar & Grill - 99 Springfield Rd. Westfield, MA | 12:00 PM

We're hosting our biggest grown-up book fair yet! Sip and shop indoors with 15 authors and bookish vendors! We'll have new & pre-owned books, blind date with a book selection, signed books, and bookish gifts. Full Bar and Menu available!

To open an account or apply for a loan with PNCU, you must become a member. Membership is attained by opening a deposit account and is open to: Individuals of all nationalities, who live, work or attend school in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties in the state of Massachusetts and Hartford, Litchfield and Tolland Counties in the state of Connecticut. To qualify for a PNCU Perks Checking account, at least one Direct Deposit to or automatic ACH transaction from a PNCU Perks Checking account is required per statement cycle. If the PNCU Perks Checking account does not meet the monthly qualifications within three (3) consecutive statement cycles the account will be converted to a Cost Less NOW account.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

RAY RAY’S CAFE

WESTFIELDS NEWEST DINING GEM

Welcome to the newest gem in Westfield, MA – Ray Ray’s Cafe! If you're craving mouthwatering sandwiches, this is the place to be. Picture this: I sank my teeth into their Hot Chicken sandwich, and oh boy, it was a flavor explosion! Imagine crispy buttermilk fried chicken, with a kick of cayenne and brown sugar oil, topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy pickles, all smothered in a creamy aioli sauce. Each bite was like a party in my mouth! Ray Ray’s isn't just about great food; it's about the experience. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make it the perfect spot to unwind with friends or grab a quick bite. So, if you're in the mood for some serious sandwich satisfaction, head on over to Ray Ray’s Cafe – your taste buds will thank you!

Location: 2-3 Main Street, Westfield MA 01085

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