The LADIES Issue
SHOPPING SHOPPING THERAPY
HOME + DESIGN
LOVING YOUR LAWN
EDUCATION WRITE WITH EASE
HEALTH + WELLNESS
LIVING HEALTHY
Moms, Wives, Sisters and Daughters...
Our appreciation for you knows no bounds. In this issue we will focus on the strong, caring, inspiring women of our community. So, I'll be honest here, these are hard to write and not sound cliche. I am a Mommas Boy at heart, and I try to bring that mindset into the way I treat my wife and my twin girls. Showing them I care, helping them through any possible struggles, all that stuff makes me feel like I am at least somewhat showing them the appreciation they deserve.
My mother, for literally as long as I can remember, has been the most patient, caring, loving woman I know. She always greets me with a huge smile and a hug, which can brighten even my darkest of days. My wife is my even keel, my perspective, and my steadiness. I know I will always get a straight answer, whether I like it or not. Sometimes she even humors me and laughs at my super cool jokes. My daughters... ooof... my daughters. Those two keep me on my toes. They are absolutely hilarious, very intelligent, and are my motivation to succeed in a difficult world.
As the years go by, people change, men and women change. We advance, we create, we adapt. From sculpting your own landscape, to educating, outfitting and just overall caring, women in our area deserve all the accolades one can imagine. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU ALL.
I would like to dedicate this issue to Sara Norberg, mother to our own writer and GWCC Executive Director, Amanda Waterfield. Sara was recently called from this world to the next, but her presence is felt every day through the blessing of her daughter Amanda and her two siblings Kristin and Lance.
Take this time to recognize the women in your life. Let them know they are seen, they are heard, and they are valued. As always, I hope you enjoy Westfield City Lifestyle, and you have a wonderful start to your Spring/Summer season. Cheers,
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maureen Sullivan, Virginia Maldonado, Wade Rivest, Jennifer Giffune
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
j81 Studios, Willow & Grace Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
There are wonderful things happening in Westfield each and every day. We’re excited to highlight some of these powerful stories with you.
Website + Design by Bright Cloud Studio
inside the issue
Let’s work together to build a succession planning strategy for your business. From the most established partner to the next generation of talent, MBK works 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: try on the perfect "fit" at Be Bella 2: best day ever with Dakin 3: attention to detail and planning with Eric from Kitchens Direct 4: Milly Potter (L) and the team from CMG Home Loans on the road in TN 5: Savvy Source ribbon cutting at Barnes Airport 6: Brass Attack rocking the house at Shaker Farms CC 7: Karen Kopeski of Today Real Estate is one of the areas "Go-To's"!
WILLOW & GRACE SAVVY
business monthly
Virginia Maldonado
Virginia Maldonado is no stranger to the ins and outs of Westfield City Lifestyle. Known for her ability to paint a vivid picture in the minds of the reader, Virginia is as expressive of a writer as one could hope for when bringing their business to life. Outside of writing, Virginia is a realtor, a lender, as well as a bartender at Bar Shoppe in Southwick. Busy is a way of life in Virginias world.
Maureen Sullivan
Maureen founded "Maureen Sullivan Media" in 2014 to connect her passion for writing and creating content, as well as plan memorable events to help local businesses create and build their brands. Maureen is our go-to writer for all things style and grace. Her ability to connect with business owners on a personal level help make the interview process not only enjoyable, but something they look forward to doing again in the future.
Amanda Waterfield
When you think about the Westfield business, you have to think about Amanda Waterfield. With a focus on the future of your business, Amanda is the perfect person to write your article within Westfield City Lifestyle. The ability to network, shape referral circles, as well as articulate that on paper, gives Amanda a skillset that is invaluable to the local community. If you own a local business and have not met Amanda, let us know.
www.masciadrelliandsonheatingandaircondinc.com
Tynic Landscaping
Painting Your Yard into the Perfect Picture
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYNIC LANDSCAPING & J81 STUDIOS
exotic styles
Hydrangeas bloom into soft pastels. Verdant boxwood bushes and towering arborvitaes add privacy and form. A showcase of plants and foliage unfold in curated designs. Even on a rainy day, Scott Lamon – sole proprietor of Tynic Landscaping, Inc. – is crafting your dream outdoor space.
Tynic Landscaping takes pride in every bloom and blade as a master residential and commercial landscaping company. This includes design, installation, and maintenance, as well as lighting and elements with stone or water.
Scott Lamon, owner, is deep rooted in the field with an Associates in Turfgrass Management from UMass Amherst School of Stockbridge Agriculture. The name itself is born from uniting his two oldest sons’ names – Tyler and Nicholas – and with nearly two decades of proven experience (founded in May 2007) the business thrives as a pillar across Southwick, Westfield, and the Pioneer Valley.
Are you a business owner needing consistent groundskeeping or a homeowner wanting a refreshed yard? Tynic strikes the perfect balance for both residential and commercial properties. From routine mowing and pruning to complete garden overhauls, Tynic offers tailored solutions. Yearly service bundles allow property owners to ‘set it and forget it,’ enjoying year-round color and texture through a mix of stones, boulders, perennials, and deciduous plants. Tynic works closely with clients to blend their personal vision with realistic possibilities, creating landscapes that are both beautiful and practical.
retaining walls
perfectly lined lawns
But the collaboration doesn’t stop there. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or are an avid greenthumb gardener, Scott and his team design a plan to match your level of involvement. Tynic empowers owners with best practices to keep their space flourishing. From watering techniques to seasonal pruning tips, Tynic ensures your landscape remains healthy.
The most common mistake made? Deferred maintenance. It’s not always a walk in the park as owners eventually fall behind on outdoor care. Landscaping can be more arduous than assumed, but Tynic does the legwork year-round for you. Spring cleanup, pruning, summer mowing, fall leaf pick-up, and preparing grounds for winter all save owners stress from property maintenance and instead reward them with pride and peace of mind.
Two of Scott’s favorite elements to add are light and water. An exotic koi pond comes to mind, but Scott shares a next-to-no-maintenance secret – the pondless waterfall. Onlookers delight in the same benefits of a babbling stream cascading over stone only to seemingly disappear and then recirculate, but with less daily hassle. Landscape lighting is also gaining ground. Not only does it function for security, but it sets the mood. Sensored lights or a well-lit walkway deters intruders while a honeyed glow gives a cozy feel to welcome friends and family.
Scott Lamon is a steward of nature, flora, and foliage – but he is a fisher of men, too. His leadership has cultivated a company culture rooted in trust, integrity, and community. Tynic Landscaping’s core values — continuous education, personal development, clear communication, consistency, care, and drive — are sewn in every project. Scott’s emphasis on mentorship empowers his team to grow both personally and professionally. This dedication has helped Tynic build long-standing relationships with national networks, local nurseries, and suppliers, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a reliable name.
For those seeking visual inspiration before breaking ground, Tynic offers 3D rendering services — giving clients a detailed preview of their picture-perfect space before the first shovel hits the soil.
Tynic Landscaping also nourishes customer service by using modern tools that make communication simple and effective. Through text messaging and a dedicated client portal, customers can easily connect with their assigned department manager. For those seeking visual inspiration before breaking ground, Tynic offers 3D rendering services — giving clients a detailed preview of their picture-perfect space before the first shovel hits the soil.
An easy way to instantly boost curb appeal? Add a pop of color with annuals from a local nursery or farm! May is prime time for planning so you can map it out and execute before June. For others, it’s called yardwork. For Scott Lamon of Tynic Landscaping, it’s a labor of love.
Contact
Tynic Landscaping Inc. (413) 569-9633 Tyniclandscaping.com www.facebook.com/tyniclandscaping www.instagram.com/tynic.landscaping
custom stairs and mulch
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KATE SENECAL
ARTICLE BY WADE RIVEST
PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
BRINGING THE ART OF WRITING TO WESTERN MASS
For over 15 years, local teacher Kate Senecal has been taking her passion for writing and passing her skills along to her students. After a stint at Clark University and HCC, Kate decided she needed something more. She needed a better way to connect with her students in order for them to hone their skills and truly develop their craft of writing. Kate brings an amazing wealth of experience and uses that to encourage writers of all genres and skills to realize their full potential.
As an aspiring author myself, I had the opportunity to sit down with Kate and get a first-hand, comprehensive breakdown of what she feels are her 4 steps for a prospective writer/author to know and follow in order to be successful.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE:
BRAINSTORMING:
Ideas written in a “low stakes” way help you spend time writing to yourself, building a story, and simply get “stuff” on a page. A good suggestion is to read similar things to your brainstorming ideas in order to get a sense of how your particular genre of book may work.
It is important to develop habits in order to improve at pretty much everything. Akin to weightlifting over time to get your muscles stronger, having a steady routine that helps you write with structure can help you organize ideas and avoid “writers block.”
START DRAFTS:
02 03 04
FIND A GROUP OR A COACH:
This can be a great time to trade writings with someone, allowing both of you to not only make suggestions, but also to figure out how each of your writing made the other person feel. Writing should invoke some type of emotion, from happy to sad to laughing, these are the ways we connect on a personal level to our readers. Groups or coaches are also great ways to avoid possible feelings of boredom while you write.
Drafts are what start the process of taking your notes and brainstorming ideas, and giving them a beginning, middle and end… basically turning thoughts into a story. This is where you can begin the focus on doing some editing, making cuts and improvements, and adding fine details to paint a clearer picture. This is the part of the process where we fill gaps and really glue together the entire creative process. During this phase, you may even be inclined to start looking into publishers.
Kate Senecal
Making the choice to start writing can be rather intimidating. Putting yourself out there on paper for the world to see can seem like an impossible journey, one that requires more skill and courage than imaginable. If you feel the “itch” to write, get a hold of Kate and let her
introduce you to a world of opening your mind and imagination, and letting your creative self take over. Writing can be fictitious, fact based, sad, happy, funny or poetic. Whatever style fits you, I highly recommend taking the leap. For more information, visit www.katesenecal.com
Struggling to enjoy writing? Shift your mindset - ditch perfection, embrace the mess! Set small goals, write freely, and celebrate progress. Treat writing like play, not work. The more you write without pressure, the more fun and rewarding it becomes.
Don't hide from your creativity
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Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction. Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a
THE fashion journey OF BE BELLA
Bethany Strzempko Liquori started her fashion journey in 2020, by hitting the road with the Be Bella mobile boutique, traveling through Massachusetts and Connecticut, all the while picking up loyal customers.
Other female business owners began inviting Bethany to bring the Be Bella truck to their businesses. “That’s how I got started and became successful,” Bethany says.
The mobile boutique was a unique concept that allowed Bethany to bring her carefully curated fashion selections directly to her customers at private parties, festivals and pop ups.
As Bethany traveled from one location to another, she built strong relationships with her customers. She took the time to understand their individual styles and preferences, offering personalized recommendations and styling tips. This level of customer service created a sense of trust and loyalty among her clientele.
Many customers “dress head-to-toe” in Be Bella, says Bethany, and many of them have requests for certain styles. In fact, when Bethany goes to trade shows to shop for the coming season, she often has her customers’ tastes in mind.
While she loved the experience of bringing fashion on the road and outfitting women looking for unique style, Bethany found that most events were on nights and weekends. As the mom of six,
From Mobile Boutique to Unique Boutique
ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW AND GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
including four boys, all of whom were playing soccer at the time, she did not want to miss their games. She knew if Be Bella was a brick-and-mortar store, she could hire employees and then be able to work her schedule around the boys’ soccer games.
In 2021, she found the perfect location on School Street in Westfield, and as the world emerged from the pandemic, the business took off. “We were so busy, we could not keep things in stock,” Bethany recalls.
She wanted the store to have the same vibe as the truck, but in a bigger space. Bethany created what she calls “a cool vibe with a good feeling.” She says visiting the store is about more than just shopping. “It has to be an experience,” she adds.
Just when business was booming and customers were coming to Be Bella for everything from athleisure wear to maxi dresses for wedding and special occasions, Bethany’s Westfield home was destroyed by a fire that started in an electric baseboard heater in the basement. Everything was lost, including the family’s two dogs, leaving the family homeless.
With the support of family, friends, and customers, Bethany remained the smiling face of Be Bella. She continued to model outfits in Facebook posts that drew comments from customers who wanted one in their size. After living in a trailer in her backyard for more than a year, the house is almost ready for Bethany and her family to move back in.
The fire, says Bethany, gave her a different perspective on life. She thought about what was truly important and forgot about her diamond bracelet and rings because her kid’s kindergarten papers and their Mother’s Day cards to her were what mattered. The fire burned the entire basement but did not touch bins with family photos. The rest of the house was damaged by smoke.
With the prospect of moving into her house again, and spring upon us, Bethany is excited about a fresh start, the colorful clothing and accessories in stock at Be Bella as well as the boutique’s expansion into space next door.
The new space has room for more merchandise and includes an area with a display of permanent jewelry. It also allows Bethany to host permanent jewelry events as well as other events.
If you’re ready to welcome spring with a new outfit, you’ll find sundresses, maxi dresses, floral prints, and jeans of all styles – especially wide leg jeans, tennis sneakers, and even cowboy boots.
“Cowboy boots are super in. People love the Nashville vibe, especially for girls’ trips,” Bethany says. What else is in for spring and summer? “I feel like everything is in,” Bethany notes.
Be Bella Boutique
34 School Street
Westfield 413-278-3856
Bebellaboutique.com
Challenges are inevitable, but they don't define you - your response does. Adapt, persist, and turn setbacks into steppingstones. Whether in business or life, resilience and determination will push you forward. The key? Learn, adjust, and never stop moving.
HEALTHY LIVING
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER GIFFUNE, RDN
Is an Anti-inflammatory Diet Worth It?
Inflammation shows that the body has a healthy defense system, but it is meant to be temporary. It is the way the body fights off viruses, bacteria and infections. However, long term inflammation is a problem as the body starts to damage healthy cells. This is the case in autoimmune diseases such as lupus, type 1 Diabetes and Crohn’s disease. If the inflammation continues, it can lead to chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Heart Disease, Fatty Liver, Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer. Following an anti-inflammatory diet decreases inflammation and lowers the risk of disease. There is not one miracle food that will lower inflammation. Rather, you need a daily intake of foods chock full of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (naturally existing plant chemicals). Everyday work to fill your plate with a hefty dose of nutrient dense foods.
Below is a list of foods that are anti-inflammatory and can easily be added to your day. Chocolate - 70% or higher dark chocolate Dairy - Greek Yogurt - Kefir
Fatty Fish - Anchovies - Herring - Mackerel - Salmon - Sardines - Trout - White Albacore Tuna Fruit - Apple - Bananas - Berries - Cantaloupe - Cherries - Coconut - Red grapes - GrapefruitKiwi - Lemon - Lime - Mango - Oranges - Papaya
Grains - Brown Rice - Oats - Quinoa - Whole Grains - Sourdough
Spices - Anise - Curry - Fennel - Garlic - Ginger - Rosemary - Turmeric
Legumes - Dried Peas & beans, lentils - Peanuts
Nuts - Almonds - Hazelnuts - Pecans - Pistachios - Walnuts
Oils - Avocado, flaxseed & olive Oil
Protein - Bone Broth - Eggs
Seeds - Chia, flax, pumpkin, sesame & sunflower seeds
Soy Products - Edamame - Miso - Tofu
Tea - Black, Ginger, Green, Matcha & White Tea - Kombucha
Vegetables - Avocados - Beets - Broccoli - Butternut Squash - Carrots - Cauliflower - Collards - Kale - Eggplant - Kimchi - Potatoes - Red Bell PeppersSauerkraut - Shitake Mushrooms - Spinach - Tomatoes
Beware that there are foods that can promote inflammation. The general rule of thumb is to have as little of these foods as possible. Foods that work against you are highly processed meats, red meat, white refined flour products, sugar and high fructose corn syrup sweetened items. There is not one food that can lower your inflammation. Working to add foods known to be anti-inflammatory and limiting those that promote inflammation may make a difference. Change is a hard process that takes time, but in the end, you may feel better and have lowered your risk of disease. For more information, contact Jennifer. She sees clients in-person or by phone or video. To make an appointment call (413) 579 – 5450 or by email at jen@jenthedietitian.com
APRIL 26TH
Rowe County Band at "The Garage"
events
The Garage at Short Stop Bar & Grill - 99 Springfield Rd. Westfield | 8:00 PM
Bring your dancing shoes/boots! Boot stomping Country hits you can dance to with a twist of your Classic Rock favorites all night long!
APRIL 26TH
Kill Lincoln / Hell Beach / The Prozacs
Hutghi’s at the Nook - 8 Franklin St, Westfield | 6:00 PM
Stay Whelmed Productions presents: KILL LINCOLN - Washington DC Ska Punk, HELL BEACH - Manchester NH Pop Rock, THE PROZACS - Western Mass Punk Rock
MAY 3RD
Whimsical Fairy Walk
Stanley Park Wildflower Garden - 286 Western Ave, Westfield | 10:00 AM
Come explore the enchanting Woodland Wildflower Garden in Stanley Park, where charming fairy houses will add a touch of magic to your journey, leading you to our beloved Enchanted Oak Tree.
MAY 10TH
Touch-a-Truck
Roots Athletic Center - 181 Root Rd, Westfield | 11:00 AM
Join us at Roots Athletic Center for our first-ever Touch-A-Truck event! This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and gives kids and adults the exciting opportunity to get up close to a variety of trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and more. Climb inside, honk the horns, and meet the heroes who operate them.
MAY 17TH
Sarah the Fiddler
Westfield Athenaeum - 6 Elm St, Westfield | 3:00 PM
The moment her bow touches the strings, Sarah's passion for music is evident. Combining her influences of Old-Time, Irish, World and Classical music, Sarah takes her audiences on a musical journey from old-time sing-alongs to lively polkas and rousing reels. registration is required at: https://westath.libcal.com/event/12983101
MAY 17TH
Westfield Aviation Museum Lobby Grand Opening
Westfield Aviation Museum - 111 Airport Rd. Westfield | 10:00 AM
Join us on May 17th from 10:00am -2:00pm where we’ll have static display aircraft, food, and fun! Check out our new lobby featuring the history of Barnes-Westfield Regional Airport and the MA Air and Army Guard!
DIY DAY
INSPIRATION FOR A MOTHER/ DAUGHTER DIY DAY
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
WITH MOM
An afternoon spent together is priceless with today’s busy schedules. Instead of going out, staying in can provide quaint, quiet one-on-one time for a mother and daughter (or multiple daughters). Finding time on calendars is the hard part, and filling that time is all fun from there. Here are a few favorite ideas for inspiration that may spark excitement for planning those special times together.
01 Charm Necklaces
Custom DIY charm necklaces and bracelets are trending. Gather a theme idea: birthstones, family initials, travels or even favorite hobbies, and procure charms from your local craft store or online shop. Selecting charms for each other also could be a fun way to bring delight to the crafting occasion. Necklaces and bracelets can be made for each other, or as future gifts for upcoming occasions such as a family wedding, a birthday milestone or an anniversary.
02 Interview Journaling
Storytelling makes for the best memories. Structure memory recall by filming or journaling interview-style question-and-answer sessions, cataloging information for future generations. Videos and notes with detailed family adventures are priceless, and we all always wish we had more of them.
03 Meal Prep
Text conversations around kitchen tips or ingredient procurement seem endless. Spend some time together in the kitchen preparing favorite family recipes, sharing Mom’s best tips and tricks. Choosing freezer-friendly meals is a great way to walk away with meals for upcoming busy days. There’s nothing like Mom’s recipes!
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
