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Celebrating the Season

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December 2023 PUBLISHER

Bobbi Jo Girroir | bobbijo.girroir@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Anderson | sara.anderson@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Magic of the Season The holidays are here, and in the spirit of the season, we often seek to replicate what made it feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for ourselves or our own families many times mirror some of what we experienced as a child—whether it’s the scents, sights, sounds, or activities—or a combination of all the nuances that evoke the season for us. My Grandma Kay wore her best perfume for holiday dinner, and the house smelled of homemade bread, dinner, and all the fixings—my favorite family dinner on Mom’s side of the family. Then we’d take a ride that helped settle our bellies to get to my Grandma Ruth’s farm for desserts and Dad’s side of the family. Since Dad was one of 11 children, we had lots of family to see! Grandma Ruth was a foster parent for many years, so our holidays were often spent with new faces around the table. I invited the foster children to learn my tradition: how many barn cats I could tame by holding them, and I was good at it! This month, we highlight the magic of the season and what our area has to offer that spreads holiday cheer, entertainment, and ways to give back. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be lonely for others. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community who are alone or need assistance. My hope is that you experience love and peace, and that we all remember to take care of each other, extending grace, empathy, and caring. Stay well, stay blessed.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Springfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Springfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Healthy Strategies for Holiday Stress

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Mental Wellbeing WELLNES S

Family Care LI FE + C U LT U R E

Expert Help B EAU T Y

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Must See A RTS + C U LT U R E

Agawam counselors offer tips to help you through the season

16 The House That Love Built

Ronald McDonald House offers a home away from home for families

22 Holiday Makeup Glam

A makeup artist’s tips to achieve the perfect glow for holiday season events

26 Bubbly Cocktails This Party Season! Add champagne or sparkling wine to holiday drinks for a festive flare

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

BOONDOCKS & BLOSSOM

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER

THANK ME LATER NUTRITION

1: Boondocks & Blossom’s sign party attendees at Feeding Hill’s Casa di Lisa made stunning signs. 2: Max on Mondays and East of the River, West of the River, and Springfield Chambers. 3: Feeding Hills’ Thank Me Later Nutrition brought healthy treats to Agawam Early Childhood Center staff.

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C I T Y SC E N E

DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Berkshire Hathaway Recognized as one of RealTrends Nation’s Best

Baystate Pension Decision Comes in Early 2024

Homestead Funding Corp. Opens New West Springfield Office

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals, headed by broker-owner Robert Molta, was recognized as one of RealTrends Nation’s Best. RealTrends identifies the country’s most successful residential real estate brokerages, based on sales volume and transactions. The RealTrends ranking represents the top half of one percent of all brokerages in the United States. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals also has a 98% customer satisfaction rating.

The old Baystate Health Retirement Program has terminated (pending approval) and is required to distribute all benefits. If you received a Notice of Plan Benefits letter and don’t know which payout option to select, the advisors of Trailhead Financial, LLC of Agawam (413.372.5991) can evaluate all options and help you make the best decision for your future. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Carrie Hamel, licensed loan originator, is the branch manager of the new Homestead Funding Corp. office at 459 Riverdale St., West Springfield. Homestead Funding is a multi-state licensed mortgage lender since 1995, with branches throughout the eastern U.S. The company has originated billions of dollars in residential mortgage loans and maintained a reputation of exceptional service, honesty, integrity, and financial reliability. Carrie can be reached at 413.896.6305 or chamel@homesteadfunding.com.

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DECEMBER 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

’Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights, and celebrating the holiday season. Get into the holiday spirit with our picks for local holiday happenings for all ages, and rejoice in the joy and festive spirit around the area!

Our Picks for Holiday Happenings MGM SPR INGFIELD: Skate at the ice rink on the Plaza at MGM Springfield,

an amazing outdoor entertainment district fully decorated for a stunning holiday experience. 1441 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103 LOOK PAR K: View the gorgeous Winter Wonderland light display while riding Santa’s Train. Outdoor holiday market and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, too! 300 North Main St., Florence, Massachusetts 01062 SPR INGFIELD SCIENCE MUSEUM: Step into a Dr. Seuss book in this whimsical holiday gingerbread exhibit. Enjoy classic stories, characters created out of gingerbread, and festive decorations! 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA 01103 OLD STOR R OWTON TAVER N: Yuletide at Storrowton features tours, workshops, and lantern light experiences. Celebrate with Yuletide activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, entertainment, and shopping in the historic Village. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089 SUPPER WITH SANTA, BR IGHT NIGHTS AT FOR EST PAR K: Dine with Santa at the Barney Carriage House on December 3, 8, and 10. Kid-friendly dinner/dessert and gift for every child! Tickets and reservations required. 300 Sumner Ave., Springfield, Massachusetts 01108

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ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK

Healthy Strategies for Holiday Stress AGAWAM COUNSELORS OFFER TIPS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE SEASON

For many, the holidays are a time of tremendous joy and getting together with family and friends. However, for some the holidays can be a time of anxiety and stress. Managing these emotions can be difficult, but there are healthy ways to cope with less-than-ideal situations. Creating positive boundaries around attending holiday events can go a long way toward making the holidays less stressful. “Give yourself permission not to attend a gathering if someone who disrupts your equilibrium will be there,” says Sarah Gordon, LICSW and outpatient therapist at Agawam Counseling Center. Although attending may be challenging, some may choose to do so because they want to see someone who will be there, or to continue with their traditions and celebrations despite those challenges. “Boundaries are about your behavior, what you will or will not do,” explains Sarah. She suggests being clear with other people about what will not be tolerated. “For instance, say ‘If you bring up a specific event or a touchy topic, I will leave.’” CONTINUED >

M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | W E LLNE S S

Sarah Gordon (left) and Sandi Sherry-Pitzer (right). Photo by Karen Slack Photography.

“If you h a ve a cce s s t o a th e ra pi st or t r u st ed m e nt or, it ca n be h el pf u l t o d e vel o p a pl a n w ith th e m th a t a ccou nt s for th e fa ct ors th a t you r fa m i ly a n d f r i e n d s b r i ng t o th e h ol i d ay t a bl e .”

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If the struggle comes from relatives who offer parenting advice, Sarah suggests acknowledging that they’re trying to help, but being clear that it’s not needed. She recommends saying, “I am focused on learning to parent in the way that I feel is best for my children and family. If I want advice, I know I can go to you. Thank you for being available to me.” If family and friends don’t respond well to these boundaries, then Sarah suggests some exercises that can help people get through the event. “You can try taking a moment in a quiet room or stepping outside and breathing in for six counts and exhaling for eight counts,” she explains. “You can also try redirecting your focus onto the television, people you are excited to speak with, helping with the meal, interacting with the children, or changing the topic of conversation.” Grief can add another layer of stress to already trying times. Sandi Sherry-Pitzer, a mental health clinician and licensed social worker at Agawam Counseling Center, recommends an alternative event for those experiencing loss and who may not feel like celebrating. “December 21 is typically the day many Christian churches offer a low-key, peaceful evening service known as Blue Christmas,” explains Sandi. “People may share their thoughts and feelings, their grief or stress, in the company of others who are also feeling alone or misunderstood.” Several area churches offer this service, including Feeding Hills Congregational Church. Sarah strongly discourages using alcohol to cope because it often exacerbates a stressful situation. For those with access to a therapist, discussing these upcoming events with them to get personalized recommendations is important. “Because every situation and every individual is unique, if you have access to a therapist or trusted mentor, it might be helpful to develop a plan with their support that accounts for the factors that your family and friends bring to the holiday table,” explains Sarah. Learn more about Baystate Health Network’s services at bhninc.org or 413.301.9355.

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The House that Love Built Although bittersweet when families leave Ronald McDonald House, many keep in touch

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS LLC

Michelle D’Amore was sitting at her office desk one day when a mom who was visiting from the Dominican Republic plopped a plate of delicious homemade food in front of her. “Eat,” said the mom, who was staying at the Ronald McDonald House at 34 Chapin Terrace in Springfield while her child was receiving medical treatment nearby. Michelle accepted with gratitude. Michelle, the chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, admits that she has quite a few heartwarming stories to share from working at the organization. “We see a family whose story is different from the next family’s story,” she says. “Yet they are all similar in that they are all going through a medical crisis with a child.”

Next year Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) will turn 50, commemorating the first house built in Philadelphia to assist families in need whose children were hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment at a nearby hospital or medical facility. The organization’s website states that any family with a child under 21 years of age is eligible to stay at one of their houses. Families are asked to donate $15 per night for their stay, but are never turned away for an inability to contribute. RMHC has 185 homes in the United States and 385 homes internationally. The Springfield house, which partners with Baystate Medical Center and Shriners Children’s New England, was established in 1991. Families and children are welcome to stay for as long as their children are receiving active medical care. CONTINUED >

FAM ILY CA R E | L IFE + CULTURE

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FAM ILY CA R E | L IFE + CULTURE

Michelle says that families, who come from New England and beyond, have stayed one night or up to a year, depending on a child’s illness and treatment needs. In the houses, families have private guest rooms, some with private bathrooms, and common kitchen and dining areas, living rooms, and play areas for children. The spaces are decorated with a welcoming, homelike ambiance. Families can bring their own food, but fresh food items are always available. Bedding, linens, and free on-site laundry facilities are also included. The Springfield house has 20 guest rooms, plus a room that non-overnight families can reserve for up to three hours should they just need a shower or rest. “It is the house that love built,” Michelle says. “We’re proud of it and we have a great team. There are days we wish we could do more, but I consider it a blessing every day to do the work I do.” The organization does not provide clinical care; its houses offer a caring space for warm, comfortable respite. This is particularly significant since sitting bedside at a hospital with a child receiving medical treatment lacks the amenities and sense of home that Ronald McDonald House provides. “It’s been proven that children heal quicker when their families are with them,” Michelle explains. To help maintain such quality and care for families in their time of need, RMHC relies heavily on donations. This includes financial assistance, but also donated items such as fresh food, kitchen and household items, baby monitors, and first aid kits, among many other needs. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts holds seven annual fundraising events, three of which are run by the Springfield location. These include an annual gala in the spring and a golf tournament in the summer. Their most recent event was held last month with the Trees of Hope campaign. Community volunteers, including teens, are a valuable asset to the organization, performing functions from collecting pop tabs, hosting fundraisers, and giving their time in the office and kitchen. For more information about supporting Ronald McDonald House, visit rmhc-ctma.org or call 413.794.5683 (LOVE). CONTINUED >

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Home-like spaces abound at Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House offers plenty of nooks with toys and books.

FAM ILY CA R E | L IFE + CULTURE

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holiday makeup glam A MAKEUP ARTIST’S TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT GLOW FOR HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS

| IMAGE 1

ARTICLE BY BECCA MOYLAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACEE LEE PHOTOGRAPHY Do you have a work event coming up, or a holiday party perhaps? Now is the perfect time to add some spice to your everyday makeup routine. Makeup is an amazing way to express yourself and step out of your comfort zone. Not only can it make you feel confident, it can also enhance your personal style. There are no limits, and you can be as creative as you want!

EXP E RT H E LP | BEAU TY

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| IMAGE 2 | IMAGE 3 | IMAGE 1

Shimmer shadow adds pop and brightens up your eye look. Makeup By Mario “Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette,” $68, makeupbymario.com. | IMAGE 2

Put a twist on the bright red lip and deepen the tone, making a fiercer and more classic statement. MAC “Matte Lipstick,” in Whirl (shade), $23, maccosmetics.com. | IMAGE 3

Use a setting spray to lock it in place all day and night. Too Faced “Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer and Setting Spray,” $36, ulta.com. | IMAGE 4

The finished look!

CONTINUED >

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| IMAGE 5

Sparkles catch surrounding lights and make your eyes stand out. Add some colored glitter for extra fun! NYX “Vegan Loose Face and Body Glitter,” various colors, $6.50, ulta.com. | IMAGE 6

Becca Moylan, owner of Lucent Beauty. | ABOUT THE ARTIST

Happy holidays! I’m a traveling makeup artist and licensed eyelash technician. I provide makeup services for weddings, events, photoshoots, and more. For questions or bookings, please email me at lucentbeautyx@yahoo.com. To check out more of my work, visit my Instagram @lucentbeautyx.

EXP E RT H E LP | BEAU TY

Becca Moylan

| IMAGE 6

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CELEBRATE WITH

Bubbly Cocktails This Party Season! Add champagne or sparkling wine to holiday drinks for a festive flare

CHAMPAGNE JULEP INGREDIENTS Fresh mint leaves 1 sugar cube 1 tablespoon bourbon 5 ounces champagne

INSTRUCTIONS This is a variation of the classic mint julep and it’s served in some of the swanky cafes in Paris. In a champagne flute glass, muddle several mint leaves with the sugar cube and bourbon. Top with champagne. Garnish with a mint leaf and bourbon-soaked cherry.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

A few years back a friend gave me a small book of champagne cocktail recipes. I use it most often during the holidays because of how fun and festive these drinks are. Plus, they’re a lighter alternative to the usual heavy winter and holiday drinks many hosts serve. You don’t have to limit yourself to champagne in these recipes; prosecco or any kind of sparkling wine will do just as nicely. And you don’t need to spend a lot on your bubbly. A more expensive bottle of champagne will yield a drier cocktail, while less expensive ones tend to be sweeter.

STRAWBERRY SPARKLER INGREDIENTS Fresh strawberries (enough for a garnish and one ounce of puree) Simple syrup 4 ounces champagne INSTRUCTIONS While we normally think of summer when it comes to strawberry drinks, I like this at the holidays for its rich, red color. In a blender, combine the strawberries and a dash of simple syrup. Blend until frothy. Strain the puree and then add an ounce to a flute glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with a sprig each of thyme and rosemary.

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Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Tips for creating the perfect board: • Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first. • Be sure to have enough to fill the space. it is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more. • Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. • Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 30

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STS P R I N G F I E L D

DECEMBER 2023

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. D ECE M BE R 1 ST

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

NOR MAN R OCKWELL MUS EUM, 9 R O UT E 1 8 3, STO C K B R I DG E , MA | 9 :0 0 A M December 1–3, experience a magical New England setting offering holiday activities for the entire family, live performances, historic property tours, holiday markets, Winterlights, unique shops, and restaurants. On Sunday the town reenacts the spirit of Norman Rockwell’s famous holiday scene Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, complete with vintage automobiles. Call 413.298.5200 or visit stockbridgechamber.org/visit/stockbridge-mainstreet-at-christmas for ticket and events info. D EC E M BE R 9 T H

Springfield Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Jolly Holiday

SY MPHON Y HALL, 34 COURT ST., S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 4 :0 0 P M The “Sounds of the Season” features the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, American Idol star Michael Lynche, soulful R&B renditions of Christmas classics, beautiful Hanukkah melodies, Tchaikovsky’s orchestral magic, talented Springfield high school choral students, an audience sing-a-long, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Let the sounds of the season inspire joyous holidays! Call 413.733.2291 or visit springfieldsymphony.org/events/. D EC E M BE R 3 1 ST

Northampton First Night New Year’s Eve

DOW N TOWN N ORTHAMPTON , MA | 1 2:0 0 P M This twelve-hour, family-friendly festival culminates in a ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. Includes 20 terrific downtown venues for an astounding array of entertainment presented by hundreds of talented performers. Celebrate the cultural vibrancy of the community while sharing time with friends, neighbors, and visitors, and enjoy the fireworks display at 6:15 pm. Call 413.587.1269 or visit firstnightnorthampton.org.

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BOOK-LOVERS’ ROUNDUP Discover a selection of some of the year’s best books ARTICLE BY SARA ANDERSON

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1. The Covenant of Water, Abraham Verghese 2. Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver 3. Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano 4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, James McBride 5. The Wager, David Grann 6. Why We Love Baseball, Joe Posnanski

M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

ENJOY OUR EDITOR’S PICK FOR GREAT READS OF THE YEAR.

7. Holly, Stephen King 8. Tom Lake, Ann Patchett 9. Happiness Falls, Angie Kim 10. The Exchange, John Grisham 11. The Lost Bookshop, Evie Woods 12. To Infinity and Beyond, Neil Degrasse Tyson

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