A P R I L 2 02 1
ALSO SERVING SOUTHWICK
THE ECO ISSUE
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We moved—come see us at 99 Springfield Road in Westfield!
Real Estate Closings – Business Law – Wills & Trusts LLC & Corporation Formations Landlord/Tenant Matters – Personal Injury – Land Use & Zoning
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When Life Gets Legal SM WESTFIELD SPRINGFIELD AMHERST HADLEY NORTHAMPTON 413.781.0560 BACONWILSON.COM
LIFESTYLE LETTER
APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER
Candice Berube | candice.berube@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
"ECO" conscious in Westfield and Southwick! WESTFIELD LIFESTYLE IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY, AND A BIG PART OF THAT IS THE REGION WE CALL HOME. I think it's easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle of daily life, to stop and consider how we care about the environment in which we live. I know that many of us are aware of the need to preserve our natural resources, but what do we actively do to achieve those goals? April's ECO Issue highlights the local entities and businesses that make it their job
Madeline LeBlanc INTERN
Abigail Daley AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrea Bugbee, Sarah Rose Stack CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kat Kattler Photography, Hannah Josephine Photography
to spearhead this mission. Our hope is that you will learn a little something about how much work goes into this locally and, perhaps, you will see just how you can join in, too! Whether it's the Annual Westfield River Cleanup on April 24th that the Westfield River Watershed Advisory hosts, or it's organizing your own Earth Day Clean-up, there are plenty of ways to get involved. And, if you've ever enjoyed Billy C's honey, we think you'll be awfully interested in the impact New England Apiaries has on the local and national agricultural system! Lastly, please make sure you follow Westfield Lifestyle on FB and @westfield_lifestyle on Instagram. We are embarking on a pretty exciting time in Westfield Lifestyle. We
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
will host weekly drawings, request followers to tag their favorite businesses, and
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
offer opportunities for weekly submissions to be published. You won't want to miss
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
it! And, as always, we love to hear from you, so please reach out and make sure you
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
tag us in all your Westfield & Southwick revelry! #seeyouaroundtown
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Be well,
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Candice Berube, Publisher, 413-519-6752 ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
CityLifestyle.com/Westfield ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY 4
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Proverbs 3:5-6 Westfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westfield areas’ 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 Westfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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5
INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021
FEATURES 16 New England Apiaries and Billy C's Honey Providing more than honey to the community
22 Westfield River Watershed Protecting the Land
28 Do you work a side hustle? Tax planning in a Gig Economy
22 30
30 Benefits Of A Chemical-Free Home
28
16 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
12
Around Town
16
Our Town
28 Financial Buzz 30 Healthy Lifestyle 34 Lifestyle Calendar
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GOOD TIMES
Crossfit TLA 22 WOD to end Veteran Suicide Thank you to all those who joined us on February 22 and donated to help us raise $1100 to end Veteran suicide. Approximately 22 Veterans a day die by suicide, that is 1 every 65 minutes. We partnered with Official22wod.com. All proceeds raised will go to support the service animal assistance program and Honor & Courage programs through Operation Ward 57.
Artworks Westfield Weird Art Show 2021 Artworks Westfield hosted the Weird Art Show 2021 virtually on Facebook this year. Hundreds of entries were submitted by local residents to be voted as Best in Show, First Place, Second Place and Third Place. Visit the 2021 Weird Art Show group on Facebook to view the gallery.
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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
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GOOD TIMES
FlyLugu Flight School Community Flourishes through the Pandemic "I feel blessed to have become a part of the Fly Lugu community during the pandemic. When the flight school had to close, founder Rika Ballard kept everyone learning online. The day that Fly Lugu reopened was the best day ever! Since then, myself and others have earned the ratings that we started pursuing so long ago!" Sammie Gladu
Vision Board Workshop On February 21st, a Vision Board Workshop was held at MillWorks Co-Sharing Workspace. Hosted by realtors Leslie Lambert and Aimee Tompkins, the workshop included guided meditations, private psychic or mediumistic readings and vision boards in collaboration with Sylvia Ferreira, Kimberly Raven Pearson and Kathleen Farris.
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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
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AROUND TOWN
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5 East Silver Street, Westfield 413.579.5472
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port by JP’s Lighting & Sound, and partnered with local Westfield nonprofits, drive-in concerts are coming to Westfield and Southwick! Our planned Westfield shows behind the Boys and Girls Club are Saturday evenings - July 24, August 28, September 25, and October 23 and will benefit Westfield on Weekends and local non-profits TBA. Southwick at the “Wick” MotoX track will be Friday evenings - May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10, and will benefit the Southwick Civic Fund. Bands to be announced by March will be talent not normally seen in this area traveling in from all over the northeast and as far away as Philadelphia. Visit www.westfieldconcerts.com for updates and ticket info. *Dates subject to change.
SOUTHWICK'S NEWEST HISTORY BOOK IS AVAILABLE Southwick Revisited, the book curated and narrated by local historian Lee Hamberg, is available for purchase. The 128 page book contains 209 images celebrating Southwick’s colorful
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ing future 250 town events. It can be purchased Southwick 250” with a credit card or PayPal. Books can also be purchased at Southwoods Printing, Re-Inspired and Southwick Florists, with a donation of $21.99 in cash. Any questions email JimP@southwick250.org.
7 South Maple Street in Westfield # 413-568-0100 12
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
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60 Court Street // Westfield // 01085
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The firm's new website features an active blog with articles about taxation, accounting, advisory, news and community. Additionally, MBK offers free newsletters centered around Taxation, Business, Not-ForProfits and Healthcare. You can subscribe to these newsletters via the subscribe feature on the site.
MAXIMIZE YOUR MEDICARE PL AN BENEFITS
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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/Westfield using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.
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15
OUR TOWN
Bill Crawford and his first bee colony
PROVIDING MORE THAN HONEY TO THE COMMUNITY
16
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
NEW E N GL A N D A PI A R I E S A N D BI L LY C ' S HO N E Y
Strong colonies ready to make Billy C's honey
ARTICLE CANDICE BERUBE AND WILLIAM CRAWFORD
Supered hives making honey
IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO A LOCAL BIG Y OVER THE
WHY DID YOU FIRST DEVELOP AN INTEREST
LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE’S A GOOD
IN BEE-KEEPING?
CHANCE YOU’VE SEEN THE BILLY C’S HONEY DIS-
From a young age, I was fascinated with insects.
PLAY IN THE PRODUCE SECTION OF THE STORE.
During one summer, I took a “College for Kids” class
Bill Crawford is not only the founder and owner of Billy
at Westfield State University, called “Six Legs, Eight
C’s honey and New England Apiaries, but he is also a for-
Legs, and More.” While creatures with eight legs still
mer math student of mine! As a matter of fact, I believe
creep me out, I think it was this class that permanently
I received a bottle of honey for an end-of-year gift from
cemented my fascination with six-legged critters. I
this student-turned-entrepreneur! It was delicious then,
could often be found in Stanley or Paper Mill Park with
and it’s delicious today!
my insect net, catching butterflies, or chasing beetles
New England Apiaries is a local business making
and mantises in the bushes and grass. However, my
a positive environmental impact on both a local and
favorite of all the entomological activities revolved
national level. Bill shares a bit more on how his business
around raising Saturniidae, or giant silk moths, which I
started, and the bright future ahead of him.
sometimes still do today. My father, Bill, was a Lieutenant on the West
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Springfield Fire Dept, and every September, he’d have
I was raised in Westfield by my parents, Bill and Chris
numerous walking details at The Big E. One day in 2004,
Crawford. From a young age, I enjoyed several hobbies,
my dad brought home a “Bee School” flyer that he picked
such as coin collecting, insect collecting, and bagpiping. I
up from the Hampden County Beekeeper’s Association
graduated from Westfield High School in 2008, and from
booth inside The Massachusetts Building. At first, I felt a
there attended Holyoke Community College and gradu-
bit apprehensive about the idea of playing with stinging
ated Westfield State University with a degree in Biology. I
insects (something I think everyone innately fears), but
married Elaine Martin of Wallenstein, Ontario, in Westfield
it soon grew on me. For Christmas that year, my parents
in 2015, and together, we have three children, William IV(4),
purchased me a seat in the beekeeping class, a bee-
Yolana (2), and Donald (infant). As a migratory commercial
hive kit with all the necessary equipment, and the bees
beekeeping family, we snowbird. During the warmer part
themselves. In mid-April 2005, the 4lb package of bees
of the year, we call the oldest standing house (c.1740) in
arrived from Georgia. With the help of my father, we set
Southwick, MA, our home. And, during the fall through
up the hive in one of the fields of Pignatare’s farm, where
early spring, we live on our farm in Bristol, Georgia.
I worked, and we shook those bees into their new home. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
17
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
Little did I know at the time what a significant impact
Billy C’s Raw Honey. While the bees themselves are
this would have on the rest of my life.
moved throughout the country for pollination, the bees actually rarely produce surplus extractable
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO TURN THIS
honey during the pollination circuit. And to produce
PASSION INTO A BUSINESS?
enough local honey to last the whole year, roughly
As my hobby grew, I produced more and more
1000 colonies are parked in 35 locations in the
honey and started calling my new venture, Billy C’s
Connecticut River Valley during the short window
Raw Honey. I started selling it out of my backpack
of May and June to produce the bee’s sweet reward.
at WHS my sophomore year and I picked up my first
In addition to honey production and pollination
wholesale account at Pignatare’s Farm. Over the next
services, New England Apiaries sells both packaged
couple of years, I started selling honey to more farm
bees and small starter colonies, so hobbyists may
stands in the area, a few mom and pop stores, as
start or replace their own colonies.
well as HCBA’s booth at the Big E. During my college years, I earned money to get the startup funds to grow
HOW IMPORTANT ARE HONEY BEES
the business. By the time I was 21, I owned and man-
TO AGRICULTURE?
aged a little over 30 of my own hives. In June of 2012,
Very! In fact, I like to refer to bees as the unsung
a new buddy of mine texted me with an opportunity
heroes of agriculture, and not just for their ability to
I couldn’t refuse. His father and two brothers owned
produce honey. Modern crop farming practice calls for
a commercial beekeeping outfit in York County,
a farmer to plant many acres of one crop in a given
Pennsylvania. A couple days later, I embarked in my
area. While this system of food production is great
little red Suzuki Aerio to the South Dakota prairie,
from an economical point of view, it is not the greatest
and spent six weeks laboring at the farm. From there,
from the standpoint of a self-sustaining ecosystem. As
I worked for my friend’s father in PA, and landed a
a result, there are many more flowers that need to be
permanent job at the world-renowned, Hackenberg
pollinated than what the natural pollinators have the
Apiaries, based out of Lewisburg, PA. It was while
ability to handle. To alleviate this situation, farmers
here that I really became a commercial beekeeper,
rent bees to be placed in or next to their fields, which
growing and running a side operation with 200 of my
should result in an evenly pollinated field with higher
own hives, while learning the trade from Dave and
than natural yields. It is said that 2/3s of the food we
Davey Hackenberg. Eventually in 2014, I broke off on
eat is directly dependent on bees. And it’s not just
my own, and returned to Massachusetts with a vision
the fruits and vegetables of which we think that are
to reestablish myself from Pioneer Valley Apiaries to
included in this statistic, but also the seeds required
New England Apiaries.
to produce non-pollinated foods. For example, we eat the root of an onion, which itself does not need a bee
WHAT IS THE CURRENT BUSINESS OF NEW
to grow. However, bees are needed to make the onion
ENGLAND APIARIES, LLC?
seeds to plant the field. Also, while cows, and the milk
NEW ENGLAND APIARIES, LLC is a migratory
they produce, do not require a bee to make food, bees
commercial beekeeping operation, meaning it is
are indeed needed in the production of seeds for
a bee farm that seasonally moves its bees across
alfalfa, which is grown to feed the cow.
the country for the purpose of crop pollination
18
and commercial honey production. While New
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOCAL
England Apiaries, and it’s roughly 1500 colonies,
HONEY AND LOCALLY PACKED HONEY, AND
is geared more towards crop pollination services,
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR CONSUMERS TO
a significant amount of time is put into producing
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?
Local Raw Honey in MA, CT, and NY during May
This is a very important question, and one
and June. This honey is packaged under the name
that should make people want to seek out
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Bee colonies packed for transport
honey brand to more retailers in Massachusetts Billy C's Display at Big Y
and Connecticut. Another goal is to grow our bulk honey business, selling 60lb pails of local honey. I hope to do this by promoting its benefits to area food establishments, and by reaching out to more area honey packers, to pitch the benefits
locally-produced honey. Generally speaking,
of locally produced honey versus cheaper honey.
locally-produced honey is produced in the
And our third current major goal is for the bees to
rough geographical area where it is marketed
gainfully employ four full-time staff.
and sold. Locally-packed honey however, is honey that could be sourced from anywhere, but
HOW IS NEW ENGLAND APIARIES MAKING
jarred locally. It’s important to be able to dis-
AN IMPACT ACROSS NEW ENGLAND AND
cern between the two kinds of “local” products,
THE UNITED STATES?
as the locally-produced honey may have more
Whether it’s a single jar of honey being sold
significant benefits to health, such as a remedy
at a local store, or the crisp taste of a freshly
to allergies. New England Apiaries honey brand,
picked apple grown at the orchard down the
Billy C’s Raw Honey, is 100% locally-produced.
road, or helping to pollinate my largest pickling cucumber grower’s 250,000 bushel crop,
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE GOALS OF NEW
I know that what began as a humble hobby
ENGLAND APIARIES?
in 2005 has actually contributed to the health
The first is increasing the availability of truly locally-produced, raw honey by expanding our
and nourishment of my community and nation. www.newenglandapiaries.com, 413-454-8403
CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
19
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!
Join now to participate in our local outdoor recital!!
Purchase a Wax Warmer in the Month of April, RECEIVE 3 PILGRIM WAX MELTS FREE
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Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Classes Start Ages 2 & Up! CALL OR EMAIL MISS BETH FOR MORE INFORMATION
413-210-4832 | BETH@DANCERSIMAGEWESTFIELD.COM
Pizza & Pasta
PROFESSIONAL MEDIUM PSYCHIC & REIKI MASTER TEACHER Book a reading in April, mention Westfield Lifestyle and receive a complimentary distance Reiki Session ($40 Value)
413-519-1730
Dine-In, Take out & Delivery 413-562-4600 | 413-562-4700 Order online @ Alessios-Pizza.net Hours: Mon-Thrus: 11:00AM - 9:00PM Fri-Sat 11:00AM-10:00PM Closed Sundays
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Getting to the heart of what matters...
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CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
21
PROTECTING THE LAND
Twin Bridges Westfield
ARTICLE ANDREA BUGBEE
Westfield River Watershed
22
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Westfield River Canoe Cruise
“IT FEELS PRETTY WONDERFUL TO DRIVE OVER THE
“I would definitely consider the river to be a beneficial amenity for
BRIDGES DURING SUMMER AND SEE FOLKS ENJOYING THE
the city of Westfield, and an economic benefit as well,” says Conz,
RIVER,” SAYS BRIAN CONZ. After all, Conz is president of the
a Springfield native who got his first taste of enjoying – and pro-
Westfield River Watershed Association, and he and other members
tecting – the region’s wildlands through a leadership program with
of this all-volunteer group have been dedicated to helping people
Southwick’s Wilderness Experiences when he was a teen.
enjoy and preserve the Westfield River and its surrounding ecosystem since WRWA was founded in 1953.
During the pandemic, Whip City residents have, indeed, found solace walking, jogging, cycling, and romping with happy dogs along CONTINUED >
Val and Kirk Wondring of South Deerfield at Pynchon Point in Agawam
CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
23
WESTFIELD RIVER WATERSHED (CONTINUED) Canoe Cruise
“Our purpose is to bring people who haven’t been involved in outdoor recreation into the woods, into nature, into these river paths - to get to know the land and to appreciate it.” Jake Lehan, WRWA board member”
Aaron Banks at the October fly fishing tournament 24
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
“PROTECTING THE WATERSHED GIVES US PERMEABLE GROUND TO ABSORB FLOODWATERS. IT DELIVERS CLEAN WATER TO MORE THAN FIVE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS. AND, JUST BY LETTING TREES DO WHAT THEY DO, IT REMOVES CLIMATE-CHANGING CARBON FROM THE AIR.”
Annual River Clean-Up
the raised dike that cradles
In October, they team with
the Westfield River between
Western Mass Fly Fishermen
Chapman Playground and the
to teach fly-fishing to anyone
city’s beautiful new Esplanade
who wants to learn.
and Half Mile Park. For gener-
In between, WRWA offers
ations, however, residents have
educational programs, intern-
also fished the river’s shoals
ships, and films.
and paddled its quiet (or fierce,
The purpose of all this,
depending on the season) twenty-odd miles. Generations of nature lovers have picnicked at its sides,
Lehan says, is “to bring people
wandered its banks, and thrilled to its songbirds, bald eagles, and occasional otters.
who haven’t been involved in
Just as momentous, the watershed’s 517 miles of hills and woods afford Westfield vital infrastructure impossible to replace. “Having a forested, intact watershed helps to buffer flooding. It helps to provide clean water. It helps to provide habitat for wildlife and biodiversity. It also provides tremendous carbon sequestration,” says Conz, whose day job is chairing Westfield State University’s Geography, Planning, and Sustainability department. Simply said, protecting the watershed gives us permeable ground to absorb floodwaters. It delivers clean water to more than five public water systems. And, just by letting trees do what they do, it
outdoor recreation into the woods, into nature, into these river paths - to get to know the land and to appreciate it.” “We love to teach people to be stewards,” he says, “and to think about ‘Leave no Trace’ while also enjoying nature.”
removes climate-changing carbon from the air. WRWA board member Jake Lehan describes himself as “a hiker, a biker, and a liker of nature.” He and Conz both say they’re energized to be part of a proactive group fueled by volunteers.
WRWA welcomes new members! To join, to support its
Twice a year, WRWA members organize river clean-ups. In late May, they open the West Springfield
mission, or for details about
fish ladder so people can see shad (and some salmon!) splashing their way up to spawn. In June, the
upcoming events, please visit
group sponsors an all-abilities “Canoe Cruise” to get locals paddling on a river most only drive across.
www.westfieldriver.org.
CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
25
home sweet home...
S A F E , S E C U R E , C O M F O RTA B L E .
A Beautiful Over 55 Vibrant Community
Louis & Irene Scarfo The founders of Liberty Manor
*Couple featured in March Liberty Manor Editorial was Dave and Barb Arrighi
Schedule your tour today. (413) 579-5053 74 Russellville Road, Westf ield libertymanor55.com
MBK LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH EXPANDED RESOURCES
413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com 26
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Call to Schedule Your FREE, No-Obligation, Hydro-Seeding Estimate.
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Westfield, MA Justin444y@yahoo.com CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
27
FINANCIAL BUZZ TAX PLANNING IN A GIG ECONOMY
ARTICLE SARAH ROSE STACK
D O YOU WOR K A S I D E H U S TLE ? TAX PLANNING IN A GIG ECONOMY In recent years, we have seen a rise in side hustles and gig work, where individuals take on part-time jobs or project-based work for additional income. This “gig economy” has been accelerated by the effects of the pandemic; Americans are being laid off or having to work from home and socially distance. Without a primary income source, people have turned to other solutions to pay their bills. Companies such as DoorDash, Uber, Amazon, and Fiver all offer individuals the ability to earn income by doing work for companies and individuals. People who sell artwork, wrap Christmas presents, or perform handyman services are also examples of individuals who could earn income on the side. If
for business, you could potentially deduct a portion of your mort-
this sounds like you, there might be some tax impli-
gage, utilities, even repairs to that dedicated space.
cations to take into consideration. MEET WITH AN ADVISOR SELF-EMPLOYED VS. W-2
These benefits sound good, but what if you have unique sit-
Unlike a normal employed job where you receive
uations for your side hustle? What if you are paid through cash
a Form W-2, side gigs are reflected as independent
apps? Can you deduct the transaction fees paid to payment
contractors, and issue a Form 1099. If you made at
processors like PayPal or Stripe? Questions like these can be
least $600 from an entity that was not your employer,
answered by an advisor, like a licensed tax preparer. Here is a
you can expect one of these forms. 1099 wages are
quick list of things to bring to a meeting with a tax preparer:
considered self-employment earnings, which are
+ Any W-2s or 1099s received
taxed differently than W-2 wages. When you work
+ Personal or business bank statements
for an employer, they will withhold a percentage
+ Pictures of your home office
of your wages for taxes. However, when you are
+ Receipts of mileage/purchases for the business
self-employed, you are subject to self-employment taxes. The benefit of this is the self-employment
Working a side hustle can be an exciting and hopefully profit-
tax deduction, where you can deduct what an
able venture, however, it can add complexity to your tax return.
employer would have paid on your tax return. For
With some consideration throughout the year, you can take
delivery drivers, it is important to track your mileage,
charge of the additional complexity and minimize your tax liability.
as you can deduct the mileage driven against your self-employed earnings. If you used a home office
28
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
Visit www.mbkcpa.com for more info.
Thank you for voting us “BEST DENTIST” Thank you for voting us “BEST DENTIST”
Alan M. Kasperowski, DDS • Bryan M. Kasperowski, DMD, FAGD • Meghan Kelley, DMD
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A team you can trust for all your heating and cooling needs. Call: 413-562-0500 or email: masciadrelli@comcast.net
Guess what? YOUR LOCALLY GROWN PET AND GARDEN SUPPLY STORE
288 Union Street Westfield Mon-Fri 8-6 | Sat 8-4 | Sun 10-4
413-562-3689 www.westfieldfeed.com
It’s time to place your chick order! Form available online or in store- orders due by April 15th CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
29
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Benefits of a
chemical-free home
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think! We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products. When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do! However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets. The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most. If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.
ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER
If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace. To get you started, here is a DIY product that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.
30
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.
Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils
Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.
Learn More
For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!
CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
31
Ready to eat right? CREATIVE & COST-EFFECTIVE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
Bamboo Earth Friendly Wheat Straw Reusable Straws Stone Paper rPET Material
Sustainable Promotion!
Call me to get started!
For identity. For promotion. For recognition
chhengraving@cs.com
jenthedietitian.com | 413-579-5450 jen@jenthedietitian.com 102 Elm Street, Suite 17 Westfield, MA
430 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 413-789-2041
Tim Flynn
IRT-1848F-A
Financial Advisor
32
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
20 Elm Street Suite A Westfield, MA 01085 413-562-4030
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Your home should be a reflection of all the things you ‘love’. Re-Inspired is your local treasure trove providing new, re-purposed and up-cycled furniture and home decor. Visit us! Thursday - Saturday 11-5 365 College Highway in Southwick (413) 831-6220 » reinspiredesign.com reinspiredesign CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
33
APRIL
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1-30 WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM ANNUAL CHILDREN, TEEN, AND ADULT POETRY CONTEST Westfield Athenaeum
April is National Poetry Month and the Westfield Athenaeum is celebrating
and more details to follow. Visit
go to www.pawsofnature.com or
www.westernmassmomprom.com
register by sending an email to jill@
for updates.
pawsofnature.com.
12
18
TEEN DIY NATURE PRINT TAKE-HOME
GALLERY DEMONSTRATION OF MEDIUMSHIP
Southwick Public Library, Southwick, MA
with it's annual poetry contest for chil-
Create photo-like images in minutes!
dren, teens and adults. Guidelines and
Place stencils, flowers, rocks or other
1029 North Rd, Westfield
submission requirements are available
items on the paper, then watch as the
Join us for an intimate afternoon of
at http://www.westath.org/events/
sunlight magically creates the designs!
reunions with friends and family in the
poetry-contest Only online submis-
Pick up your paper on a first come-
spirit world. There are two sittings:
sions will be accepted and winners will
first serve basis at the library while
1-2pm, and 2:30-3:30pm. Each attendee
be announced in May. Good Luck!
supplies last the week of April 12-17. For
will receive a contact. Reserve your spot:
CONTACT: Becky Blackburn 413-568-
students in 7-12 grade.
truyouhealingandwellness@gmail.com.
24
22
WESTFIELD RIVER ANNUAL CLEAN-UP
GREAT WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MORNING BREW
TruYou Healing & Wellness,
7833 ext 111 bblackburn@westath.org
7 VIRTUAL PART-TIME, EVENING, AND ONLINE COMPLETION UNDERGRADUATE INFORMATION SESSION
Twin Bridges, Meadow Street Parking Lot
Join the Westfield River Watershed
Morning Brew is a free networking
natural areas around us. All volun-
event. Grab your favorite morning bev-
Zoom
teers should meet at 9 a.m. in the
erage and let's talk, face to face, from
Westfield state University is hosting a
parking lot at the end of Meadow
the comfort of our own homes or offices,
virtual information session on Zoom to
Street across from Westfield School
whichever you prefer! Be prepared to
learn about their part-time, evening,
of
students,
talk briefly about your business, what
and online completion undergraduate
families, and organizations looking
you do and WHY and then share with
programs. You will learn about program
for volunteer opportunities are wel-
us how we can help your business grow
offerings,
requirements,
come. For more information, contact
in 2021! www.westfieldbiz.org
and have the opportunity to chat with
Mark Damon at (413) 977-1577 or
current students. For attending, they
markjdamon@gmail.com
admission
Music.
Individuals,
24
will waive your $50 application fee! Register at www.GoBackNow.com
8
17
EMPOWERING VISION BOARD Results in Wellness,
PAWS OF NATURE HOSTING ONLINE DOG AND TODDLER SAFETY WORKSHOP
93 Springfield Rd, Westfield
Online Workshop
if you are empowered. Empowerment
Virtual Event.
Paws of Nature is hosting a free online
starts with a commitment to a vision.
The Western Mass Mom Prom and the
dog and toddler safety workshop for
Your vision is a beacon for your
American Cancer Society Relay for
parents, grandparents, child care giv-
success. With a crafted vision you
Life of Greater Springfield is hosting
ers, or anyone who has a dog that may
will be able to set up SMART goals
a Virtual Designer Purse Bingo and
be around children between the ages
that will ensure your success. Learn
Artisan Craft Fair. The goal is to raise
of 4 months and 4 years of age.
and create your board for 2021.
money in support of cancer research
Limited
www.resultsinwellnessllc.com
and services. This event will be virtual,
is required. For more information
VIRTUAL PURSE BINGO AND ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR
34
Zoom
Association as they beautify the
Westfield Lifestyle | April 2021
enrollment,
registration
No matter what you want to accomplish in 2021 – you will be successful
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CLOSING CREDIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS. CONTACT OUR LENDING EXPERT TODAY! Natasha Skorupski Mortgage Loan Originator
email nskorupski@bankesb.com tel. 413.478.4834 NMLS # 925498
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NMLS # 405477 | Member FDIC | Member DIF
* Closing cost credit available on 1-4 family owner occupied home purchase transactions only. Subject to credit approval and loan closing. One credit per loan. This offer is subject to change without notice.
INTRODUCING THE
2021 LINCOLN CORSAIR RESERVE
Celeb rating our
92 nd Anniversary! Monday - Thursday 9a-8p | Friday - 9a- 6p Saturday 9a-5p | Sunday 12p- 4p
Where customers become friends since 1929!
245 Springfield Street, Agawam 413-786-0430 | saratlincoln.com