Westfield, MA July 2023

Summer Fun

July is for fun and family!

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer issue will help you make the most of this season.  And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults), we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!), going out for drinks and a meal at any of the local establishments, or grilling the perfect steak.

As always, we love to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our grilling tips, and be sure to tag us @westfield_northampton_cl if you check off a Summer Bucket List memory!

Yours in health, CANDICE BERUBE, PUBLISHER @WESTFIELD_NORTHAMPTON_CL

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Candice Berube | candice.berube@citylifestyle.com

413-519-6752

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Madeline LeBlanc | madeline.leblanc@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Candice Berube, Mindy Dow, Connie Jansen, Madeline LeBlanc

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hannah Josephine Photography, Kat Kattler Photography, Madeline LeBlanc

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Westfield_Northampton_CL

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Eclectic Finds at the Bismarck Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration

Once the home of the historic Bismarck Hotel, on May 12th, 16 Union Avenue reopened its doors as a new business co-operative known as Eclectic Finds at the Bismarck. True to its name, this cooperative shop showcases a diverse collection of unique items carefully curated and crafted by professionals specializing in home décor, furniture, and gifts. For more information, contact them at eclecticfindsbismarck@gmail.com.

Dakin Humane Society’s Run for Cookies 5k Run/Walk

Fundraising for Dakin Humane Society provides animals the food, shelter, and medical treatment they need. Every dollar raised creates happier and healthier lives for animals right here in our community. On May 7th, nearly 300 people participated in their annual Run for Cookies 5K event, and all were invited to bring their dogs along on a non-retractable leash. Proceeds from the race support the programs and services that help keep people and pets together. dakinhumane.org

Beauty And The Brow Fundraises for the Pink Way Foundation

On May 20th, Beauty and the Brow welcomed over a dozen vendors to their Spring vendor event. Through generous raffles, over $400 was raised to benefit The Pink Way Foundation. The Pink WAY (Women Around You) Foundation raises money to help financially through cancer treatment. For more information, visit The Pink WAY Facebook page. beautyandthebrowkelly.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Westfield

Shaker Farms Country Club

A Scenic Course Where You Can Leave Your Cares Behind

Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, Shaker Farms Country Club is known for having one of the best layouts in all of Western Mass. Geoffrey Cornish, the renowned New England golf landscape architect, designed the course using the contours of the land as his canvas. The layout is incredible; each hole has its own personality, with the trees and brooks serving as natural boundaries between holes. Golfers can leave out the word “fore” when they “Come Play A Round” at Shaker Farms. It says on their website www.shakerfarmscc.com that Shaker Farms Country Club is a

Shot Maker’s Dream; it is perfect for all golfers, from beginners to club champs.

Nancy Kotowitz, president of Shaker Farms, says, “The most prominent myth people think is that you must be a member to attend the many events we have. You do not have to be a member of Shaker Farms to golf here. You don’t have to be a member to eat in our pub or enjoy the patio. And it’s not just golf that we have. Clay tennis courts have a separate membership that anyone can join. Walkers, hikers, bikers, rollerbladers, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the bike path.

That entrance is right past the pavilion. We have locks for your bikes that my husband made at his shop. And after you walk, hike, or bike, you can enjoy lunch on the patio with the beautiful view and, for laughs, you can heckle the golfers. Where else can you do that?”

In addition to their 18-hole championship golf course, they host special events in their elegant indoor banquet hall. The chandelier in the ballroom is breathtaking, and the Fairway Room has a panoramic view of the course. The outdoor pavilion is perfect for special occasions, including weddings, family reunions, birthdays, and more. Events are timed and organized to avoid disrupting golfers and wedding parties. They have a Pavilion, Courtyard, and a Summer Concert Series of local bands, such as “Aquanett, 91 South, Looney Tunes,” and more posted on their Facebook Page. “Everybody is happy when they’re here.”

Shaker Farms has become a home away from home for area residents and local golfers. Nancy wrote a “great huge business plan with pictures. It was an overgrown cow pasture when we bought it. There was a lot of work to be done. I said, ‘We have to make several profit centers, and they all have to be profitable, or this place isn’t going to work’. So that’s what we did.” The Banquet Hall seats 250 people comfortably. She hosts the Westfield Chamber of Commerce breakfasts monthly and appreciates every employee. “Shaker Farms...it’s

a family; our most extended member has been here for 60 years. Members have been here for a long time,” Nancy says, smiling.

“We do things for the community. When we bought Shaker Farms, I told my husband, ‘We have to give back to the community.’ So we provide free golf lessons to local scout troops. At Christmas, Santa Claus comes by helicopter, which is enormous, and we do that for the Shriners. The Easter Bunny comes too, with an annual Easter Egg Hunt, color-coded and organized into age-appropriate areas. The National Honor Society from the local high school and Senior Center will help prepare, starting in August. We’ve donated 20-30K to the Shriners so far,” Nancy proudly added.

Shaker Farms Country Club offers golf lessons for beginners, ladies’ lessons, and private lessons with a golf pro. They also offer loyalty benefits to their members and military discounts because Nancy has a military family. Shaker Farms offers chip and putting areas and is the perfect place to improve your short game. Enjoy their chef-inspired menus and detailed event packages. An experienced banquet coordinator will guide you in planning and finalizing the details of your event. To get more information on Shaker Farms Country Club, lesson packages, tennis, golf memberships, and more, simply contact their pro shop to speak with one of their golf professionals at (413) 568-4087.

866 Shaker Rd, Westfield

“You do not need to be a member to enjoy Shaker Farms. You can golf, eat in the pub, and access the bike path. All without a membership.”

WESTFIELD CITY LIFESTYLE’S QUARTERLY NETWORKING EVENT

CELEBRATING OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS

A few times a year, Westfield City Lifestyle hosts a networking event to connect with and celebrate our magazine business partners. This spring, Nancy Kotowitz and her staff at Shaker Farms Country Club graciously hosted our event, and it was a fantastic time for everyone involved!

We were treated to delicious passed hors-d'oeuvres, beautifully designed charcuterie boards by Fed by Foley, and mouthwatering desserts from Hot Oven Cookies. We're already excited about our next event at the Westfield Starfires game, which will be the perfect way to round off the summer!

At Westfield City Lifestyle, our mission is to foster connections between the community and the local entities and businesses in Westfield and Southwick. If you have a business, project, or passion that we should know about, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our inbox is always open, and you can contact us through our website at citylifestyle.com/westfield

Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our current business partners. Your support is invaluable, and we wouldn't be able to produce the magazine without you!

Connie Jansen

BRINGING IASIS NEUROFEEDBACK TO WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

I am a physical therapist with 30 years of experience working with individuals overcoming trauma. While listening to a podcast, I came across the topic of neurofeedback, which intrigued me. A quick Google search led me to discover the IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback (MCN) device. After thoroughly reviewing published research, ongoing studies, and client testimonials, I became convinced that I needed to introduce this technology to Western Massachusetts.

IASIS MCN utilizes microcurrents to promote neural regulation. By delivering 3

pico watts of stimulation, it induces a temporary fluctuation in brain waves, allowing for brain reorganization. Furthermore, it stimulates the production of natural "happy hormones" such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, while assisting in the removal of amyloid protein waste in the brain.

A typical neurofeedback session begins with a conversation about your struggles and goals. You will have the opportunity to have all your questions answered. The IASIS MCN device consists of two active electrodes, two reference electrodes, and

one grounding electrode. The reference and grounding electrodes are placed on your head and neck and remain in the same position throughout the session. These electrodes are secured using a water-soluble paste. During the initial treatment, the active electrodes will be moved to three different sites on your head. Each site will receive three bouts of stimulation, with each bout lasting 20 seconds. Subsequent sessions will be based on the results of the 24-hour check-in following the session. It is important to note that there are no contraindications for the use of neurofeedback,

and the IASIS MCN device is even safe for individuals with pacemakers.

Neurofeedback therapy is widely utilized worldwide to assist individuals dealing with symptoms of ADD, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, impaired cognitive functioning, PTSD, seizures, and substance abuse. I offer in-home services, providing convenience and comfort, and I would be delighted to offer a free phone consultation to address any questions you may have.

cnsneurofeedback.com | 413-579-7698

"I offer in-home services, providing convenience and comfort, and I would be delighted to offer a free phone consultation to address any questions you may have."

WESTFIELD CITY LIFESTYLE TAKES ON THE INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW

A Great Day at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport

The Westfield International Airshow attracted over 70,000 people during its two-day performance.

The show kicked off with an impressive display by the hometown F-15s, performing a formation flight with four aircraft that broke over the field. They followed up with a series of low passes, undoubtedly awakening everyone in town and setting the festive atmosphere.

Next, we were taken back in time as the A-10s took to the skies for a captivating demonstration. It was a special moment for many of us who remember when they were stationed in Westfield.

The F-15s then engaged in a simulated dogfight, showcasing the various maneuvers they regularly practice. Notably, this was the first F-15 demonstration in nearly a decade.

Bringing the show to a thrilling close was a sneak peek at Westfield's recently granted upgrade—the F-35 Lightning demo. This fifth-generation fighter, equipped with cutting-edge technology, tore through the skies with impressive displays. Towards the end of the demo, a P-51 Mustang took off and flew in formation with the F-35, paying homage to American air superiority throughout the years.

While the jets steal the show, the airshow wouldn't be complete without the beloved piston aircraft. My personal highlight was Rob Holland's performance. He took to the skies and executed unbelievable aerobatic maneuvers that seemed impossible. It's safe to say that the 2023 Westfield International Airshow was a resounding success, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been part of it.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Have a Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival Go

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

Learn Something New

Take a Cooking Class

Visit a Local Winery

Go on a Bike Ride

Explore a New Area of your City

Try a New Restaurant

Try a Local Ice Cream Shop

Hike a New Trail

Explore a National Park

Read a New Book

Book a Self-Care Service at a MedSpa

Take a Roadtrip

Go Whitewater Rafting

Barbeque New Recipes

Visit the Local Farmers’ Market

Go Snorkeling

Go on a Bar Walk

Go Rock Climbing

Have a Bonfire

Go Zip Lining

Plan a Family Camping Trip

Go to a Film Festival

See an Outdoor Concert

Host an Adult Scavenger Hunt Volunteer at

The Perfect Steak

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

Unlike concrete and vinyl-lined pools, each Leisure Pools® Composite Armour™ pool has an ideal chemical structure for long-term, low-cost maintenance. It does not contain anything that can leach into the pool and impact the water balance, reducing the chemical load to keep the pool water in balance. Avoid the recurring costs of acid-washing and resurfacing a concrete pool and continually replacing a vinyl pool’s liners.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 8TH

A Day Long Retreat for Women

GENESIS SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER, 53 MILL ST, WESTFIELD, MA | 8:30 AM

Retreat Intentions is to provide women with opportunities to RESTORE a sense of peace and calm, EXPLORE connection, creativity, and possibility, and IGNITE all that you can imagine. Register via the "contact me now" form at core-awakening.com/contact . For more information, contact 413-519-2098 or marguerite@core-awakening.com

JULY 9TH

Stanley Park Sunday Night Concert Series Presents "The Eagles Experience"

400 WESTERN AVE, WESTFIELD, MA | 6:00 PM

THE EAGLES EXPERIENCE is the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles on the road todayThis performance begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Beveridge Pavilion and it is free of charge. Chairs will be provided and a food service will be available. For more information, visit stanleypark.org

JULY 15TH, 22ND, & 29TH

School St. Saturdays!

SCHOOL ST, WESTFIELD, MA | 10:00 AM

The small businesses downtown have created a space to support the smaller businesses in Westfield all summer long! Come join us and 40+ different vendors from Westfield for shopping, food, organic juices, coffee, raffles, deals, and more! All summer long! Every Saturday* on School St, 10am-2pm. *Weather permitting - in the event of rain, we will not be hosting that weekend's event.

JULY 22ND

Badfish - A Tribute to Sublime

380 STATE RD, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA | 4:00 PM

Event is rain or shine. All ages - 10 yrs old and up need a ticket No outside food or alcohol permitted, bags are subject to search. Cash bar and food options on-site. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime's essence. For tickets, visit summerstagebutternut.com

JULY 23RD

Eddie Forman

Orchestra

400 WESTERN AVE, WESTFIELD, MA | 6:00 PM

“The Eddie Forman Orchestra”, also known as “E.F.O.”, is a Western Massachusetts polka band that has been performing since 1968. The band’s enthusiasm and love for the music they perform, their versatility and ability to embrace a wide range of styles, and their dedication to strong, lively performances make the E.F.O., an enduring success. For more information, visit stanleypark.org.

JULY 27TH

Morning Brew

866 SHAKER RD, WESTFIELD, MA | 8:00 AM

Morning Brew at Shaker Farms Country Club from 8 – 9 am. Please join us for a free and great networking opportunity. Introduce yourself and your business to the attendees. Everyone has a chance to discuss what their business does and what they are looking for to expand and improve.

Perks Checking

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.

Summer drinks out on Packard's Patio

WELCOME TO THE #ROUTE10CORRIDOR ARTICLE & MONTHLY @HELLOFOODREVIEWS

COLUMN

FEATURING ESTABLISHMENTS FROM WESTFIELD TO NORTHAMPTON!

There is nothing more refreshing than a chilled cocktail outside with friends. Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer while sipping on drinks on the Packard's patio! Everything is made in-house with fresh ingredients, locally-sourced when available. The outdoor space seats upwards of 20 people. They also have monthly "highlights" that feature food and specialty drinks, in addition to the existing menu. Pictured is Sloop Brewing Co. Juice Bomb IPA and, my personal favorite, the Hibiscus Margarita.

For more footage head to @hellofoodreviews on Instagram.

Get your banking off on the right foot.

BONUS

*Special offer is for opening a new Get Real Checking account. Minimum balance to open both accounts is $10. $200 promotional offer is for opening a Get Real Checking account and activating direct deposit (of at least $25) OR signing up for Online Banking and conducting 5 debit card transactions using your debit card within the first 60 days of account opening ($200 will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 60th day the account has been open). $50 promotional offer is for making 5 bill payments using Online Banking OR enrolling in eStatements within 60 days of account opening ($50 will be credited to the account by the last business day of the statement cycle following the 60th day the account has been open). Minors (anyone under the age of 18) are not eligible for Online Bill Pay. $50 loyalty bonus will be paid after the account has been open for 12 months ($50 will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 365th day the account has been open). Bonuses for new checking account customers and limited to one account per customer. Bonus payouts 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.

**For Get Real Checking: Other bank ATM surcharge fees that are charged to the account during the current statement cycle will be refunded on the last business day of the current statement cycle up to a maximum of $7.00 per account. Accounts closed or changed to another product during statement cycle will not receive a refund of other banks’ ATM surcharge fees. Not responsible for surcharges or fees imposed by other banks, ATM operators and/or networks.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.