Life + Culture

EXPLORE

July in the Valley Article by Niki Lankowski July in the Valley is the perfect time to explore the local food system, connect with community and try something new. Get the whole family involved!  Hit the farmers market! Tuesday Market is in full swing behind Thornes Marketplace in downtown Northampton. Every Tuesday from 1:30-6:30, you’ll find the largest selection of just-harvested produce grown on local farms, plus prepared foods, crafts, flowers, and so much more. Live music every week...

June 2024

Health + Wellness

For a Break or a Tryout

Consider a short-term stay at Armbrook Village Article and Photography by This summer, families are looking to take a much-needed getaway and find time to relax. If you care for a senior loved one, you may find your family sacrificing a summer vacation due to concerns over leaving your loved one alone. At Armbrook Village, we help families by offering a short-term or trial stay option. We are here to care for your loved one while you recharge, offering flexible, no-minimum short-term stay...

May 2024

Health + Wellness

Aging in Place

Keeping homes safe for older residents Article and Photography by Tina Lesniak As more seniors choose to remain in their homes as they age, making those homes safer to live in becomes more of a priority for them. Gary Bivona, an aging-in-place specialist and occupational therapist, helps families to make that possible with in-home evaluations of people’s homes. “I’m looking at the client in their home,” explains Gary. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I do have an area of expertise that...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

Sophisticated Elegance

Upscale dining at Notch 8 Grille Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography For those seeking an upscale dining experience, the Notch 8 Grille at Union Station in Northampton is ready to fulfill that need. “We’re becoming a destination for special occasions. You can come early and stay late, really enjoy yourself and take your time,” says Jeremiah Micka, owner of Notch 8 Grille and the rest of historic Union Station. The restaurant’s signature dishes are its...

May 2024

Arts + Culture

A Day of Music and Fun

Thunder in the Valley raises money for Baystate Children’s Hospital Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by LJ Mickna Photography Six performers. Fireworks. Vendors. Gourmet food trucks. Thunder in the Valley offers a day of joy while raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital. “It’s an event to bring people together,” said Mike Perrier, president of Thunder in the Valley Festival and Unbroken Wings, which organizes the festival. “The kids are free and...

May 2024

Arts + Culture

Father's Day Outings

With or without the kids, day trips to recharge Article by Tina Lesniak For fathers who golf - Southampton Country Club, 329 College Highway, Southampton Southampton Country Club is an 18-hole public golf course located in the rolling hills of New England, with well-manicured playing conditions, combined with beautiful views and experienced staff. For more information, visit www.SouthamptonCountryClub.com. For fathers who want a serious hike - Metacomet-Monadnock Trail: Section 7, Notch...

May 2024

Style + Beauty

A Shopping Destination

Zanna offers a personalized shopping experience Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography A longtime staple of the downtown Amherst community, Zanna has been providing high-quality women’s clothing and shoes and exceptional customer service for more than 50 years. “Zanna is known for its service and building friendships with customers,” said Amy Benson, owner of Zanna. “We want to help our customers look and feel their best for any occasion. We know our customers'...

April 2024

Real Estate

Building Entrepeneurs

The Sphere Northampton provides support and guidance for new female business owners Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Hillary Lynn Photography For those starting a business, knowing where to turn for assistance is hard. For women business owners, this can be even more difficult as there have been traditionally fewer of them. The Sphere Northampton aims to give business owners the tools they need to succeed. “We place a strong emphasis on community and supporting one another with advice...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

The Mediterranean Diet

A Smart Choice for Seniors Article by Jayda Bruscoe With so many fad diets circulating pop culture right now, it’s hard to know which one is the best across a range of ages, body types and lifestyles. The Mediterranean diet was recently named the “#1 Best Diet” by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh year in a row, and since its inception, the diet has continuously had scientifically proven benefits to cognitive and cardiovascular health at any age. Popularized in the 1990s by Harvard...

April 2024

Real Estate

Home Satisfaction

Experienced realtors help clients achieve their goals Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography With nearly 40 years of real estate experience between them, Andrea Kwapien and Lisa Carroll, of Delap Real Estate, have the skills to make the home buying or selling process easy and pain-free. Both agents had earlier jobs that helped them develop customer service and people skills. Delap Real Estate is an agent-owned office located at 158 N. King St. in Northampton. ...

April 2024