Finance + Legal Services
National "Make-a-Will" Month
Sypek Law Makes a Tough Process, Easy Article by Catherine Sypek August is National Make-a- Will Month. For many busy Americans, this yearly reminder is just the motivation they need to finally sit down and create their last Will & Testament. If you don't have a legal Will, this is a great reminder to get your paperwork in order. And once you do, many find the process isn’t as long, tedious, or expensive as you may have anticipated. A Will is a legally binding document that outlines...
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Westfield Intermediate School Band
Growing Skill & Enjoyment Article by Amanda Waterfield | Photography by j81 Studios According to music education experts, learning to play music improves students’ cognitive and noncognitive skills more than twice as much as sports, theater, or dance. Music study is linked to academic achievement, including improvement in verbal memory, literacy, and spatial learning. But for the kids at Westfield Intermediate School, playing in the band is just cool. “I’m trying to foster joy,” says William...
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Bird Friendly Strategies to Battle Mosquitos
From the Allen Bird Club (Springfield, MA) Article by Andrea Bugbee | Photography by James Wang / WCL Warm, wet weather means mosquitoes, but broadcast spraying of pesticides can put all pollinators - not just mosquitoes - at risk. Many birds rely on insects for food, and insect pollinators are essential to vast quantities of food crops and flowering plants throughout the world. Luckily, natural home mosquito control is safe and simple. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so be vigilant about...
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Attraction Passes!
The Westfield Athenaeum Helps Take Exploring on the Road Article by Virginia Maldonado Looking to spend a fun, educational day out without breaking the bank? The Westfield Athenaeum makes it a breeze with the Museum Pass Program! Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Athenaeum, library cardholders can borrow passes to local and regional attractions for free or discounted rates. Fan favorites include a Massachusetts State Park Pass, Connecticut Trolley Museum, and Riverside...
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5 Local Hikes in Western Mass
Accessible, Dog-Lovers, Night-Friendly, Rigorous, and Right by Food Article by Virginia Maldonado 1. Universal Access Trail @ Mount Tom in Holyoke An 0.8mi loop introductory hike that is wheelchair accessible and winds though white pine and hardwood forest, with wetland and lake views, out to Bray Brook bridge. There is an alternate accessible route so users can make a shorter loop trail on the return. Hungry? Hit up Tavern On The Hill right across the street! 2. Mount Holyoke Summit @...
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Where will the Road Take You?
Discover New Driving Options at Sarat Ford Lincoln Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by j81 Studios So, you want to take off on a road trip and explore somewhere you’ve never been – or maybe you want to visit the town where you grew up or visit faraway friends. The thing is, you don’t want to drive your old car and put all those miles on it – or maybe you’re taking the family and there’s not enough room in your car for everyone and their luggage plus your best canine friend. You...
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Chappy's Mobile Culinary Experience
A Gourmet Taste of Togetherness Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by C.Pinney Photography In a world of fixed menus and cookie-cutter flavors, Chappy’s Mobile Culinary Experience rolls in gourmet food with a side of versatility and a whole lot of heart. Fueled by husband-and-wife team Sarah Teal and Jim Wood, this vibrant trailer is driven by passion, family, and a love for bringing people together through food. The inspiration behind Chappy’s is steeped in years of global...
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j81 Studios
The Perfect Picture - With a Kick Article by Wade Rivest | Photography by j81 Studios Think back to when you were a child; can you pinpoint what lead you to where you are today? For local photographer Jon Jones, it was when his grandfather introduced him to Photoshop, allowing him to get in touch with his creative side. From there, Jon took that inspirational nudge to design school, and then into the world of advertising. For the next two decades, Jones was able to hone his skills in the...
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Al's Tire
A 1932 Legacy Gets a Local Tune-Up Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by C.Pinney Photography Westfield’s own Al’s Tire has been keeping vehicles road-ready for over 93 years, and now, the shop enters a new era with owner Tim Judd at the helm. A lifelong Western Mass resident with family ties to Southampton and deep roots across the region, Tim took ownership in 2023 with a clear vision: preserve the legacy, modernize the experience, and prioritize relationships over transactions. ...
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Southwick Insurance
Protecting What Matters Most Article by Amanda Waterfield | Photography by C.Pinney Photography Southwick Insurance’s Daniel Hess has seen it all in his 40-plus years in the insurance industry. After a brief stint as a middle school teacher, Dan quickly found that the insurance industry was a great fit, and within three years of starting in the field, he founded the agency that has been his 9 to 5 home for 38 years. Dan’s competitive drive has kept him engaged over the years. “Sales is...
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