Home + Design

Style as a Reflection of Self

Expert Tips with Blackbird Home Interiors Article by Amanda Waterfield The concept of “style” can mean many things. When something is “in style,” it can be current or trendy. Someone who is “stylish” is seen as polished and put together. Style can describe fashion, vehicles, hair, or a manner of speaking. Even with all these variables, the idea of style is difficult to pin down. Sarah Pouliot of Blackbird Home Interiors sees style as being highly personal and individualized. “Style is very...

Food + Beverage

Cafe Zerno

A Taste of Family, Faith, and Fresh Beginnings in Downtown Westfield Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by j81 Studios When you step through the doors of Cafe Zerno, the hum of downtown fades away. The warm glow of lights highlight caramel-colored chairs and slatted wood walls to bring a European elegance to Westfield. You’re transported—into a space where community, culture, and fresh foods meet.  To the owners, Alisa and Marc Sychev, Zerno is more than their second location. It’s...

Style + Beauty

Style with Flowers

Tina D'Agostino of Blooms Shows Us How Article by Maureen Sullivan There's nothing quite like a bouquet of fresh flowers to add style to your home or business. Whether picked from your garden, bought at a farmers' market, grocery store, or designed by a florist, flowers bring joy and beauty to any space. We chatted with Tina D’Agostino, owner of Blooms Flower Studio in Westfield about the many ways in which flowers can be arranged – no matter the season or the reason.  She creates...

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...

Education

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...

Home + Design

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...

Arts + Culture

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...

Sports + Recreation

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 @...

Auto + Marine

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...

Food + Beverage

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...