Arts + Culture

Theatrical Explorations

Chester Theatre Presents New Works for 35th Season Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by Chester Theater, Willow and Grace Photgraphy True stories, intrigue, comedy, and drama. Compelling live summer theater, including two world premieres and one American premiere, is just a short drive along Route 20 from Westfield. Founded by Vincent Dowling, a former artistic director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, Chester Theatre Company, which is celebrating its 35th season, is an award-winning...

July 2024

Life + Culture

Exploring the Rail Trail

An All-Access Pass to Westfield Article by Amanda Waterfield | Photography by Willow and Grace Photography The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail Provides Recreation and Connectivity Through Westfield and Beyond. The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (CGRT) is one of Westfield’s most beloved recreational facilities. Stretching 3.2 miles from just north of the Westfield River, through downtown, and ending at the Southwick line, the CGRT is part of a network of trails that, when completed, will stretch...

June 2024

Food + Beverage

Sushi with a View

Tobiko at Barnes Airport Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc If you're looking for a unique dining experience, visit Tobiko at our local Barnes Airport for rooftop patio seating. It's the perfect place to watch planes come in and take off while enjoying a delicious meal. The menu features a variety of mouth-watering rolls and dishes. Try the Barnes Roll, a local favorite, packed with fresh ingredients. The Salmon and Avocado Roll is a classic choice, combining creamy avocado with...

June 2024

Travel

ProTour & Cruises

Seeing the Sights the Right Way Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by j81 Studios ProTour & Cruises, a travel agency in Southwick, is your gateway to top-tier travel. Imagine setting sail from a nearby port: awaken to an exotic destination on your birthday and indulge in being catered to by night. Celebrate under the sun at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Treat someone to unforgettable memories where dreams come true at the most magical place on earth - Disney. The owner of...

June 2024

Sports + Recreation

Americas Past Time, Here in Westfield

The Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club Article by Julie Cecchini Cook | Photography by Scott Tidlund, Alan Kendzior & J81 Studios The Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club, founded by local historian Dan Genovese, is a group of passionate individuals committed to preserving the legacy of America's favorite pastime. Dating back to the late 1800s, baseball was more than a game – it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated the hearts and minds of Americans. Fans of all ages are...

June 2024

Professional Services

Nitor Laser: Carving a Niche

Article by Amanda Waterfield | Photography by J81 Studios In an industry where the margin for error is nonexistent, brothers Steve and Todd Phillips have built a name for themselves. That name is Nitor, which is Latin for ‘beam of light.’ Based in Southwick, Nitor Laser delivers high tech solutions using laser technology for customers in the aerospace, firearms, and medical instrumentation industries. “We create products from raw materials, and we add value to the products that our customers...

May 2024

Arts + Culture

Fabz Weld & Design

Art with Heat and High Voltage Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by Willow and Grace Photography Michael Fabiani, founder of Fabz Weld & Design, is sewing with fire and cutting with high voltage here in the heart of Westfield. Specializing in CNC plasma cutting, Fabiani creates signage for homes and businesses, functional and ornamental steel fabrications, and handcrafted metal repair work. Michael has his back against the grindstone for over 15 years and counting. His long...

May 2024

Sports + Recreation

These Races are Wild

A Westfield Tradition Continues with Jeff Defeo Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by Jeff DeFeo - J81 Studios The Westfield River Wildwater Races began in the winter of 1953 as a challenge among friends. As they told tales of their canoeing skills while sitting around the bar at the Whippernon Club in Russell, Dick Waterhouse, the club owner challenged the friends to a race down the Westfield River on the first Sunday in April. The prize? A case of beer. When the owner of the Wildcat...

May 2024

Food + Beverage

Ray Ray's Cafe

Westfields Newest Dining Gem Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc Welcome to the newest gem in Westfield, MA – Ray Ray’s Cafe! If you're craving mouthwatering sandwiches, this is the place to be. Picture this: I sank my teeth into their Hot Chicken sandwich, and oh boy, it was a flavor explosion! Imagine crispy buttermilk fried chicken, with a kick of cayenne and brown sugar oil, topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy pickles, all smothered in a creamy aioli sauce. Each bite was...

May 2024

Health + Wellness

Mens Health

Superfoods to Fight Prostate Cancer Article by Jennifer Giffune, RDN In 2024, it is predicted that there will be over 299,000 newly diagnosed cases of Prostate Cancer. Most men are diagnosed around 67. It is uncommon for men under 45 to get Prostate Cancer. 1 in 8 men will develop Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. Prostate Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer for men in the US. There are known risk factors for Prostate Cancer - being over age 50, being African American, and...

May 2024