Food + Beverage

A Sustainable Future

Simple ways to make a large impact Article and Photography by Niki Lankowski At Grow Food Northampton, when we talk about the concept of investment, our thoughts go less to stock portfolios and more to this definition of the word: an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. In 2024, join Grow Food Northampton in committing to investments in. . . The Earth Planting native species - Choose native plants for...

March 2024

Home Services

Investing in Your Home

Making the renovations that work for you Article by Tina Lesniak In today's dynamic housing market, where prices soar, more homeowners are opting to renovate and update their existing homes rather than face the challenges of buying new ones. Amidst this surge in home improvement endeavors, Construct Associates, Inc. emerges as a beacon of expertise and innovation, offering comprehensive design and construction services to help homeowners realize their vision of the perfect living space. “I...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Investing in Our Communities

The Valley offers numerous ways to give back Article by Tina Lesniak One of the best ways to improve and better our communities is to invest our time and resources in them. That can look different for everyone as people strive to best use their strengths and capabilities to improve the world around them. Here is a list of possible ways for local residents to invest in the communities around them.  Northampton Survival Center The Northampton Survival Center is an emergency food pantry...

March 2024

Arts + Culture

WinterFest Brings Easthampton Together

Businesses and residents invest in and celebrate the Easthampton Community Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Colin McGahan Photography Once again, the Easthampton community came together to invest their time and support in WinterFest and raise much-needed funds for Nashawannuck Pond. The 11th annual event on Feb. 10 included over 35 events and countless volunteers all across the city.  “We encourage businesses and organizations to think outside the box, working together to support each...

March 2024

Arts + Culture

Art as a Community Investment

NEVAmuseum offers space for all types of artists Article by Tina Lesniak A work of heart for decades, the New England Visionary Artists Museum (NEVAmuseum) offers space to artists who may not typically find a space to showcase their work.  “I like to think of the whole life of the project as simply an imagined thing; it has been built on a shared vision,” explained Michael Tillyer, who serves as co-director of the museum with his partner Susan Foley. “It is evident that this work has led to...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

A Family Legacy

Personal service sets Pure Food Market apart Article by Tina Lesniak Although the Pure Food Market family always knew their father’s strong legacy of personal service at the store, it wasn’t until after Donald Puza’s death in April 2021 that they learned the full extent of what that meant. “We didn’t know the full impact he had on the community,” explains Vicky Puza-Allen, daughter of Don and co-manager. “After he passed away and the store closed, people kept showing up, leaving cards and...

February 2024

Home Services

Spring Ready

Making the best home and garden come warm weather Article by Tina Lesniak March is a time for spring cleaning homes and yards to get them spruced up from the winter months and ready for the warmer months. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, there are many things that homeowners can do now to make for a more enjoyable spring and summer season. One of the first things to take care of inside the home is the accumulation of dust and dirt that tends to accumulate during the winter. Whether that...

February 2024

Life + Culture

Spring Adventures

Day trips abound in and near the valley Article by Tina Lesniak As the temperatures, hopefully, start to warm up in March and the snow melts, the Valley and its surrounding areas offer a range of opportunities for getting outside again. Of course, anyone who has lived here for some time knows that it’s also a good idea to have some backup plans for that late winter snowstorm. Here are some favorite springtime day trips.   Look Park With a steamer train, wildlife center, walking path, sweet...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

The Pit Stop BBQ

A Barbeque Enthusiast's Dream Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc The Pit Stop BBQ is a recent addition to Westfield’s culinary scene; a paradise for barbecue enthusiasts. As I ventured into this smokey haven, I couldn't resist trying their signature dishes.  First on my plate was the Brisket Loaded Potato – a masterpiece of flavors. The potato was generously loaded with succulent brisket, topped with melted cheese, and crowned with a dollop of tangy barbecue sauce. Each bite was a...

February 2024

Home + Design

An Eclectic Blend

A little bit of every style for the home at Sticks & Bricks Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography Sticks & Bricks is not the typical vintage shop - but a modernized take with an old-school feeling. A mix of projects and parts for sale, as well as curated furniture, lighting and other household elements, come together to create a unique store and studio space. “I love everything about furnishing a home with vintage and handmade items. It means your home is...

February 2024