Health + Wellness

GLP-1 Agonists

Are They Worth All The Hype For Weight Loss? Article by Jennifer Giffune, RDN GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that impacts blood sugar & weight.  It manages blood sugar by boosting insulin.  It controls appetite by slowing down digestion.  GLP-1 agonists are medications that have been shown to treat blood sugar and promote weight loss.  In 2014, The FDA approved Saxenda was approved for weight loss.  In 2023, Zepbound was approved for weight loss. GLP-1 agonists are...

May 2025

Real Estate

Duane Desilets

A Steady Hand in an Ever-Changing Market Article by Wade Rivest | Photography by Elle Bacon Since 2006, local real estate agent Duane Desilets has been a trusted name in home buying and selling. In a market that’s always evolving, Duane has remained a consistent force—thanks to his experience, calmness under pressure, and a genuine commitment to helping people. Prior to real estate, Duane served from 1999 to 2005 as an Airman right here at the 104th Fighter Wing. As part of the base's fire...

May 2025

Arts + Culture

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...

May 2025

Auto + Marine

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.  ...

May 2025

Professional Services

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...

May 2025

Home + Design

Tynic Landscaping

Painting Your Yard into the Perfect Picture Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by Tynic Landscaping & j81 Studios Hydrangeas bloom into soft pastels. Verdant boxwood bushes and towering arborvitaes add privacy and form. A showcase of plants and foliage unfold in curated designs. Even on a rainy day, Scott Lamon – sole proprietor of Tynic Landscaping, Inc. – is crafting your dream outdoor space.  Tynic Landscaping takes pride in every bloom and blade as a master residential and...

April 2025

Education

Kate Senecal

Bringing the Art of Writing to Western Mass Article by Wade Rivest | Photography by j81 Studios For over 15 years, local teacher Kate Senecal has been taking her passion for writing and passing her skills along to her students. After a stint at Clark University and HCC, Kate decided she needed something more.  She needed a better way to connect with her students in order for them to hone their skills and truly develop their craft of writing.  Kate brings an amazing wealth of experience and...

April 2025

Shopping

The Fashion Journey of Be Bella

From Mobile Boutique to Unique Boutique Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by Willow and Grace Photography Bethany Strzempko Liquori started her fashion journey in 2020, by hitting the road with the Be Bella mobile boutique, traveling through Massachusetts and Connecticut, all the while picking up loyal customers.  Other female business owners began inviting Bethany to bring the Be Bella truck to their businesses. “That’s how I got started and became successful,” Bethany says. The...

April 2025

Health + Wellness

Healthy Living

Is an Anti-inflammatory Diet Worth It? Article by Jennifer Giffune, RDN Inflammation shows that the body has a healthy defense system, but it is meant to be temporary. It is the way the body fights off viruses, bacteria and infections. However, long term inflammation is a problem as the body starts to damage healthy cells. This is the case in autoimmune diseases such as lupus, type 1 Diabetes and Crohn’s disease. If the inflammation continues, it can lead to chronic diseases such as...

April 2025

Home + Design

Kitchens Direct, Inc.

Etched in Stone / Delivering Beautiful Kitchens and Stonework to Western Mass for 27 Years Article by City Lifestyle Collaboration | Photography by C.Pinney Photography Kitchens Direct, Inc is a wholesale kitchen distributor who also specializes in granite and quartz. Founded in 1998 by Rich and Diane Metivier, KDI has always stood for meticulous detail and personalized service. Today with their son Eric, the family continues to uphold this promise and their reputation taking homeowners from...

March 2025