Food + Beverage

Investing in Good Beer

Bright Ideas Brewery Westfield Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc Investing in good quality beer can be a lucrative endeavor for those with a discerning palate and an eye for opportunity. As the craft beer movement continues to gain momentum, more consumers are seeking unique and flavorful brews every day, creating a growing market for high-quality beer offerings.   Bright Ideas Brewing, nestled in Westfield, Massachusetts, is a prime destination for beer enthusiasts and investors...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Self-investment for Health and Happiness

A guide to self-care Article by Amanda Waterfield Self-investment for Health and Happiness When your life is full of commitments, responsibilities, and distractions, it can be easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But putting yourself at the top of your priority list delivers a wealth of advantages. Dallas Pilecki, M. Ed., LMHC is the co-owner of Serendipity Psych in Westfield. He encourages people to recognize the value of self-care. “The best investment we can make is in ourselves,”...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Investing in Community & Recovery

Combating Crisis through Caring Article by Virginia Maldonado City Lifestyle - Kim Slade of The City of Westfield Health Department   Kim Slade is here to help raise awareness on safety, education, and action surrounding substance use here in the City of Westfield. Armed with years’ experience in prevention and harm reduction, Kim has a heart of gold and is here as an asset to the town’s Health Department and the community it serves.   Q: Introduce yourself! Who are you and what is your...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Supporting Local

Investing in the Community from a Larger Perspective Article by Wade Rivest With all the talk of “investing” that you will see in this issue, I feel this is the perfect opportunity to discuss a few local community members and organizations that really help to make our community thrive.  Now, understand that there are too many to list, so I really am just going to try to scratch the surface here.  I’ll start with a little background on me, and my hopes and vision for local small businesses.  ...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Love your Look

Investing in your Skin for Longterm Results Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by Willow and Grace Photography The benefits of starting a proper skincare routine at a young age show up as we get older. Looking in the mirror at age 35, and seeing few, if any, wrinkles can be our reward for sticking to a consistent skincare routine. When is the right time to begin using skincare products? Amber Champagne, licensed esthetician, and owner of Champagne Apothecary in Westfield, says as early...

March 2024

Home + Design

Blackbird Home Interiors

Custom design and construction brings your flight of fancy to real life Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by Provided and Karen Slack Photography A rattan shade softens the light as rainfall flows overhead. A sea of scalloped tile glimmers in the cove. Natural wood brings a balance of warm hues. Your own private oasis that looks and feels like luxury.  Nestled in Westfield, Blackbird Home Interiors is a design consultation and construction company who handcrafts your dream...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Tucker's Restaurant:

Celebrating 25 Years of Family, Dedication, and Delicious Moments Article by Michael Anderson | Photography by Kat Kattler Photography I walked through the door, just back from Yankee Candle, and shared the news with my wife, Karen, and our newborn daughter, Paige – I had officially resigned from Chandlers Tavern, the beloved Yankee Candle's Restaurant. Despite my genuine affection for the job, change was in the air. Fast forward to April 15, 1999, and Tucker's Restaurant was born at 648...

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

After Winter Home Care

Don't Let Your Home be a Victim of Harsh Weather Article by Wade Rivest As winter gives way to spring, it's essential to give your home the attention it needs for the upcoming seasons. Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure your living space is well-maintained and ready for the months ahead. 1. Exterior Maintenance: Begin by inspecting your roof, gutters, and siding for any winter-induced damage. Additionally, clean out gutters to avoid potential water damage and fix any cracks in...

February 2024

Life + Culture

Heroes Wear Running Shoes

Changing lives through "miles" Article by Wade Rivest | Photography by Katie Warner Mitchell Being a parent can be stressful, to say the least.   For Katie Warner Mitchell and her son Connor, handling stress like true champions has become a way of life.  I had the honor of sitting down with Katie to discuss how she has taken the opportunity to “turn pain into change”.  Connor (6yrs old) was born with a condition called Front Metaphyseal Dysplasia (FMD), a genetic disorder characterized by...

February 2024