A NOTE

from APRIL 2023

The Final Countdown 7 garden centers to inspire you this spring

A s I sit down to write this April editor’s note, it’s mid-March and I am staring out my living room window as massive snowflakes rapidly fall to the ground. We had a “snow day” from work today – so far at my home about 8 inches of the white stuff has come to the ground, with no plans to stop until morning.

We have had a unique winter – one where we did not see much for snow until March. And while I adore snow in November and December as it puts me right in the holiday spirit…I’m just about done with it, especially at this time of year.

This attitude toward snow is not new for me, or many New Englanders. Our seasons are ever-changing. One day it is a 25-degree winter wonderland, the next it could be 60 degrees and sunny. The day after that, a 0-degree blizzard might blow through. A week later it could be 75 degrees out and we’re all wearing shorts. You just never know what you are going to get.

A pril brings the promise of spring.

Though, I know better than to assume we will not have a spring snowstorm. Two years ago, on April 18 my family purchased a ski boat. My parents love to waterski, it’s one of their many hobbies, and after nearly 25 years with their tried-and-true Bayliner, it was time for an upgrade. So – on what should have been a beautiful spring morning as the many days’ prior were – my parents trekked out in a snowstorm to New York state to pick up their boat.

W hat an odd scene that was for many who passed them on the highway, I’m sure. Itching for boating season a little early, eh?

In the same token, we have had years when the boat was comfortably in the water on April 18. We have enjoyed a warm spring day out on the lake with a picnic, taking in the sun’s rays and entertaining thoughts of summer.

This year, though, it looks like we may be up for the former: a few more chilly, snowy weeks to endure before we get to the good stuff.

( Yes – I know some of you readers may enjoy the snow and all the power to you. I wish I did!)

I know I’m not the only one looking forward to the warmer months. The Westfield Starfires, featured in this edition, are eager to get their latest season going. Coming off their first post-season run last summer and hosting a game at home on NESN, the franchise is not only excited to get back into action for the sport, but also to bring communities together.

The Humble Fox’s shelves are stocked to usher in the spring season with Easter items, spring décor and gardening-related goodies. Owner Sara Anderson is ready for more foot traffic that the season brings, and alongside her, her dog Easton is ready, too.

O ftentimes one’s health is brought to the forefront when the seasons change, and owner of Mama Life Oils Jessica Petit is here to help. She makes homemade, organic, chemical-free products using essential oils. For those looking to transition to some allnatural remedies to colds and other ailments, Petit may be able to fulfill your needs.

L eena’s Place, located at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown, is looking forward to the warmer months as they will be offering entertainment and delicious food at the new restaurant. With seating indoors and on their outdoor patio, owner Jessica Morehouse is excited by their diverse menu offerings and what they can bring to the community.

Speaking of Country Clubs – spring welcomes the New England golf season. If we are still enduring chillier temperatures by the time readers have this magazine in their hands, though, they might consider venturing out to Westfield’s Roots Athletic Center, as it houses Tee Times Indoor Golf. Keep up with your golf game, or practice other sports at the virtual facility, as they also offer soccer, lacrosse, foot golf, handball, hockey and shooting sports games.

I f you are looking for me, I will be hoping Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter is true, as that means in a few days we will be turning the imaginary tide he estimates to warmer days ahead.

A s always, thank you for picking up our magazine.

- Payton North, Executive Editor

Executive Editor

Payton North

Creative

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh

Susan Bartlett . Molly Arnio . Sophia Kelleher

Content

Matt Conway

Advertising

Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee

Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Longtin Miller

Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene

Terry O’ Donnell . Victoria Owen

Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw

Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director

Fran Smith, General Manager

Live

Friday

Growing up, sports were a big part of Chris Thompson’s life, and he especially loved baseball. So it’s no surprise that he and Donnie Moorhouse, who have a combined 50 years of experience in sports and entertainment in Western Massachusetts, founded the Westfield Starfires Futures Collegiate baseball team in 2018.

The West Springfield resident grew up watching New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox and Roger Clemens – “I would like to see him in Cooperstown one day,” he noted. It was only natural that Thompson, a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Westfield, embarked on a career in sports.

“I’ve worked in sports marketing my entire career,” he said. “My first gig was working for Boston-based Wolf Associates when Bobby Orr was the managing partner at the time. I also worked for the American Hockey League Headquarters as the marketing coordinator for four years and the Springfield Falcons for 11 seasons as senior vice president of sales and strategy.”

Thompson was one of the architects behind the impressive launch of the Springfield Thunderbirds Hockey Club, increasing attendance by 50% and growing revenues to record numbers while attaining league-wide recognition, being recognized with over 10 AHL revenue growth awards over the first two seasons of the franchise.

But his love of baseball was always in his heart, so he teamed up with Moorhouse to launch the Westfield Starfires.

Five years later, it’s still a homerun.

“ We saw an opportunity with the Futures League where Western Mass. fit perfectly into the footprint of league expansion,” said Thompson.

The eight-team wooden bat league, founded in 2011, has franchises in Worcester, Pittsfield and Brockton, Massachusetts, New Britain and Norwich, Connecticut,

Nashua, New Hampshire and Burlington, Vermont.

Thompson said the vision was to bring competitive summer collegiate baseball to Western Massachusetts while at the same time providing affordable family entertainment.

That vision has evolved and grown over the years. The Starfires are coming off its first post-season run last summer and hosted a game at home on NESN.

“Our franchise was honored by the Futures League as the community relations program of the year for our work with the 104th Fighting Wing,” Thompson said proudly. “Our players toured the base, and we honored veterans and active military at our Military Appreciation Game with special jerseys.”

Thompson said the team really is more than a place for college kids to play between seasons.

“The Starfires are more than baseball. We’re about connecting communities and engaging them in a way that has a positive impact,” he said.

O f course, baseball is still pretty important.

“Building our baseball credibility was paramount,” Thompson said, noting that players have gone on to big things. “Alum Reggie Crawford was selected in the first Round (30th overall) in the Major League Baseball Draft last season. Pat Gallagher was also drafted in 2022 by the Toronto Blue Jays in the eleventh round. Nick Dombkowski from West Springfield is highly regarded as one of the top lefties in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system.”

It’s obvious that Thompson is not just the founder and owner of Westfield Starfires, he is the team’s biggest fan and cheerleader. He also touted the city that embraced them.

“The city has been terrific,” he said. “Westfield is a great place to do business. City Hall has been extremely supportive – every department head is very approachable with an open door policy.”

L ooking toward the fifth anniversary season, Thompson has plans that will benefit the team, fans and the community.

“Our priority is to upgrade the fan experience at the ballpark this summer,” he said. “The Starfires formed a new venture with North Elm Butcher Block to serve fans dinner at Bullens Field. Many of the Butcher Block fan favorites will be available at Starfires games.”

Westfield Starfires are also hosting five educational games this year as part of school field trips. “Students will get to learn where our players live and go to college around the county,” said Thompson.