Health & Wellness
RECIPES FOR HAPPY LIVING
Where did 2024 go?
Well folks, 2025 is here and I know I am not the only one who thinks that happened quickly. Of course, I'm also the same guy who still oddly writes 1996 in my checkbook... so there's that. Life in the world of business moves fast, and my first year here with City Lifestyle has been quite a whirlwind. From meeting tons of new people I would not normally have the opportunity to work with, to re-learning how to immerse myself back into writing, I have enjoyed every minute.
I personally want to start 2025 by thanking my ad partners. Without the businesses in this magazine, we wouldn't be here right now. If you enjoy this magazine like I know so many of you do, please visit these businesses. Tell them you saw their ad, and chose them in part due to the trust that a good, high quality print publication brings to the table. If I could ever recommend a New Years resolution, it would be to support small local businesses that are right here in our back yard. Sometimes supporting local can cost a few extra dollars, but those dollars make a massive impact, so it is well worth it.
Throughout this Issue, we will be focusing on Health and Wellness. Health can mean many things and have varying levels of importance to ones life. To some, health is primarily mental, while others love nothing more than a good day at the gym...both are important. Hopefully we can introduce you to a few ideas to help keep your health high on the priority list. Visit Anytime Fitness, get a cleaning at EMA Dental, care for the senior in your life with a consultation from Caring Solutions... you get the picture.
Thanks again for being part of the Westfield City Lifestyle family!
Cheers,
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Crystal Childs | crystal.childs@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maureen Sullivan, Madeline LeBlanc, Amanda Waterfield, Virginia Maldonado
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Madeline LeBlanc, Willow & Grace Photography, j81 Studios
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Camp K-9 having some playtime in the sun. 2: Getting that new look at Bella J's Salon 3: Dawn of The Pottery Cellar accepting an award from the GWCC 4: Sharon celebrating 6 years at Re-Inspired 5: Welcoming Moon Jules Scents to the neighborhood. 6: Great deals for our furry friends at Westfield Feed 7: MiraVista Behavioral Health making blanket donations to Dakin
J81 STUDIOS
WILLOW & GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
GWCC
Mill River Slabworks expanding services.
Mill River Slabworks is proud to announce that our family is growing, and our premium kiln dried slabs are breaking into new markets across the northeast. Brooklyn Slabworks in Brooklyn, NY and White Timber Slabworks in Thornton, NH will now carry our wood slabs, available for purchase in their states!
Scan
Al's Tire
Tim Judd - 36 y/o Veteran, former Military Police Officer in the 747 MP Co, MAARNG. Founder of Freedom Diesel, est. 2012, a local light-duty diesel repair facility, and new owner of Al's Tire & Auto Service as of November 17, 2023. He brings with him a strong plan for growth and over a decade of experience in complex vehicle diagnostics and repair to the long-standing 918 Southampton Road business. Scan
PROSTHODONTICS WITH A HOMETOWN TOUCH
EMA Dental
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
EMA Dental specializes in prosthodontics, a dental field focused on function and form.
EMA Dental - with three locations in Westfield, Northampton, and East Longmeadow - caters to people who seek innovative prosthodontic care backed by a hometown touch. Specializing in the restoration of smiles and the revival of overall health through dentures, implants, and aesthetic makeovers, EMA Dental is the go-to destination for advanced dental needs. EMA Dental specializes in prosthodontics, a dental field focused on function and form.
Prosthodontics, or more simply dental prosthetics, makes its industry impact through the development of dentures, implants, tooth replacements, and veneers. Out of the 3,500+ licensed, Board-certified dentists devoted to the industry, EMA Dental has a concentration of three here in Western Massachusetts.
The association fills a crucial gap in the region’s dental care sector, offering prosthodontic services for people who require next-level work from a dentist with a neighborly feel. In Westfield, EMA Dental operates out of a historic blue building in the heart of town and stays ahead of the curve with the latest dental technology all the while keeping its familiar feel. Recent improvements introduce clients to renovated rooms with cutting-edge digital scanning, advanced X-ray equipment, and state-of-the-art sterilization techniques.
The Westfield hub serves nearby residents and past referrals from Dr. Polo while the Northampton and East Longmeadow offices cater to people who travel from Connecticut and Vermont. From regular visits to full revamps, this full-service association offers appointments for anyone seeking to restore, refresh, or retain their smile. The practice is braced with both general and specialty divisions. Dr. Lisa Emirzian is an Advanced Care Practitioner who leads the General Practice and gives patients the white-glove
experience whether coming for routine check-ups or an entire transformation. Patients trust Dr. Vincent Mariano - head of the practice and prosthodontics professional - and his EMA Dental team to reach the root of their problems for basic oral needs and cosmetic desires alike, ensuring long-term oral health and a jaw-dropping smile that looks natural.
Addressing the taboo that specialized care can be costly, EMA Dental is committed to accessible treatments and healthcare. The team works closely with patients to find affordable pathways like flexible payment plans, third-party financing, or staged payment options. They understand the fears patients may face when managing dental expenses and they dedicate their expertise to creating long-term plans that fit your budget. With a deep understanding of both functional and cosmetic dentistry, the team works to give patients not just a smile, but a renewed sense of confidence and well-being.
If you’re new, the best way to start is with a simple phone call. Building trust begins from the very first interaction, and EMA Dental is dedicated to providing the personalized care that has made their practice a staple in the community.
CONTACT EMA DENTAL
Westfield Office: 15 Noble Ave, Westfield, MA
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (413) 568-1698
Northampton Office: 64 Gothic St, Northampton, MA
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (413) 779-3148
East Longmeadow Office: 16 Gerrard Ave, East Longmeadow, MA
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Phone: (413) 384-5760
The team works closely with patients to find affordable pathways like flexible payment plans, third-party financing, or staged payment options.
20 Elm Street, Suite A Westfield, MA 01085 413-562-4030
Caring Solutions
ELDER CARE THAT FAMILIES CAN TRUST
ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLOW & GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Patti Baskin Scholpp
Always greeted with a smile
As our loved ones age, ensuring their well-being and comfort becomes a top priority for families. For many, the decision about how to best provide support for elderly relatives can be overwhelming. While nursing homes and assisted living facilities are common options, an increasingly popular choice is in-home care. This option not only helps seniors maintain their independence but also significantly enhances their quality of life.
Patti Baskin Scholpp knows this all too well, having been the primary caregiver for her own mother for five years. That experience is what led her to leave her accounting career and open Caring Solutions in 2006. She knew she could make a difference in the way elders were cared for – offering safe and compassionate care by healthcare professionals that families can trust –wherever they choose to live – at home or in a facility.
She took a leave of absence from a corporate accounting position to care for her mother, but after her mother passed away and she returned to her job, her heart was no longer in it. She left and went to work for an agency that placed nursing assistants in homes for the elderly. She knew it was where she was meant to be. While she learned a lot while working for the agency, she also realized that there were things she could change to make elder care better.
What sets Caring Solutions apart is the strict standards used to vet potential employees. CORI checks are mandatory. Families can feel comfortable knowing that they can trust those who care for their elders to treat them with dignity, compassion, and respect. Just as important is the personalized approach that Caring Solutions gives to each client. Care providers assess each individual’s unique needs and preferences, allowing them to develop tailored care plans. Whether
it’s help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, or assistance with medical needs such as medication management and mobility support, in-home care can be customized to fit the specific requirements of the elderly loved one.
Personalized care fosters stronger relationships between caregivers and seniors. Familiarity breeds trust, making it easier for seniors to express their needs and concerns, ultimately leading to better care outcomes. “I want to know who you are, says Patti of her clients, “tell me who you are, and I can take better care of you. The only way you can see people as they really are, is to talk to them.”
Patti and her team also try to match caregivers with their clients’ interests. For example, one client speaks four languages and has traveled all over the world, so Caring Solutions matched him with a caregiver from Sri Lanka and Haiti. Another of his caregivers is from Paris “He loves to talk to them – he’s intrigued by people from different countries,” Patti says.
“We listen and respond to the needs of all of our clients so we can create a positive and enriching experiences,” Patti explains. “I’m proud of my staff and the level of care and integrity we offer,” Patti says. To families looking for care, Patti asks, “What would the perfect caregiver look like to you?”
If she had not taken care of her own mother, Patti says she would not be doing what she’s doing now. “She prepared me for this, I just didn’t know it.”
Caring Solutions
131 Elm Street West Springfield, MA 01089 413-733-5588 www.caring-solutions.com
“We listen and respond to the needs of all of our clients so we can create a positive and enriching experiences.”
Thorough and friendly
State of the art training facility
OVER 250 AUCTION & RAFFLE ITEMS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
MARCH 1 5:00pm to 8:30pm
En3rgy
Up
ARTICLE
AND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC
Organic Juices & More
Becky Gonzalez’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and inspiration. Five years ago, Becky discovered a lump that turned out to be breast cancer. Listening to her body’s needs, she turned to cold-pressed juices, using their nutrient-packed power to fuel her healing journey.
What began as a personal health venture soon grew into a calling when nurses and friends started asking to try her creations. The demand revealed a gap in the
local market for healthy, immune-boosting options, and Becky was ready to fill it. Now a certified nutrition coach, Becky has made it her mission to help others embark on their health journeys. After successfully vending at farmers’ markets and consistently selling out, she opened En3rgy Up, a cozy juice bar in Westfield. Here, regulars and newcomers alike can sip on delicious, nutrient-rich juices in a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Visiting En3rgy Up feels like coming home. The warmth and friendliness of Becky and her team are evident from the moment you step inside. Customers bustle in and out, grabbing their go-to drinks, each bottle packed with the goodness of superfoods.
With the new year upon us, it’s the perfect time to prioritize clean eating and wellness. Cold-pressed juices from En3rgy Up are a great way to kickstart your resolutions. They’re made with real ingredients, packed with nutrients, and have a shelf life of up to five days in the fridge—or three months frozen. Popular options include Carrot Aid, Sweet Green, Strawberry Goodness, and immune-boosting ginger shots.
This January, let Becky’s inspiring journey and her handcrafted juices motivate you to take the first step toward a healthier you. En3rgy Up is more than a juice bar—it’s a source of nourishment for both body and soul.
The Chamber of Commerce
Your Partner for a Healthy Business
new location
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local businesses for over 65 years. As a nonprofit organization, the Chamber exists to provide education, visibility, and advocacy to its members.
The Westfield Chamber has approximately 250 members, from single owner-operator businesses to large entities such as Mestek, Westfield State University, and Baystate Noble Hospital. Each member has specific reasons for joining the Chamber, but all members share the goal of growing a healthy business.
Westfield City Lifestyle Publisher Wade Rivest sat down with Amanda Waterfield, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director to learn more about how the Chamber serves and supports its members.
WR: FOR NEWER BUSINESSES THAT HAVEN’T BEEN EXPOSED TO THE CHAMBER, WHAT SORT OF THINGS CAN YOU EXPOSE THEM TO THAT THEY MIGHT MISS ON THEIR OWN?
AW: The Chamber excels at building complementary relationships among members. Many of our members are small businesses who are passionate about their work. For example, someone who runs a boutique might love fashion but might have little desire to handle the bookkeeping, payroll, or business taxes. We can provide referrals and guidance on the best companies to deliver those services.
WR: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IN-PERSON NETWORKING VS. COLD INTRODUCTIONS?
AW: Often, a member wants to connect with someone in a given industry, or at a specific company. At a large event where dozens of companies are coming together to mark an occasion, it’s easy and organic to make those connections. I am frequently asked to make introductions between members. People connect more naturally in person where they can shake hands, make eye contact, and learn about one another in an environment that may have a comfortable, social feel to it.
We offer many opportunities for members to get to know each other. Last year we hosted 40 events ranging from coffee hours to joint networking events with other regional Chambers. There is no better referral than word of mouth, and when our members get to know each other through regular networking, they often recommend other members to friends and family.
WR: IF SOMEONE IS LOOKING TO OPEN A BUSINESS, WHY IS WESTFIELD A GOOD PLACE TO DO THAT?
AW: Westfield has so much to offer the community at large! What other city can you think of that has a baseball team like the Westfield Starfires, a local hospital like Baystate Noble, a university, both a public airport and a military base, a children’s campus that includes Amelia Park Ice Arena, Amelia Park Children’s Museum, and the Boys and Girls Club? We are gaining in diversity and our downtown is enriched by a growing restaurant scene and the new cultural district designation from the state.
WR: DOES THE HEALTH OF THE CHAMBER REFLECT THE LOCAL ECONOMY?
AW: It absolutely does. We’ve added more than 30 new members in the past year. That tells me that Westfield is a desirable place to locate a business.
We
offer many opportunities for
members to get to know each other.
Last
year we
hosted 40 events ranging from coffee hours to joint networking events with other regional Chambers.
GWCC Executive Director, Amanda Waterfield
Amanda and Wade discussing local business
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
whirled PEAS!
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
smart SWEETS
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 23RD
Blue Monday
- Blues and Beyond
The Whip - 287 N. Elm St, Westfield | 6:30 PM
The Whip Bar & Grill in Westfield is the place to be on Monday evenings for the 'Blue Monday - Blues And Beyond' open jam/open mic. The Whip City All-Stars are your house-band hosts. The Whip is a full-service restaurant with a full bar and a dance floor. Signup begins at 6 PM
DECEMBER 27TH
Holiday Baked Bingo at Bright Ideas Brewing
Bright Ideas Brewing - 109 Apremont Way, Westfield | 7:00 PM
Don't miss our next evening of Baked Bingo on Friday, December 27th from 7-10pm, hosted by local comedian and bartender John Bartolucci and sponsored by Pioneer Valley Trading Company!
For just $8, you'll receive a set of bingo cards to compete in 10 exciting rounds and a chance to win awesome prizes from both of our sponsors!
DECEMBER 31ST
New Years Eve at East Mountain
E. Mountain Country Club - 1458 E. Mountain Rd, Westfield | 7:00 PM
Bring in 2025 with us! Enjoy a delicious meal with all the trimmings then Off the Record band will dance you into the new year! Please call 413-568-1539 to make your reservation
JANUARY 12TH
Foundation for TJO Animals Quarter Auction
Shaker Farms CC - 916 Shaker Rd, Westfield | 2:00 PM
Come Join Us in Support of a great organization that helps pay medical bills for those animals taken in by TJO Animal Control - Admission (Available at the door only) $5.00 for 2 Paddles (includes Door Prize Ticket)
(Please Bring your Quarters! - Only a limited amount will be available the day of the event to purchase)
JANUARY 13TH
Bingo at
WOW
Westfield on Weekends - 105 Elm St, Westfield | 6:00 PM
$10 for first card that plays 11 games. - $5 for each additional card. We have both reusable cards and dabber cards. We also have water, soda, and snacks for sale at only $1 each item. Children who can sit and have some bingo fun are welcome please note, children cannot win cash prizes, but their adults can!
JANUARY 24TH
Irv Potter
Skyline Beer Co - 98 Southwick Rd, Westfield | 6:00 PM
Irv Potter has been all over New England, having performed as both a solo singer/songwriter and a rock band frontman. Inspired by his idols Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash, he plays a wide range of country, rock, and Americana
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
whirled PEAS!
Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup celery
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)
• 1 sprig parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need
No fees? Yes, please!
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when you open a FREE Get Real Checking® account. Ask us how! • FREE Mobile Banking with Biometric ID • FREE Online Banking, Bill Pay, and Zelle® • FREE of monthly service charges • ATM Refunds**
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$150 promotional offer is for enrolling in eStatements and having a minimum of $1,000 in aggregate direct deposits posted to the account OR enrolling in eStatements and conducting a minimum of 25 point of sale (POS) debit card transactions of $10 or more posted to the account within the first 90 days of account opening. The bonus will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 90th day the account was opened.
$150 loyalty bonus will be paid after the account has been open for 12 months if the account is still enrolled in eStatements and has an active recurring direct deposit posted to the account within the last statement cycle OR if the account is still enrolled in eStatements and has an active debit card (defined as 5 point of sale (POS) transactions of $10 or more posted to the account within the last statement cycle). The loyalty bonus will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 365th day the account was opened. **Other bank ATM surcharge fees that are charged to the account during the current statement cycle will be refunded on the last business day of the current statement cycle up to a
