Giving Thanks
CELEBRATING THOSE WHO CARE FOR COMMUNITY
It's not (all) about the turkey...
"Thank you."
In my opinion, not words that we should take so lightly anymore. Thank you can mean so much more than a polite expression when acknowledging a gift. To truly show thanks, we need to do more. Our community here in Westfield and Southwick has so many amazing, kind and generous people. People that give their time, effort and their hearts to taking care of those around them. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I honestly believe it takes a village to, well...raise a village. So, thank you to our village!
Through my entrepreneurial ventures (of which there have been many), I have experienced more help than I could have ever imagined. Folks reaching out to me, answering my calls, lending a hard-working helping hand. All of these people have a special place in my heart, and I am constantly striving to find ways to thank them. My parents, although skeptical if I "know what I am doing", have always been a fantastic emotional support system. My wife, who shares the same questions as my parents, has adjusted her entire life around my visions. My children know more about so many different businesses that they will no doubt run their own one day. I love their questions, because it shows they care! All of these people, and more, deserve my utmost thanks!
If I could make this issue 1,000 pages I would. Luckily, I still have this platform to thank just a small few of our local heroes who have chosen to devote their lives to helping others. In this issue, you will see a mother dedicate herself to showing her children and her community that if you aim high, you might just go even higher. You will see a local sanctuary for our furry friends that could no longer do it on their own. You will see a community that is rallied around our very own local residents who have experienced trauma that the average person could not imagine. And lastly, you will be introduced to a group that just wants you to have fun for a cause!
Finally, I want to thank YOU! Without our readers and ad partners, we could not help spread the word of our village. Continue to lift each other up, help each other out, and be THANKFUL!
Cheers,
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Wade Rivest | wade.rivest@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Crystal Childs | crystal.childs@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maureen Sullivan, Virginia Maldonado, Amanda Waterfield
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
j81 Studios, Willow & Grace Photography, C.Pinney Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: Sarah
3:
city scene
Bird Home Interiors checking for the perfect fit. 2: Westfield Veteran Services is now at the Senior Center on Noble
and Chef
of Tucker's whipping up some delights 4: Members of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce gather at the September Breakfast 5: Members of our City Lifestyle home office dressed to the 9's for our Annual Conference 6: Southwick regional students rebuilding and programming computers 7: Laura Brodkin with a beautiful arrangement from Flowers by Webster
Pouliot of Black
St.
Sous Chef Brad (left)
Mike (right)
WADE RIVEST
ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN
BY WILLOW & GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
FEMALE PILOT INSPIRES YOUNG ADVENTURERS IN NEW BOOK
SKY HIGH DREAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY
“Look up, go up.” Those are the words that pilot Saba Shahid learned from her flying instructor, the late Fredrika Ballard, founder of Fly Lugu, the flight school at Barnes Airport in Westfield.
Saba is grateful for the times she flew with Fredrika and for the lessons learned on her way to becoming a pilot. Her book, “My Mama is a Pilot,” is dedicated to her memory.
Her first flight was a discovery flight in which she spent 30 minutes on the ground in the plane and 30 minutes in the air. At first Saba wasn’t sure about flying, but she tried it again, and fell in love. “It’s such a freeing experience. It allows you to focus and leave everything else behind.”
“When I was taking flying lessons, my husband and my son Aayan would watch and wait,” Saba said. That was in that fall of 2020.
A year after her first lesson Saba got her pilot’s license. Fredrika had become a close friend and role model. “It was empowering for me to learn with Fredrika. As a woman and the owner of a flight school, she was a pioneer,” Saba said.
Saba is grateful that Fredrika knew that she was writing “My Mama is a Pilot.”
Told from the perspective of her five-year-old son Aayan, who now flies
“IT WAS EMPOWERING FOR ME TO LEARN WITH FREDRIKA. AS A WOMAN AND THE OWNER OF A FLIGHT SCHOOL, SHE WAS A PIONEER.”
with her, the book, which takes place at Barnes, walks the reader through everything a pilot must do before takeoff, starting the night before a flight.
The book’s illustrations show Saba, her husband Chad Moir, their one-yearold son Ashaaz, and Aayan. Flying has become a family adventure.
The book is geared to elementary and middle school students, and Saba hopes it inspires both boys and girls to explore aviation and to “know that the sky is theirs to conquer.”
“I want my sons to walk into a library and see themselves represented,” Saba said.
For more information about “My Mama is a Pilot” or to book Saba to speak in schools or other venues, visit flyingauthor.com
BICC
JOIN THE CLUBHOUSE
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS
A unique resource in the heart of Westfield is providing individuals with traumatic brain injury the opportunity to share experiences of healing, challenges, and day-to-day living. The Brain Injury Community Center (BICC) of Western Mass is a program of Berkshire County Arc (BCArc), an agency which provides services for individuals with disabilities across Berkshire County and Pioneer Valley. BCArc’s services include 43 residential homes, employment services, family support, and day programs such as the BICC.
Located on Franklin Street in Downtown Westfield, BICC clients are known as members. Members each contribute to the BICC Clubhouse, where each person has responsibilities that fall within their specific interests. Duties can cover things like kitchen, where members design menus and prepare meals; physical maintenance and grounds support; and membership growth. Members may also take classes geared toward a return to the workforce or education environment. But for most members, having a place to go where you’re understood and accepted is BICC’s greatest offering.
One of the toughest things about brain injury, according to BICC members, is that it’s a hidden disability. “People think you’re okay because it’s not something you can always see,” says Jeff.
Frankie describes recovery from brain injury as coming out of the rubble. “Here we get a new start, and we can try new activities and resources,” says Frankie. He also points out that it’s helpful to learn about the physical aspects of brains and brain injury. “We call it TBI 101,” notes Frankie.
Members are collaborating on a Clubhouse mural that highlights their stories. The theme of the painting is “rising from the rubble,” which represents members coming out of destruction and rising above, with a lot of good things coming out in the process. Clubhouse member Jeff, who has vision loss, is contributing to the mural by using textural cues to paint within certain parts of the mural.
David Singer, BCArc’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing, would like to see more people taking part in what the Clubhouse offers. “From our perspective, we don’t feel like the
“People think you’re okay because it’s not something you can always see.”
community is aware of the center. More members would be welcome. It’s the only one in Western Mass – people aren’t taking advantage because they don’t know about it – we’re looking for more members.”
For more information on how you can help, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BCountyArc or go to bcarc.org
Whip City Animal Sanctuary
A HOME FOR SECOND CHANCES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY C.PINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
ARTICLE BY VIRGINIA MALDONADO
“Patty’s Place, a special area, is a bittersweet testament to the lives touched here. Donations made in her memory help keep the sanctuary’s doors open.”
Whip City Animal Sanctuary, tucked across the street of Westfield High, is more than a refuge for animals—it’s a symbol of love and generosity. Founded in 2019 by Robin Plourde, a lifelong animal lover, the sanctuary offers a second chance to horses, pigs, goats, chickens, and more. Robin’s inspiration came from her time volunteering at a draft horse rescue, where she witnessed the heartbreaking reality of slaughter-bound animals. Today, the sanctuary that she and her partner, Kerry, manage acts as a safe haven for animals who need it most.
Run entirely by volunteers—120 strong—the sanctuary operates seven days a week. From early morning feeding to evening treat time, volunteers pour their hearts into the daily care of the animals. It’s hard work, but for many, the sanctuary is a place of peace. Robin notes, “It’s a saving grace for people, too— many find healing here.”
The sanctuary’s impact extends beyond its gates. Each December, a festive holiday fundraiser brings the community together. The air is filled with holiday music and laughter while Santa visits and canned goods are shared in grace to Westfield Open Pantry. It’s a time of joy, but also a reminder of the sanctuary’s
mission: caring for those who depend on us, animals and humans alike.
Patty’s Place, a special area dedicated to a late volunteer, is a bittersweet testament to the lives touched here. Donations made in her memory help keep the sanctuary’s doors open.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Whip City embodies the spirit of giving back. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply visiting, there’s always a way to help. And with dreams of expanding and building a new barn, Robin and her team are counting on the continued kindness of the community.
Because here, at Whip City, every animal deserves a second chance—and every act of kindness leaves its mark, whether it’s a hoof, feather, or paw, on the heart.
Notice: The Whip City Animal Sanctuary is a private residence. Please adhere to public hours of operation for Visiting Hours, Special Events, Fundraisers, and more. No private trespassing.
WHIP CITY ANIMAL SANCTUARY
232 Montgomery Rd Westfield, MA, 01085
Robin Plourde
Kerry Plourde (413) 977-6083
WHIPCITY WHIPCITY WHIPCITY WHIPCITY WHIPCITY WHIPCITY WHIPCITY WHIPCITY
QUALIFICATIONS:
EXP WITH CHILDREN IN A CHILDCARE SETTING
EEC TEACHER CERTIFICATE FIRST AID & CPR CERT EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS FLEXIBILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGING NEEDS AND SCHEDULES
THANKS to thosewho GIVE
WESTERN MASS CHARITY DANCEATHON, WHERE FUN + CHARITY = SUCCESS
ARTICLE BY WADE RIVEST
Since 2021, the folks at WMCD Inc, a youth-driven nonprofit, have been focused on developing youth leadership skills for local teens, while showing how important it is to give back to your community. Founded by a small group of Westfield volunteers, the inspiration came from an event, in upstate New York, called the “South High Marathon Dance”. WMCD, however, has put their own spin on it, and came up with the idea of hosting all-nighters full of games, music, dancing, food and more - giving teens the opportunity to create meaningful memories, while raising money for select recipients. Since then, the group has raised close to $70,000 for local charities. The most recent recipients are Rick’s Place, providing critical youth grief support, Griffin’s Friends, providing support to children with cancer, and Rachel’s Table, battling widespread food insecurity.
This coming November 23rd, WMCD will host a “FunnyRaising Comedy Show” at the East Mountain Country Club, to raise money for the 2025 recipients. They will be working with the Jess Miller Comedy Shows, and together plan on providing a hilarious night of entertainment that you will surely not want to miss! Doors open at 6:30pm and the show begins at 8:00pm. The comedians are Jess Miller, Timothy Lovett, Linda Belt, and Kathe Farris. And while laughter will fill the hall, there will also be a cash bar, raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, and an optional buffet available for $15. The buffet will feature Chicken Cacciatore, Pasta with Red or Alfredo Sauce, Salad & Dinner Rolls. Tickets cost $25 and the show is ages 21+.
Our local charities need our support, and we are very thankful to have some amazing, giving and thoughtful people right here in our own community. If you want to know more about this event, check out the website at funnyraising.com and learn about WMCD at wmcd.org
Community, investing in our youth, and having a great time doing it! To learn more, please visit www.wmcd.org
Dining Out Without the Guilt Trip
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER GIFFUNE, RDN | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY J81 STUDIOS / WILLOW & GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
We live in a world that celebrates with food. There are so many options- sit down restaurants, delivery, drive-thru and take out. We chose to dine out because there is variety, little wait time, someone else does the work, and no clean up! But where does healthy eating fit in? Restaurant foods tend to be higher in calories, fat, carbs and sodium. It takes some work on your part, but you can eat well and healthy with these steps-
WELL AHEAD OF TIME…
• Get a menu in advance, and choose what you will eat before you go
• Call the restaurant & ask questionsdo they have the nutrition analysis of the foods they serve, are there healthy options, will they cater to your health needs, etc.
• Wear clothes that fit snuggly as a visual reminder
• Practice portion control
• Make a list of the reasons you are making healthy food choices. Keep a copy on your phone to remind you in a tough situation
decadent small portions for the win
JUST BEFORE YOU GO...
• 20 minutes before you go, have a glass of water
• Eat a small snack (such as fruit, veggies or nuts)
• Let others know that you are trying to eat healthier and ask for support.
MAY I TAKE YOUR ORDER?
• Look for these words - pickled, tomato sauce, steamed, poached, in broth/own juice, garden fresh, roasted, broiled, blackened, dry broiled with lemon/wine, airfried, stir fried or cocktail sauce.
• Have an appetizer as your entree
• Ask for all toppings on the side and use one spoonful
• Request half the starch and double the veggies.
• SLOW DOWN! Make meals last 20+ minutes
• Split dessert with another person
• Stop eating when you are full!
DINNER IS OVER, NOW WHAT?
• Have a conversation with yourself - acknowledge liking the food and the action steps you took that were healthy.
• Drop the guilt trip.
• Finish this sentence: The next healthy thing I am going to do is ________________________ (then do it!)
It is good to get out of the kitchen, relax and just enjoy the food and social aspects of dining out. Now you can also avoid feeling badly about it the next day. Simply keep in mind that you can make some healthy food decisions before, during and after the next time you eat out. For more information, contact Jennifer for nutrition counseling. She sees clients in-person in Westfield and by phone or video. To make an appointment with Jennifer call (413) 579 – 5450 or email her at jen@jenthedietitian.com
It is good to get out of the kitchen, relax and just enjoy the food and social aspects of dining out. Thankfully, Westfield is full of healthy options!
We have your health options right here!
tasty & light options at Shortstop
BUILD A CAMPFIRE READY S'MORES DESSERT BOARD WITH THIS HOW-TO GUIDE
S’MORES DESSERT BOARD
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
It’s campfire season! You know what that means? S’MORES! These sweet treats are staples during the fall and winter! I have many childhood memories of sitting by the campfire with my family telling stories, gazing at the stars, and roasting marshmallows.
This year, take your s’mores to a whole new level with this S’mores Dessert Board! They are so easy and fun to make! Similar to a Charcuterie Board, a S’mores Dessert Board is beautifully decorated and full of everything you need to make the perfect s’mores! Some of my favorite things to include in a s’mores are either peanut butter or a mint chocolate candy!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Board: A beautiful wood board or metal tray will look great!
Marshmallows: Choose between regular, jumbo, or flavored marshmallows.
Chocolate: There are so many options for chocolate when it comes to s’mores! There’s milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolates, white chocolate, caramel chocolates, and much more!
Graham Crackers: Use graham crackers or a variety of cookies for your s’mores.
Fresh Fruit: Include fresh fruits as toppings for your s’mores.
Skewers: Don’t forget to bring skewers to roast your marshmallows on!
OCTOBER 30TH
Hocus Pocus Movie Night & Witch Hat Decorating
The Mossy Apothecary - 285 College Hwy. Southampton, MA | 6:30 PM
Together we’ll celebrate the season by watching Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus, + decorating adult sized cloth witch hats with bountiful earthy materials like dried flowers, crystals, moss + more! Complimentary light snacks, spooky sangria + mocktails provided
NOVEMBER 2ND
YMCA Annual Cycle for a Cause Cycle-A-Thon
Westfield YMCA - 67 Court St. Westfield, MA | 8:00 AM
This four-hour event helps raise funds for the Y's Annual Campaign. Each bike is a TEAM bike, raising a minimum of $500 per bike.
1. Email sign up with Andrea Allard at aallard@westfieldymca.org or call 413-568-8631.
2. Then fill out the Participation Form. Donate a general gift to the campaign. sponsor a team or sign up to ride as a TEAM.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Holiday Shop and Sip
Camp Jahn - 24 Camp Jahn Rd. Southampton, MA | 3:00 PM
Come shop for yourself or someone else while enjoying cocktails! We will have a list of vendors as soon as we are filled up! If you're a vendor and would like to set up a table, please message me with your business name and what you sell!
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 10TH
Big Boozy Book Fair
Shortstop Bar & Grill - 99 Springfield Rd. Westfield | 12:00 PM
Sip and shop indoors with authors and bookish vendors!
Authors: Benjamin Daniels, Katherine Anderson, Penny Goetjen, Jess Allen, Rebecca Rowland
Artisans: BOOK CLUB On the Go, Bootiful Book, Chroma Crystals, Enchanted Typewriter, Leah Cunha Crafts, The Book Loft, more tba.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Grateful for Biggie
The Barn at Westfield River Brewing Co - 707 College Hwy. Southwick, MA | 6:00 PM
Step into a world where time-honored melodies collide with urban poetry, where the rhythms of yesterday's legends unite with the beats of a modern era. Introducing "Grateful for Biggie," the ultimate mashup tribute that seamlessly blends the Grateful Dead's signature grooves with the lyrical genius of Notorious B.I.G. Get ready for a sonic journey that defies genres and sparks new musical dimensions.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Back in Black - AC/DC Tribute with guest Shawn Layne
The Barn at Westfield River Brewing Co. - 707 College Hwy. Southwick, MA | 6:00 PM
The premier tribute to AC/DC returns on Thanksgiving weekend with special guest Shawn Layne. All ages - Indoor show - Doors open at 6pm - Shawn Layne 6:30pm - Back In Black 8:00pm
GET INSPIRED
& DRINK SHOP LOCAL
Perfect Holiday Pie Homemade
Kosinski Farms, A Fall Tradition
Kosinski Farms, located in Westfield, MA, is a beloved local gem known for its fresh, homemade pies that are perfect for the fall season and Thanksgiving celebrations. From classic apple to decadent pumpkin, each pie is made with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring rich flavors and a homemade touch. Their pies are a holiday favorite, offering the perfect balance of flaky crust and sweet, spiced fillings. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to indulge in a seasonal treat, Kosinski Farms’ pies bring a taste of tradition to your table, embodying the warmth and flavors of autumn.
No fees? Yes, please!
ENJOY UP TO A $300 ACCOUNT BONUS
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**
*Special offer is for opening a new Get Real Checking® account. Minimum balance to open Get Real Checking is $10. Bonuses are for new consumer checking account customers and limited to one account per tax owner. Tax owner must be at least 16 years old at the time of account opening to qualify for the bonus. Customers who have previously received a bonus on a checking account from the bank are not eligible. Bonus payment may be 1099 reportable. Account must be in good standing and have a positive balance at the time the bonus is paid. May not be combined with other promotional offers. This is a limited time offer and subject to change without notice.
$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
