Springfield MA 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Theodore’s

Blues, Booze, and BBQ

Funky BBQ joint with quirky decor hosting national & local blues acts

Tuesday through Saturday.

201 Worthington St, Springfield, MA 01103

Phone: (413) 736-6000 | Web: theodoresbbq.com

Nosh Cafè and Restaurant

Eclectic from-scratch with locally sourced ingredients include fresh seasonal produce, coffee, & New England breweries.

1341 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103

Phone: (413) 391-7948 | noshspringfield.com

Red Rose Pizzeria

Down-to-earth pizzeria, run by a brother-sister pair, serves pies, salads & other Neapolitan fare.

1060 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103

Phone: (413) 739-8510 | Web: redrosepizzeria.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Pho Sàigòn

Relaxed, family-owned outpost for the eponymous soup, plus a full menu of Vietnamese classics.

400 Dickinson St, Springfield, MA

Saray

Comfy, family-owned, halal joint offering Turkish dishes & homemade desserts.

1374 Allen St, Springfield, MA

Student Prince Cafe

Family-run spot, serving German food & beer, with a huge collection of steins in the bar.

8 Fort St, Springfield, MA

EAT

Counter-serve outlet for breakfast and coffee, sandwiches, soups and salads.

609 Page Blvd, Springfield, MA

Bueno Y Sano

Low-key, family-run chain outpost specializing in health-conscious burritos, tacos & salads.

415 Cooley St, Springfield, MA

Vinh Chau

Family-owned, no-frills Vietnamese eatery offering pho, clay pot dishes & bubble teas.

409 Dickinson St, Springfield, MA

Taste Of Lebanon

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean classics along with a few American dishes.

553 Main St, W Springfield, MA

Bamboo House

Compact, unassuming option fixing up an array of familiar Vietnamese & Chinese fare.

676 Belmont Ave, Springfield, MA

Sunny Side Up

Informal eatery offering breakfast & sandwich options, many with a Polish twist.

46 Morgan Rd, W Springfield, MA

Soc Trang

Family-run eatery focusing on traditional Vietnamese dishes, plus tropical fruit smoothies.

113 Vermont St, Springfield, MA

Sep 29

Northampton Jazz Festival

Jazz performances by local and visiting artists at over a dozen different venues around downtown Northampton. We have lined up the best local, regional, and national jazz musicians for this annual weekend filled with free jazz in downtown Northampton. Stroll, sip and dine your way through downtown Northampton to the sounds of jazz ensembles at establishments across town. The Jazz Strut features free evening jazz performances in breweries, bars and restaurants throughout downtown Northampton. Each ensemble starts at 30-minute intervals and plays for two hours, so you can be sure to catch a lot of live jazz and good times on Jazz Strut night! Visit explorewestmass.com.

Sep 30

The Norcross House Craft Fair

The Norcross House located at 89 Maple Street is hosting a Craft Fair.. Bring the family for a day of shopping and free pumpkin decorating for children under 12 years old. There will be vendors selling home decorations, candles, soaps, jewelry and much more. Complete details at eastlongmeadowma.gov.

Sep 30

Latino Arts Family Day

Make your mark on a community mural and create a music-maker inspired by Latin American instruments between performances from local Latino musicians, poets, and more! Free with museum admission. Details at springfieldmuseums.org.

Oct 5

Oktoberfest

Beer tasting featuring local breweries and homebrewers, music by the Real DJ TJ Music Entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar for additional beverage options. A 21+. RVSP recommended! Learn more at springfieldmuseums.org.

Oct 7

Taco & Margarita Festival

This unique festival will not only include a variety of world class tacos and margaritas but live professional wrestling, local DJ, shopping and much more. Guests will be able to walk the concourse and arena floor with a day of food, drink and entertainment. Complete details at maamutualcenter.com.

Oct 7

Food Truck Festival

You and your family can enjoy a fun afternoon with others from around our community at the 7th Annual Indian Orchard Food Truck Festival! It’s a great chance to get outside and enjoy the Fall with great food, games, raffles, live music and local vendors as well as The Q 99.7 Street Team! Learn more at facebook.com/myiocc.

Nov 3

Autumn Wine Celebration

Join Sunrise Northeast for the 2nd Annual Autumn Wine Celebration! All proceeds from the event will benefit our Sunrise Northeast Day Training Programs. Tickets are just $25, which includes a glass of wine and appetizers. Additional bottles and glasses of wine can be purchased, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sunrise Northeast. Raffle tickets will be available for sale as well. Details at strideevents.com.

Nov 18-19

Old Deerfield Craft Fair

Explore a miniature New England village, circa 1897, preparing for the holidays. Featuring over 200 juried crafters, designers and artists! Including mixed media, ceramics, printmaking, live music, jewelry, specialty foods, sculpture fiber, photography, fashion, woodworking, glass, leather and fine arts. Details at deerfield-craft.org.

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when

suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

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SILVERSEA OCEANIA REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEABOURN

TRANSHEALTH NORTHAMPTON

Adult and pediatric primary care, mental health, gender-affirming hormonal care and community support for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals. Call 413-341-9400 to schedule an intake appointment.

Email: info@transhealth.org | WeB: transhealth.org

TAPESTRY LGBTQ HEALTH CARE

Provides services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community including gender affirming hormone therapy, PrEP HIV prevention medication, support and links to other LGBTQ+ specific services, education, peer support groups and LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention and resilience workshops. Call (413) 586-2016 for information or an appointment. Web: www.tapestryhealth.org/lgbt-health/

SAFE HOMES

We are Safe Homes, a program supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) young people, and their straight allies. The group is led by youth peer leaders, professional staff, and volunteers who offer support, resources and opportunities for socialization in a safe and nurturing environment. safehomesma.org

SPRINGFIELD PRIDE

At the Springfield Pride Parade, we walk together in a community-driven movement of support, inclusivity, and public recognition to remind our LGBTQIA+ youth that they are safe, they are loved, and they are not alone. springfieldprideparade.org

COOLEY DICKSON HEALTH CARE

We are dedicated to the inclusion of LGBTQ people in all aspects of our services–for patients, families and employees. We promote LGBTQ health equity and access to care through staff training, specialized services in transgender health, inclusive patient policies, and affirming benefits for our employees. cooleydickson.org

RAINBOW ELDERS

Rainbow Elders offers opportunities and information to build connections and find resources to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, aromantic, and agender elders, as well as their allies, and educational outreach to agencies, businesses, and the community at large. Web: lifepathme.org

Dec 2

Holiday Craft Fair

Save the date! Join us for our Holiday Craft Fair! Come do your holiday shopping with local crafters! Enjoy food, kids crafts and a visit with Santa! Visit allevents.in.

Dec 7

Eat Drink and be Holyoke

Join us for a fantastic in-person gathering at Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke, where you can indulge in delicious food, sip on refreshing drinks. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.

Jan

13-14 2024

Springfield Wedding & Bridal Expo

Biggest wedding & bridal exhibition in Western Massachusetts! Experience a wedding & bridal extravaganza. Find everything you need to plan your wedding. Over 150 vendors, companies, designers & planners! Priced to suit every taste & wedding budget. Register for door prizes & Grand Prize Package. Visit localbridalexpos.com.

Feb 10

Chocolate Ball 2024 - Emerald City

Join us for a scrumptious and indulgent evening! Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering signature dishes prepared by Chef Sheyla. Don’t miss out on this delectable affair - mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in a world of emerald bliss! Tickets at eventbrite.com.

Mar 20-23 2024

Home & Garden Show

Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, if you are looking for home improvement ideas you will find a complete resource for the latest products and top professionals at our upcoming Home Show 2024. The Western Mass Home and Garden Show is returning to ESE and it’s bringing products

EVENTS

and services for all of your building, remodeling, decorating and garden needs! Event admission is $10 for adults, FREE for children 12 and under, and $5 for parking (cash only). Visit explorewesternmass.com.

May 18 2024

Springfield Annual Pancake Breakfast

Starting at 8AM and will last until the last flapjack has been flipped. The breakfast table will stretch down Main Street to Court Square. There will be three cooking tents, four ticket tables, 12 beverage stations and more than 300 volunteers. For a complete schedule, visit spiritofspringfield.org.

Jun TBD 2024

Ziontific Music Festival

3 days & nights of reggae, hip-hop, funk. Centered around music, art and family -- Ziontific sets the tone for the summer each year with 4 stages and top-notch amenities including: Wellness Village, kidZone, Fire Shows, Swimming area and docks, Climbing Tower and various other sports. Camping and parking included. Kids under 12 are free. Learn more at www.ziontificproductions.com.

Aug 9-11 2024

East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show

With 80 select retail/whole dealers, featuring minerals, gems, lapidary, beads, jewelry, fossils, decorator pieces, and much more! Complete details at mineralshowlld.com.

Sep TBD 2024

Mattoon Street Arts Festival

Mattoon Street Arts Festival is a timeless event held in the heart of the city’s first historic district. Stroll down Mattoon Street, adorned with meticulously restored brick Victorian row houses, and immerse yourself in the longest running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley. With over 90 exhibitors, delightful food vendors, and enchanting strolling musicians, the festival promises an experience for all. Visit mattoonfestival.org