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...

Health + Wellness

EMA DENTAL

Building confidence one smile at a time Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography For the doctors at EMA Dental, standing for Emirzian, Mariano & Associates, dentistry is not just about maintaining healthy teeth but prioritizing the patient, the person and their individual smile.   "The smile represents the unique soul of a person, their emotion and their personality. The ability to give a person the freedom to smile is life-changing,” explains Dr. Lisa Emirzian...

Health + Wellness

Inner Peace, Outer Balance

The Mill at Crane Pond Article by Candice Berube | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography Tell us about yourself. My name is Jennifer Judd, and I am an entrepreneur and musician who has been on a healing journey for approximately 14 years. I embarked on this path due to chronic health issues that traditional medicine couldn't address, leading me toward alternative healing. Despite the challenges, I'm grateful to say that I've been gradually reversing my issues. Now, I feel compelled to...

Food + Beverage

Richard's Grinders

A Local Tradition Article by Candice Berube | Photography by Kat Kattler Photography Can you share the history of Richard’s Grinders? Richard Fox founded Richard’s Grinders in West Springfield in 1969. Jim Cleland managed for 20 years. Jim and our family took the leap and bought Richard’s in 1991. The restaurant had a good reputation, so we kept the name. Jim built the business up for 17 years. When he retired in 2008, Brian Cleland took over. We’ve always wanted to open a Richard’s in our...

Food + Beverage

The Brass Rail Meeting House

A Destination for your Next Event Article and Photography by Q: What is the history of The Brass Rail Meeting House? A: The Brass Rail was owned and operated by Louis "Gino" Boccasile and his wife Libera from 1941 to 1970. Born in Italy, the couple transformed The Brass Rail into a multifaceted venue, offering dancing, bowling, dining, floor shows, and live entertainment. The venue became a hub for various events, including weddings, receptions, banquets, fashion shows, auctions, and...

Event Planning + Services

Introducing Katt's Kreations

Give the gift of Romance this Valentine’s Day! Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc Step into the world of floral elegance with Katts Kreations Flower Shop in Westfield, MA, where European craftsmanship transforms blooms into the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Elevate your Valentine's Day with the epitome of luxury, as each handcrafted bouquet tells a story of sophistication and romance. Kat meticulously selects premium blooms, intertwining vibrant hues and delicate fragrances to create...

Food + Beverage

Savor The Flavor

A guide to find good local smoothies Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc Step into the New Year with a burst of flavor by indulging in vibrant smoothies. Loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants, these refreshing blends embody renewal and well-being. Make a resolution to sip your way to health, by combining colorful fruits and nutrient-rich ingredients. Whether you're craving a tropical twist or a green boost, these establishments offer a delightful array of options!  Magic...

Health + Wellness

Daily Dose Studio

Empowering the community through movement Article by Lindsey DaRosa | Photography by Hannah Josephine Photography Tell me about yourself and your background. I grew up in Southwick and ventured through various places during my late teens and early twenties. Life led me to discover a fitness studio that ignited my passion for fitness, and being able to bring that passion back to my hometown is one of life's greatest gifts. Welcoming lifelong friends into my studio has been both a...

Health + Wellness

Enjoy your vacation. Skip the guilt trip.

Article by Jennifer Giffune, R.D.N. A new year means vacation planning time! Whether you are going to the mountains or the beach, you still have to bring your health issues with you. If you do your homework, the journey will be more relaxing and compatible with your health. Most people only focus on the time they are away, which is a mistake. Instead, do some work each step of the way. There are actions you can take well ahead of time, the day of and while you are away. To avoid the guilt trip...

Health + Wellness

Girls on the Run Western MA

Inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident Article by Lisa Queenin What is the background of Girls on the Run? Where did it get started? When did it arrive on the local scene? Girls on the Run was established in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a team of 13 brave girls. The program's growth was remarkable, starting with 26 girls in the next season, then 75, and it continued to expand. In 2000, Girls on the Run International, a 501(c)(3) organization, officially came into...