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DAZZLE GIFT GUIDE • WEDDINGS • TRAVEL
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DAZZLE • WESTFARMS & KEENAN • FOOD • WINE • TRAVEL • WEDDINGS • FINANCE
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ISSUE NO 5/6 2014
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$4.95 2014 WE-HA.com
Westfarms & Keenan mark 40 years, and going strong.
Issue no. 4
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Teamwork Dream work makes the
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• FINANCE
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TIMELESS
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The Art of
Outdoor Living
by Jeff Hodges
Contact us for: Landscaping Yard Renovations Shrubs & Trees Lawns Stairs & Stoops
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Outdoor Entertainment Areas Patios / Walks / Walls Fireplaces Residential Property Maintenance Masonry services
860-986-4282 • www.JeffHodgesLandscapeContractor.com
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ISSUE FIVE
2014 View online issue 24/7/365 at WE-HA.COM
30
23
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES 23
35
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
10 FROM THE PUBLISHER
33 FOOD
12 PEOPLE A sampling of notable events in
49 GARDEN
Happy Holidays from Tom Hickey
by Lisa Lelas
Westfarms and general manager, Kevin Keenan celebrate 40 years!
and around town
35
DAZZLE GIFT GUIDE 2014
14 WEDDINGS
Shopping local this year!
DeAngelis & Olesnevich Masciocchi & Scurlock Williamson & Lawson
20 BEAUTY
ON THE COVER Kevin Keenan, General Manager of Westfarms celebrates his 40th anniversary with the mall. photography by Jane and Michael Shauck,
‘Holding it Together’ with proper skincare
30 FINANCE
IRIS Photography
The Twin Tasters at Fernwood Restaurant
Getting to the ‘roots’ of the holidays
55 WINE
Champagne: Holidays & every day!
63 TRAVEL
On Safari in Tanzania
66 HOLIDAY
Holiday Organizing
Year End Money Moves
2014
a holiday guide A gift to you from WH Media
SHOP LOCAL Spotlighting Westfarms 40th Anniversary A Guide to Elmwood West Hartford Center Business Association Holiday Guide Monarch Jewelers gift catalog
we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 6 2014
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Dazzle
west hartford magazine
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A WHMedia, Inc. company
Publisher Thomas P. Hickey, II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com Creative Director & COO Joy Brigham Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com Managing Editor Lisa Lelas editor@westhartfordmagazine.com Publication Designer Jennifer Inocencio graphics@westhartfordmagazine.com Marketing Consultants Taylor Tavarozzi Guest Section Editors Amanda May Sirica Sarah Williams Publishing Advisor Jonathan Moffly Contributing Writers & Columnists Karla A. Dalley,Tammy Kroll. Marc A. Sack, The Twin Tasters, Ertan S, Sener, Norma Spadola, Contributing Photographers Tim Brown, Kathryn Deane, Carrie Draghi Photography, LLC., Jane & Michael Shauck, IRIS Photography, Michelle Wade Photography Print Advisor Bob Carr Website Mike Roy/Roy Web Design Bookkeeper Debbie Roberts bookkeeping@westhartfordmagazine.com Proofreader Barbara Gordon
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A WHMedia, Inc. company
Principals Thomas P. Hickey, II Joy B. Taylor James H. Gould, III WHMedia, Inc. Publishers of West Hartford Magazine, Dazzle and Palette. Custom publications include: CCAOH “Help & Hope Magazine; Monarch Jewelers; Stanger & Arnold “Times Have Changed.” We-Ha.com
P.O. Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 westhartfordmagazine.com office 860-508-4032 West Hartford Magazine is published six times a year by WHMedia, Inc. Subscriptions: One year for $29. Newsstand $4.95 each. To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, P.O. Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127; www.westhartfordmagazine.com. EDITORIAL & LETTERS: editor@westhartfordmagazine.com – please include full name, town and phone number (for verification only, not for publication). ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©2014 WHMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. West Hartford Magazine is a registered trademark owned by WHMedia, Inc. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by West Hartford Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.
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PUBLISHER Happy Holidays! Do you remember G.Fox, and Sage-Allen at Westfarms? What about the pet store next to the movie theater? And what was the name of the massive sundae at Kathy John’s you ordered with your friends and they would ring a bell hoping you could actually finish it (seriously let us know if you remember what it was called.) The glue that keeps Westfarms together is Kevin Keenan, General Manager who has also been there since the beginning. Admittedly he didn’t want to be our cover, Amanda May Sirica, Sarah Williams and I made him do this BUT I think you’ll agree that 40 years is a noteworthy milestone. I will admit that I told Kevin that the nuns at St. Brigid (where we both attended elementary school) would be very proud of him and he cringed a little just for mentioning them BUT like all of us we are proud to witness a West Hartfordite succeed in our back yard. Enjoy both the look back over 40 years and the Gift Guide in Dazzle! While we are talking about businesses on New Britain Avenue, when I heard that the Fernwood Restaurant was celebrating 70 years this January I had to tell the Twin Tasters so they could pay a visit and let us all know how good the food must be in order to be in business for 70 years (see page 33). You’ll see lots of promotional information about the Elmwood Guide, the Holiday Stroll, the West Hartford Center / Blue Back Holiday Guide in this issue and please check out all of their products when you receive them in the mail or visit We-Ha.com but SHOP LOCAL this Holiday Season and support these great businesses. West Hartford Magazine will continue to publish six times per year and quarterly feature regional themed topics like Palette, Dazzle, Oasis for Home & Garden and Weddings. Ronni will keep you informed via We-Ha.com of our most important activities and events in town 24/7/365 … subscribe today if you haven’t already! And while we’re talking about subscribing please do so on We-Ha.com so you are best informed about all the happenings in WH! Remember the only way to guarantee delivery of every issue to your home or office is to subscribe … we’ll make each issue worthy of a corner on your coffee table. As always our Subscription Club Members (see page 20) are acknowledged and thanked in each issue. Worth noting that if you JOIN the CLUB you get lots of perks like FREE tickets to events. Your next issue of WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE, WINTER 2015 will be on-line ONLY! This will be one of two issues (Summer being the other) that is 100% digital. For years we have been trying to figure out the best way to reach you while the kids are on school break, you are skiing up North or being snow birds down South … so via We-Ha.com we can reach you and you can find us no matter where you are. Please let us know what you think! Spring 2015 will be in your homes March 1st! Best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous Holiday Season,
Thomas P. Hickey II Publisher
tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com
A WHMedia, Inc. company
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BEST OF WEST HARTFORD IS HERE! Unlike other “BEST OF’s,” this will not be based on who stuffs the ballot box and how much an advertiser spends. “Best of We-Ha 2015” will be based on how the community votes. An editorial board, representative of the community, will tally the votes and make judgment calls as needed. Voting will begin in January 2015 in a variety of categories, culminating with a gala celebration in July 2015. Seven title sponsors have already signed on. Other sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting WHMedia Publisher Tom Hickey: tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com, or 860-508-4032.
TITLE SPONSORS:
Jeff Hodges Landscape Contractor
StangerLaw.com Stanger & Arnold, LLC., Attorneys and Counsellors at Law
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PEOPLE
Visit WE-HA.com
for complete stories and photo albums from the following events...and MORE!
West Hartford YMCA & Camp Jewell Wine Tasting Event
West Hartford YMCA and Camp Jewell YMCA held their 6th annual Wine Tasting to benefit youth development in the community. Proceeds provide residential camp opportunities at Camp Jewell and programs at the YMCA regardless of their ability to pay. The wine was provided by Maximum Beverage and the food donated by local restaurants, including Tapas. Treva, Ginza, Salute, Chengdu, Whole Foods, Moe’s, Black Eyed Sally’s and more. There were both silent and live auctions featured. For more information, visit: www.ghymca.org West Hartford YMCA Executive Director Shawn Fongemie and Mike Shannahan.photography courtesy of YMCA
Denim & Diamonds
HARC’s 26th Annual Auction The Hartford/Windsor Marriott set the stage for this year’s HARC fundraising auction, titled “Denim & Diamonds” on November 8. Co-chairs of the event were Travelers Executive VP and CEO, Field Management, Business & International Insurance, Patrick Kinney and his wife, Patricia. “I am very pleased to have Travelers partner with HARC for this event,” Kinney noted. HARC, Inc. helps people in the greater Hartford community with intellectual disability and their families enjoy lives of quality, inclusion and dignity by providing support, education and advocacy. www.harc-ct.org
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PEOPLE
Miracles XXV Gala
Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center Foundation West Hartford YMCA and Camp Jewell YMCA held their 6th annual Wine Tasting to benefit youth development in the community. Proceeds provide residential camp opportunities at Camp Jewell and programs at the YMCA regardless of their ability to pay. The wine was provided by Maximum Beverage and the food donated by local restaurants, including Tapas. Treva, Ginza, Salute, Chengdu, Whole Foods, Moe’s, Black Eyed Sally’s and more. There were both silent and live auctions featured. For more information, visit: www.ghymca.org Pictured (L-R): Hank and Susan Scherer, MIRACLES Honorary Chairpersons; Mary Gibbons, MIRACLES Honorary Chairperson; Joseph and Irene Triompo, MIRACLES Co-Chairpersons; Daniel P. O’Connell, Chairman, Saint Francis Care Board of Directors; Irene O’Connor, WFSB Channel 3, Emcee and Saint Francis Foundation Overseer; Eileen and Christopher M. Dadlez, MIRACLES Co-Chairpersons and President and CEO of Saint Francis Care.
Family Night, Pumpkin Carnival & Halloween Stroll The Moms & More Club of West Hartford welcomed approximately 1,000 costumed children to the annual family-friendly Pumpkin Carnival & Halloween Stroll in Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center including the “Upper Ave.” part of Farmington Avenue. The Halloween festivities actually began with a family night at Saint Brigid School which attracted about 250 people who enjoyed food from local vendors and a sneak peek at the scarecrows and pumpkins that were moved to West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square. Photography by Kathryn Deane Photography
SAVE THE DATE!
May 2, 2015 from 2:30 to 7:00 at Folly Farm, 75 Hartford Rd, Simsbury, CT THANKS TO OUR 2014 MAJOR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR New Country Motor Car Group MARQUEE SPONSOR Foley Capital Partners, Inc. Hartford Hospital TROPHY ROOM SPONSOR Kathleen Doxer Millennium – The Takeda Oncology Company The Budd Family Foundation Chris & Diane Gent Travelers West Hartford Wealth Management Group
CLUBHOUSE SPONSOR Brown-Forman ConnectiCare Brian & Kathleen McLean Dr. Victoria Cassano Connecticut GI Godbout Foundation Jefferson Radiology Rockville Bank Paul and Elisabeth Romano The Stevenson Family Trinchero Family Wine Estates Richard Wallace
For more details, call 860-521-0500 or visit www.ronsrun.org
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WEDDINGS
Congratulations
Cara DeAngelis & Mark Olesnevich photography by TIM BROWN tabphotographic.com The grass is sometimes greener right in the middle. Cara grew up on one side of West Hartford and Mark on the other side, so when the couple first met near the town center, they couldn’t believe they had never met before. Their courtship was grounded by many friends they had in common, the love of family, tradition and just loving life. Mark knew how much Cara loved Newport, and it was there on the beach, as Cara collected seashells, that he knelt down on one knee and popped the question. The bride is the daughter of John ‘Jordy’ DeAngelis Jr. and Patricia ‘Patty’ Foley DeAngelis, of West Hartford. Cara graduated from Northwest Catholic High School and earned her BA in early childhood education from the University of Saint Joseph. She is currently employed as a first grade teacher at St Brigid School in West Hartford. The groom is the son of Ken and Linda Olesnevich, of West Hartford. Mark graduated from Hall High School and earned his Bachelors in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. He works at Bank of America as a senior mortgage underwriter. The October wedding took place at Saint Timothy Church in West Hartford with a formal reception that followed at the Hartford Hilton. Their cake centerpiece was topped with two mini Adirondack chairs and a yellow lab…representing their many beach memories and Cara’s pet dog, Hope. After a minihoneymoon in Newport, the couple set up their current home in West Hartford. Q Visit We-Ha.com for more WEDDINGS.
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Bride with “Miracles Happen” blue bracelet and bouquet with Family Blue Hydrangeas ( Flowers by Jen at Stop&Shop)
Left: Cake Topper for Hope (Cara’s pride and Joy) and the couple’s many more beach memories to come. Below: Bride and Groom with wedding party.
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ISSUE NO. 3 2014
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“The Club” Members Honorary Club A Better World - The Adoption Connection, Inc. in Memory of: Betty Ann Ambrosi Judith Gengras McDonough
Gold Club $500
Member benefits include thank you gifts throughout the term of the subscription, plus members enjoy a lunch date with Tom (publisher), and Joy (creative director). Also includes a one year subscription, and your name, “in honor/memory of,” and/or business prominently listed on “The Club” page.
In Memory of George & Jean Brigham James H. Gould, III In Memory of John & Joan Hickey In Memory of Joseph Sweeney
Charter Club $250
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WEDDINGS
Above: Kate and John with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. Pete Andruskiewicz, Alaina Tosatti, Tom Heslin, Kate Plis, Leah Goldman, Joe Sgambati, Molly Grew, Matthew Masciocchi, Tyler Gualtieri, John Scurlock, Kate Masciocchi Scurlock, Rebecca Masciocchi, Anthony Mascolo, Ashley Huffman, Jonathan LaRocque, Haley Venditti, Hilary Scurlock Cocalis, Luke Cocalis.
Congratulations
Katharine “Kate” Masciocchi & John Scurlock photography by CARRIE DRAGHI PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC cdraghiphoto.com To say Kate & John go way back would be an understatement. The two childhood friends met at St. Timothy’s middle school in West Hartford and began dating during their senior year at Northwest Catholic and they maintained a long distance relationship throughout college and into the start of their post-college careers. It was worth the wait for these love birds as they finally tied the knot in August! The bride is the daughter of Catherine Gobes and Alfred Masciocchi, of West Hartford. Kate received her Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and is currently an architectural designer at GWWO Inc. Architects, in Baltimore, MD. The groom is the son of Rhonda and George Scurlock, of West
The Scurlock family with the Bride and Groom. From left to right: Luke Cocalis, Hilary Scurlock Cocalis, Kate Masciocchi Scurlock, John Scurlock, Rhonda Scurlock, George Scurlock.
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Left: Detail of Kate’s bouquet, featuring the succulent she grew herself.
Hartford. John received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bentley University and is currently employed as Finance Manager for Aetna Inc., working out of their Baltimore office. The late summer wedding took place at the Church of St. Timothy with a reception following at the Society Room in Hartford. As a surprise, Kate’s dad arranged a personal shout out from Grammy Award winner, Loudon Wainwright, the artist of their father/ daughter dance song, “Daughter”. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon traveling throughout Europe and now they reside in Baltimore. Q Visit We-Ha.com for more WEDDINGS.
The Masciocchi family with the Bride and Groom. From left to right: Al Masciocchi, Cathy Gobes, Kate Masciocchi Scurlock, John Scurlock, Rebecca Masciocchi, Matthew Masciocchi. we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 5 2014 west hartford magazine
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WEDDINGS
From left to right: Back row – Marianne LaSala (maiden name is DeConti), Taryn Gervais, Patrick Williamson. Middle Row – Alison Devine, Katie Thorner, Jennie Quinn, Kate Williamson, Sara Demos, Kate Morran. Front Row – Nick Lawson, Meghan Lawson, Margaret Williamson.
Congratulations
Meghan Williamson & Nick Lawson photography by MICHELLE WADE MichelleWadePhotography.com
Bridal party from left to right: Alison Devine, Katie Thorner, Marianne LaSala, Sophia Strong, Justine Micalizzi, Jennie Quinn, MOH (sister of bride) Kate Williamson, Meghan Lawson, Nick Lawson, Best man (friend) Tom DiMarco, Brian Lawson, Patrick Williamson, Dan Shapero, Juan Abreu, Marc Lawson, Mike Canfield.
Brian Williamson, Margaret Williamson, Meghan Lawson, Nick Lawson, Kate Williamson, Patrick Williamson (Bride’s family).
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Meghan and Nick were neighbors when they both lived in Pennsylvania during college, and after dating for about a year and a half they realized they had something very special together. Nick invited both families to visit the Philadelphia area supposedly to celebrate his birthday but instead proposed to Meghan at the famous Love Park in center city. Meghan was completely surprised and beyond excited! The bride is the daughter of Margaret and Brian Williamson, of West Hartford. Her mom is the principal of Northwest Catholic High School. Meghan attended St. Brigid’s School and Northwest Catholic, before receiving an MS in Education from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She is currently a second grade teacher in Philadelphia. The groom is the son of Michele and Leonard Wroblewski and Patrick and Rita Lawson, all of Erie, PA. Nick received his MBA in accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is currently a senior accountant at Comcast in Philadelphia. The July wedding was officiated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hartford by the bride’s great uncle, Fr. Francis Reese, who also married her parents. After a reception at The Belle Terrace at Avon Old Farms, the couple honeymooned in Hawaii. They currently reside in Conshohocken, PA. Q Visit We-Ha.com for more WEDDINGS.
Adam Lawson, Brian Lawson, Meghan Lawson, Nick Lawson, Rita Lawson, Patrick Lawson, Marc Lawson (Groom’s family).
Leonard Wroblewski, Meghan Lawson, Nick Lawson, Michele Wroblewski, Marc Lawson (Groom’s family). we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 5 2014 west hartford magazine
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BEAUTY
Holding it
Together
A solid foundation and proper care can reverse signs of aging skin
T
rying to take my own advice from a recent column, I found myself on a much-needed weekend away, recharging my mind and body with good food, great girlfriends and fine red wine. As I returned home, all seemed right in the world. The relaxation was already apparent on my face with less lines and rosy, glowing skin from all the fresh air and belly laughing we had done. As I crested the top of my driveway, the peace that had enveloped me, suddenly fell away like the steps and stones of the retaining wall that obviously collapsed in my absence – fieldstone, and the mortar that held it together, lay crushed, like my cabernet grape spirits. In an effort to make a quick getaway and avoid the horror splayed out in front of my car, my gaze drifted up to the rearview mirror and I noticed my face not quite as pale and lined as I imagined it had instantly become. Fortunately, I maintained a healthy skincare routine, though I had failed my naturally lichened New England pile of rocks. The symbolism of the aging wall
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and my aging skin came clearly into focus. They both need a solid foundation, quality mortar or ‘glue’ to keep it lifted and to be free of environmental invaders slowly eroding its integrity. Like rodents, vines and tree roots can undermine the integrity of a stone-wall, environmental factors can weaken and damage our skin. I can’t stress enough the importance of washing your skin with a PH-balanced cleanser every night to remove daily dirt and pollutants that have accumulated. Look for nonabrasive cream cleansers with natural ingredients like papaya enzyme for gentle exfoliating without stretching and scratching the skin. If you feel too tired at night, start a bit earlier in the evening, before you sit down in front of the TV. Avoid the damaging rays of the sun, using a day cream of at least SPF15. Drink lots of water to flush out toxins from the inside. As we age, the foundation or collagen layer of our skin thins, allowing surface layers to collapse into fine lines and wrin-
The symbolism of the aging wall and aging skin...both need a solid foundation, quality mortar or ‘glue’ to keep it lifted and to be free of environmental invaders slowly eroding its integrity. kles. Keeping that layer strong and solid, pushes those fine lines back out. The key is to deliver quality botanical ingredients containing vitamin rich antioxidants deep into the cellular layers of the skin. This is
photography by BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
by Tammy Kroll
west hartford magazine
11/21/14 12:10 PM
photography by BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
where the thinner serums come into play. They are applied before a moisturizer and designed to reach deep down, building a strong base. Look for key ingredients such as algae extract, marine lavender extract and sea buckhorn oil. Staying hydrated also plumps out the skin so make sure you drink plenty of water – at least 6 to 8 8oz glasses a day. Elastin would be our skin’s mortar or ‘glue’ that holds it all together. It’s the ‘bounce back’ effect when you pull on your skin – though avoid pulling on your skin, especially around the sensitive eye area where there are no oil glands. Eye creams are generally thicker and more emollient than moisturizers and should be applied with the ring finger to avoid too much pressure. Brands containing aloe and cucumber can reduce puffiness due to lack of sleep, allergies, etc. Follow up with moisturizer. Day creams with peptides enhance skins smoothness and again an SPF of 15 or higher protects from sun damage, necessary even during the winter months. Repair your skin at night with night creams
Tammy’s
Beauty Tips • • • •
Wash skin with a PH-balanced cleanser every night to remove daily dirt and pollutants Avoid the damaging rays of the sun, using a day cream of at least SPF-15 Drink lots of water to flush out toxins from the inside. Repair your skin at night with night creams containing high antioxidant vitamin C
containing high antioxidant vitamin C, supporting elastin as well as collagen to restore a more youthful appearance. Remember…never use your night cream during the day as the ingredients needed for repair should not interact with the sun, potentially breaking down what you are intending to build up. Finally, go for quality. Remember, you get what you pay for. In my inexperienced efforts to shore up my wall, from time to time I took out the rubber mallet to forcefully maneuver the slipping stones back into place. But what it really needed was
January 17, 2015 Hartford Golf Club
Tammy Kroll is a District Manager with Arbonne Skin Care & a licensed Zumba instructor. Contact her: TammyKroll2@ yahoo.com .
Sa$ve 5
Honorary Chairs: Matt Winter and Jane Lehman, Allstate Insurance Company. Emcee: Scot Haney, Channel 3
proper maintenance and reinforcement. If only I’d invested some time and money into their repointing as I had invested in my skin, my wall might still be standing. However, stonewalls can be replaced and this is the only skin you have. So invest wisely … n
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*Offer valid at participating locations shown. Some restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Whooo is on Your List? Harry and Cubby have some gift ideas for you: SPONSOR AN ANIMAL
Give a gift to help care for one of the many animals in residence at The New Children's Museum or Roaring Brook Nature Center. Your sponsorship helps us to improve our wildlife habitats, to provide our animals veterinary care and to develop educational programs for our visitors. Please contact The Wildlife Sanctuary at 860.231.2830 ext. 50.
HONOR THEM. SUPPORT US!
This holiday season, make a donation to The New Children’s Museum Annual Fund in someone’s honor. It’s a great feeling to know that because of you, your favorite Museum and Nature Center can continue their good work. We will send acknowledgement to your honoree. Visit us online and click on Donate Now.
GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership to The New Children’s Museum allows a family to enjoy our exhibits and daily activities as often as they like, for a full year, as well as discounts on programs. Visit us online and click on Join Now.
Playing in the planetarium beginning Nov. 22
The New Children’s Museum 950 Trout Brook Dr., West Hartford, CT www.thechildrensmuseumct.org 860.231.2824
Roaring Brook Nature Center 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT www.roaringbrook.org 860.693.0263 22
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Children’s Museum
A WHMedia, Inc. Co.
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eamwork T makes the Dream work by Lisa Lelas photography by Jane and Michael Shauck, IRIS Photography
WESTFARMS & KEENAN
Celebrate 40 Years in the ever-changing mall we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 5 2014
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lose your eyes for a moment and bring yourself back to 1974. Watergate dominates the news…President Nixon resigns and Vice President Gerald R. Ford is sworn in as our 38th president…movies like Blazing Saddles and The Sting top the box office at movie theaters…the Oakland A’s defeat the L.A. Dodgers in the World Series…cost of a postage stamp is 10 cents… and Connecticut’s first indoor shopping mall opens its doors, right here in our own backyard! As Westfarms celebrates its 40th anniversary, we only need to peek in on its administrative team to understand why this unique shopping center continues to prosper. At the helm is Kevin Keenan. Kevin is the general manager of Westfarms, and is celebrating his own 40 year anniversary with the company, having been employed by the mall since it first opened its doors in 1974. “I was 23 years old, just back from touring the country and working out west (from working in the printing trade and construction in Arizona to cattle ranching in Montana). I came back home one summer just to visit family and friends. My dad suggested I apply for a job at the new mall that was opening.” Kevin was first hired as a cleaner in the custodial department three weeks before the mall officially opened. “It was the right place at the right time,” he surmises, “Within weeks I was supervising the cleaning crew. There is always something exciting happening in a mall atmosphere. Ultimately, I fell in love with it and my thoughts of moving back to Arizona quickly disappeared.” After working as the mall cleaning supervisor, Kevin eventually took on a position with the mechanical maintenance division and soon took over that department. In the 1990’s, Kevin became the operation director, overseeing the mechanical and cleaning departments, as well as the security division. Fourteen years ago, in 2000, he became the general manager of Westfarms.
“There were colleagues of mine who also moved up the ranks with the company, as well,” Kevin explained, “we started together and knew the importance of continuing to work as a team.” “Since the days I wore a tool-belt at work, I have had many mentors, from supervisors and former general managers to many coworkers. I learned something from every single one of them. Over the years I found that being constantly challenged gives me energy and I thrive on that. I’m certainly never bored here!” Now in the top leadership position at Westfarms, which is owned by the Taubman Company, Kevin regards himself as somewhat of an anomaly. “Most managers move up and on to other malls, but my roots are here. I passed on other opportunities that came my way, quite simply because I love it here. This is home.” Kevin grew up in West Hartford. The son of a carpenter and third oldest of nine kids, he attended Webster Hill School, St. Brigid’s and Talcott Junior High before attending A.I. Prince Technical High School. Kevin met his wife, Joann, at the mall, when she worked as a manager for The Limited. They have two children, now in their 20’s, a son, Christopher and daughter, Erin. They reside in nearby Litchfield county. So, after 40 years, how is it that Westfarms, a 1.3 million square foot mall with more than 160 merchants, still prospers in a time of on-line buying trends? Kevin shares
“Most managers move up and on to other malls, but my roots are here. I passed on other opportunities that came my way, quite simply because I love it here. This is home.” several thoughts: “People may research on-line but still want to be able to enjoy the in-store buying experience. The consumer comes in better prepared after on-line research. They already know the color and size they’re looking for. Retailers are actually leading the way of marrying the best of both worlds (online and brick & mortar). Also, sometimes it’s just a social thing, customers coming in for dinner and shopping together. “An important key to our success, first and foremost, is the success of our leasing department. They have great relationships with national retailers, can foresee trends and anticipate which retailers will work best in local markets across the country. At Westfarms, the merchandise mix is
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Kevin and security director, Paul Listro review evacuation plans with officers, Jeff Rose (lefts) and Bill Norton (right). The safety of the merchants and customers is their number one priority and they work closely with both the West Hartford and Farmington police and fire departments to prepare for every possible scenario. Well over 100 Westfarms security department alumni have moved on to careers in law enforcement … many (like officer Norton pictured here) in West Hartford and in Farmington.
constantly evolving with many of our stores exclusive to the area, a distinct point of difference from our competition. Every year we bring in new retailers, most on 5, 8 or 10 year leasing cycles. We are always analyzing trends and trying to stay ahead of the curve.” Westfarms has recently undergone a major facelift, with a newly renovated center court as its anchor. “It’s now a great gathering place,” says Kevin, “we took out the escalators from the center court area to open up the space. We’ve installed tech tables like you see in major airports, for laptops and charging cellphones. It’s important for us to keep up with the times, embrace technology and integrate it into the whole shopping experience. The mall now has property-wide high speed WIFI. We are experimenting with an interactive mall directory, smartphone technology and other state-of-the-art digital options to ensure that Westfarms stays current and provides a unique shopping experience.” In addition to the new center court, many other physical upgrades have been put into place, such as improved lighting, glass 26
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handrails, renovated rest rooms and more. Despite several facelifts over the years, the mall has been careful to maintain some of its classic roots. In particular, a few iconic art statues shoppers have grown to admire. The Alphabet Spire VI, for example, is a 28 foot high sculpture by artist, William Crutchfield, and has stood outside of the JC Penney store since Westfarms opened in 1974. The mall was originally built on farmland and a golf course, straddling two towns, Farmington and West Hartford, hence the name ‘Westfarms’. It’s easy to understand why Westfarms is one of the top grossing malls in the country, based on revenue per square foot, as it has the distinction of being in close proximity to many high net worth shoppers in Farmington, West Hartford, Avon and Simsbury, with median household incomes well above those in most other Connecticut towns. “We know we have a good strong, well leased shopping center here,” says Kevin, “It’s a phenomenal market area, with terrific customers and a perfect location. Every year, some stores move out but new faces always
move in, keeping the shopping experience fresh. Even in the toughest of economic times, we’ve been successful.” Beyond all of the great business focus on merchandising and customer service, Kevin is quick to point out that Westfarms couldn’t thrive without one essential component – The Team. “We have an exceptionally close management team here at Westfarms. Many of us have been here right from the start. We’ve been through a lot together. The stories they tell are so heartfelt and funny at the same time. We are all very good friends. We’ve become like family. It’s a very close team but we have new blood as well. It’s a good mix of tenured and new, giving us both the experienced view and fresh new perspectives. We never just think that’s the way we’ve always done it, but rather ask every day, ‘what can we do different today?’ Our philosophy has never been the same ol’, same ol’. We are very dedicated to work hard every day, support each other and have fun in the process.” When asked about the day to day operations, Kevin comments, “The team has a demanding day running a shopping center, it’s a community and our team needs to ensure that the customer experience is exceptional.
When Sears opened in August 1961, it was the first major store to be built in West Hartford since the completion of Lord & Taylor in Bishops corner in 1954. Until 1960, the area where Westfarms now sits was open farmland. This photo shows the Philip Corbin farm and homestead on the southwest corner of New Britain Avenue and South Road.
The Gerth Dairy farmland was across the road from the Corbin farm. On March 21, 1961, some 20 acres of the Gerth farmland became home of Sears and the Corbin's Corner Parkade, and 10 years later, across the street, the Westfarms building project began. Westfarms opened in October of 1974.
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Stephen Merkent, Kevin Keenan and Paul Listro, at one of entrances during remodeling.
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1990,” he says, “when Kevin was promoted to general manager, Kevin promoted me to facilities director.” Joe and his wife, Kathy have 2 sons, Joe and Dan. Together, they have all been a part of the close-knit Westfarms family. What keeps Joe happy at his job all these years? “It’s the people and the culture of the company. We always take the high road. It’s a team. We step around any ‘walls’ surrounding job roles, simply working together. We blur the lines of job positions. For example, I am the facilities director but I’m also involved in a lot of the marketing decisions. Everybody’s input is important. Our team philosophy & effort never went away over these years. We all work for a common goal…not always successful in everything we try, but we have a pretty good batting average! We’re focused on what we need to do and we try to have fun, as well. The entire team at Westfarms, not just the management team, gets recognized. Every month we update our internal web system to announce birthdays and anniversaries. It’s not about ego here, it’s about providing the best service we can.” Keeping a good rapport with everyone they do business with is very important. “I want a real relationship with all my vendors.” Says Joe, which may attribute to the success he and the team have always had. They are always working on how to effectively evolve and improve their teamwork. “We once attended a breakfast seminar at Nordstrom to discover some of their winning strategies. We all learn from each other.” Re-investing in the property is an ongoing venture at Westfarms. “People look at our timeless design and are amazed that the building is now 40 years old!” he says, “we are always looking ahead for projects that may need attention in another 10 years, from the parking lots, the roof, the landscape…everything. We honor tomorrow, today. That’s just how we roll!”
Stephen Merkent grew up with Kevin in West Hartford and is a graduate of Conard High School. Like his buddy, Stephen
began working at the mall 40 years ago as a custodian. He steadily climbed the corporate ladder through the years, moving up to custodial superintendent, horticulturist and ultimately becoming the current facilitites superintendent. Interestingly, Stephen’s job roots were planted on the Westfarms site even before the mall was built! He worked as a land surveyor doing preliminary site lay out work for the future shopping center and spent over two years completing the final building layout of Westfarms. As a kid, Stephen remembers playing miniature golf at Torza’s, the golf course located on the land that the mall was eventually built on. His fond memories go way back. “When I was working construction on the site, I used to drive my truck into the site of the old movie theaters as it would fill in with water, to wash my truck before leaving each day!” As Stephen quips, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain!” referring to his more than 40 years of witnessing so much at the mall. “I’ve seen Tiny Tim to Al Taubman shop here at Westfarms!” But perhaps his fondest memory is meeting his wife, Janet, when she worked at the mall’s information booth back in 1974. They have three sons, Ryan, Christopher and Matthew.
Cheryl Thompson is on the management team as senior financial assistant and has worked for Westfarms for 31 years. “I was just out of high school, still in college,” she explains, “I even met my husband here, who was a West Hartford police officer. I was the customer service supervisor at the time and he was one of the officers assigned to Westfarms.” Together Cheryl and Jeff have one son, Gavin, 11 years old. Even as a teenager, Cheryl’s first jobs were at the mall. “I worked at the former York Steak House and Brown Derby deli before I had applied for a job and began working as a security officer here.” In 1986 she became customer service supervisor. In 1990,
“We all work really well together. They are like my older brothers ...They really are like family. We all take great pride in what we do. We have great communication. ” ~Cheryl Thompson Cheryl was offered a position in the finance/ bookkeeping department (what she went to school for). Now, as Westfarms’ senior financial assistant, she trains and supports new personnel in their duties in shopping centers across the country. Cheryl concurs with the sentiments from the rest of her management teammates. “The teamwork is honest. It’s real. We all work really well together. They are like my older brothers. We have been together so long. They really are like family. We all take great pride in what we do. We have great communication. No one’s afraid to speak up on issues.” Many memories come to mind when Cheryl looks back on her years there. “I grew up at this mall,” she says, “when I was little, my mom would drop me and my friends off here. We lived in a neighborhood just through the woods in back of the mall. One very snowy day when I had to get to work, my brother actually drove me to the mall through a wooded trail on his snowmobile!” Cheryl has even had her brushes with fame over the years at Westfarms. Academy Award winning actress, Meryl Streep comes in to shop on occasion and once reserved a wheel chair from Cheryl for her mother. “She was nice. Very gracious.” Cheryl has also seen many PGA pro-golfers shopping with their wives, especially after the GHO events, and singer, Carly Simon came in to shop one day, even signing autographs for fans she met while picking up new glasses at the eyewear store. “I love it here,” she concludes, “Truly, I have never not wanted to go to work!” n
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FINANCE
Year End
Money Moves Things you might want to do before saying goodbye to 2014!
W
by Marc A. Sack
Do you practice tax loss harvesting? That is the art of taking capital losses (selling securities worth less than what you first paid for them) to offset your shortterm capital gains. If you fall into one of the upper tax brackets, you might want to consider this move, which directly lowers your taxable income. It should be made with the guidance of a financial professional you trust.
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In fact, you could even take it a step further. Consider that up to $3,000 of capital losses in excess of capital gains can be deducted from ordinary income, and any remaining capital losses above that can be carried forward to offset capital gains in upcoming years.
Do you itemize deductions? If you do, great. Now would be a good time to get the receipts and assorted paperwork together. Besides a possible mortgage interest deduction, you might be able to take a state sales tax deduction, a student-loan interest deduction, a military-related deduction, a deduction for the amount of estate tax paid on inherited IRA assets, an energy-saving deduction, a homebuyer credit … there are so many deductions you can potentially claim, and now is the time to meet with your tax professional so that you can strategize to claim as many as you can.
Could you ramp up 401(k) or 403(b) contributions? If you can do this in November and
December, that will lower your taxable income for 2014. Do it enough and you might be able to qualify for other tax credits or breaks available to those under certain income limits.
Are you thinking of gifting? How about making a contribution to a charity or some other kind of 501(c) (3) non-profit organization before 2014 ends? In many cases, these gifts are partly tax-deductible. If you pour some money into a 529 plan on behalf of a child, you could get a deduction at the state level (depending on the state). Of course, you can also reduce the value of your taxable estate with a gift or two. This year, the gift tax exclusion is $14,000. So you can gift up to $14,000 to as many people as you wish this year, with the understanding that you have a $5.25 million lifetime limit before you are actually hit with gift taxes. This $5.25 million limit will rise in future years as it is inflation-indexed.
photography by BIGSTOCKPHOTO..COM
hat has changed for you in 2014? Did you start a new job – or leave a job behind? Did you retire? Did you start a family? If some notable changes occurred in your personal or professional life, then you will want to review your finances before this year ends and the next one begins. Even if your 2014 has been relatively uneventful, the end of the year is still a good time to get cracking and see where you can plan to save some taxes and/or build a little more wealth.
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While we’re on the topic of estate planning, why not take a moment to review the beneficiary designations for your IRA, your life insurance policy, and your retirement plan at work? If you haven’t reviewed them for a decade or more (which isn’t uncommon), double-check to see that these assets will go where you want them to go should you pass away. Lastly, take a look at your will to see that it remains valid and up to date.
Should you convert all or part of a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA? You will be withdrawing money from that traditional IRA someday ... and those withdrawals will equal taxable income. Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you own are never taxed during your lifetime, assuming you follow the rules. Translation: tax savings tomorrow. Before you go Roth, you do need to make sure you have the money to pay taxes on the conversion amount. If you do this and change your
Finance Tips • The end of the year is a good time to get cracking and see where you can plan to save some taxes and/or build a little more wealth. • If you can ramp up your 40l(k) contributions in November and December, that will lower your taxable income for 2014. • Little year-end moves might help you improve your short-term and long-term financial situation.
with MAGI of $160,000 or less) a chance to claim a credit of up to $2,500 for qualified tuition and related expenses. Phase-outs kick in above those MAGI levels.
What can you do before they sing “Auld Lang Syne”? Talk with a financial or tax professional now rather than in February or March. Little year-end moves might help you improve your short-term and long-term financial situation. n
mind, the IRS gives you until October 15 of the year after a conversion to undo it.
Marc A. Sack, Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner Northstar Wealth Partners msack@nstarwp.com (860) 665-7737
Can you take advantage of the American Opportunity Tax Credit? Now in place through 2017, the AOTC for qualified college expenses allows individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less (and joint filers
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial advisor/tax/legal consultant regarding your personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.
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MISTAKES CAN COST YOU That’s why you need to request your must-read, free copy of “The Eight Biggest Mistakes Investors Make... And How to Avoid Them.” This guide, published by Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher Investments, is filled with practical information you can use to keep your investments on track. Investing in securities involves the risk of loss.
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5525 NW Fisher Creek Boulevard, Camas, WA 98607
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FOOD Reuben with thick-cut brisket... yum!
Warm German Potato Salad
Restaurant: Fernwood Restaurant 1113 New Britain Ave. West Hartford, CT 06110 860.233.6662 FernwoodRestaurant@ gmail.com M - Th: 11:30-9:00 F, Sa: 11:30-10:00 Closed Sundays
Homemade Comfort-Food Heaven by The Twin Tasters
Look at all the apples! At first glance, Fernwood Restaurant – with its dark paneling, pub-like atmosphere, stained glass and flickering candles – gave us pause, but the cheery staff had us feeling right at home in seconds. Fernwood Restaurant may be 70 years old, but the menu options are refreshing, plentiful and downright delicious. The Twin Tasters put Co-Owner/Manager Laurie Hazelton on the spot to see what they are known for at this quaint Elmwood landmark, and she proceeded to list virtually everything on the menu! Of course she is biased, but feels strongly that “you can order anything with full confidence and it will be good!” Laurie handles the business and front end of the
establishment, and her partner, Co-Owner August “Augie” Audibert is the chef. We started with a crab cake appetizer (just one of the fresh seafood choices of the day, thanks to fish supplied by City Fish); and we thoroughly enjoyed the Reuben, (whose thick-cut brisket is made in-house daily), complimented by a warm “you-had-me-at-bacon” German Potato Salad; a popular Patty Melt cooked to melty perfection with a side of crinkle fries, just like the fries you had as a kid, (but no soggy fries here)! Along with an entree menu that exceeded our expectations, the food offerings also include many salads and soups as well as luscious desserts, including apple pie, blueberry pie, brownie sundae and OMG, a warm bread pudding with whiskey sauce and whipped cream that melts in your mouth before the fork even hits your lips. Laura, our server, has tried to resist the bread pudding on many occasions. She often tells herself, “not today, not today … and then it comes out of the oven and I can’t resist! I never get tired of it!” she said. The daily bread is baked by neighbor Elmwood
Bakery, and is the main ingredient in the pudding. They stay true to their motto: “You might not be a ‘regular’ when you enter, but you will be a ‘regular’ when you leave.” And we will go back as welcomed “regulars” next time! Q Reservations Suggested, but not required. Bar and restaurant seating. Large groups accommodated with proper notice. You never know where The Twin Tasters will pop up in their quest for good food in town. Contact: editor@westhartfordmagazine.com
flavorful crab cake
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CARROLL ROOFING
Winter is coming... Snow storms are coming...
Are you ready?
For your free slate inspection or asphalt shingle roof quote, call us:
J.P. Carroll Construction, INC. Your Residential & Commercial Roofing Experts 310 R Newington Rd, West Hartford • Phone: 860-586-8857 Email:jpcarrollroofing@yahoo.com • www.jpcarrollroofing.com
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2014
a holiday guide A gift to you from WH Media
SHOP LOCAL Spotlighting Westfarms 40th Anniversary A Guide to Elmwood Holiday Stroll Monarch Jewelers gift catalog
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FROM tHE LuNaRia COLLECtiON
LUX BOND & GREEN jewelry watches gifts • since 1898
46 LaSalle Road West Hartford Center 860.521.3015 LBGREEN.COM
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LUX BOND & GREEN jewelry watches gifts • since 1898
46 LaSalle Road WeSt HaRtfoRd CenteR 860.521.3015 Glastonbury Mohegan Sun Greenwich Westport Boston Wellesley 800.524.7336 LBGreen.com we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 6 2014
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7
th Annual Grower
Champagne Tasting It’s that time of year again! As we get ready to fill your glasses with the finest bubbly in the world for the West Side Wines and Spirits 7TH ANNUAL GROWER CHAMPAGNE TASTING, we have some surprises up our sleeves! Save the date for this annual event
Saturday, December 6, 2014 12 to 4:30 pm at Cuveé Suggested donation of $20 to benefit
Brought to you by:
(860) 233-1241 www.westsidewines.com Tasting at:
Thank you to our Media Sponsor:
37 Raymond Road (860) 756-5590 cuveewesthartford.com
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40 th An
niver
sary
40 gift items for 40 years
Celebrating 40 years, Westfarms, in conjunction with WHMedia and West Hartford Magazine, is pleased to spotlight an assortment of fine gifts this holiday season for everyone on your list! To mark this ruby anniversary, we have selected 40 items from formal to casual and whimsical to practical, from the thousands of items under the roof at 500 Westfarms Mall. This guide is organized by category so you can browse the pages and be inspired this holiday season. Westfarms has continuously changed with the times, and the trends, yet you really can still find something for EVERYONE on your list. This annual DAZZLE guide is full of ideas such as the fashionable staples including colorful scarves and trendy boots, designer bags and sparkly jewelry, cool watches and cuddly slippers, plus the newest high tech gadgets, toys and the latest gaming systems…and so much more! For those of us who have known and loved Westfarms since the days of Peter Bobjohn, Anderson Little, and The Magic Pan Creperie, we can still find nostalgia by shopping at Michael’s Jewelers and J.C. Penney, and many other stores that have been there since the beginning. Plus, we now have options we never dreamed of in 1974 like a whole store of LEGOs; a distinctive collection of hand-picked designer clothing, accessories and furnishings from Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Tiffany and more…and, who doesn’t love a cookie from Mrs. Fields? (just as good as The Original Cookie Company!) Enjoy Westfarms: “Evolved. Essential. Epic.”
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1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
Gifts for her
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6. 7.
9.
1. Tiffany & Co. at Westfarms Tifany Soleste rings with diamonds in platinum: emerald-cut red spinel; $1,100 and oval green tourmaline $17,000 2. MICHAEL Michael Kors at Westfarms Pave Chainlink Toggle Necklace, $425.00 3. Tiffany & Co. at Westfarms 18. Elsa Peretti® Open Heart pendant; pricing upon request
8.
4. Tory Burch at Westfarms Tory Burch Keri Sandal, Retail $275 5. MICHAEL Michael Kors at Westfarms Greenwich Medium Grab Bag, $358.00 6. Nordstrom at Westfarms UGG Australia ‘UGGpure™ Alena’ Slipper; $119.95 7. Paloman’s Sugar Stacks Ring & Pendant 18K gold and diamonds; $5,500 and $2,400 8. Tory Burch at Westfarms Tory Burch Robinson Color-Block Large Wristlet, Retail $195 9. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms Island Breeze Watch by Tommy Bahama $225
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Gifts for her
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11.
12.
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13. 14.
15. 17.
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10. JCPenney at Westfarms Nicole by Nicole Miller faux-fur vest; $72 11. JCPenney at Westfarms a.n.a Breslin booties; $69.99 12. JCPenney at Westfarms Mixit popover gloves; $18 13. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms Nora Blossom Necklace by Tommy Bahama; $88 14. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms Nora Blossom Bracelet by Tommy Bahama: $78 15. Kiehl’s Since 1851 at Westfarms Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped and Body Butter; $38 16.Kiehl’s Since 1851 at Westfarms Limited Edition Holiday Gift Set; $45 17. MICHAEL Michael Kors at Westfarms Nadine Slip On, $145.00
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Thursday, December 4th • 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
SHOP, DINE & STROLL locally in West Hartford Center this Season! SAMPLING OF EVENTS DURING THE HOLIDAY STROLL: SHOWMOBILE: Our stage will come alive @ 5:30 as Santa arrives on our very own West Hartford Fire Truck followed by an evening of great performances. Located on the corner of Farmington Ave. and LaSalle Road. Including an Information Brochure and First Aid TENT. Brought to you by Doctors Express, We-Ha.com, West Hartford Magazine and the Town of West Hartford.
PLUS... • FLEET FEET one mile Holiday Fun Run. • BK&CO. will have Edible Arrangment treats on LaSalle Road. • You can toast marshmallows @ UPPER AVE. ( at 1000 Farmington Ave.) • West Hartford Festival of Trees @ FIRST CHURCH, 12 South Main Street.
ALL THIS AND SO MUCH MORE! Follow We-Ha.com and TheCenterWestHartford.com for updates and additions!
LIVE Animals!
You be The Judge!
Visit The New Children’s Museum critters at Kaoud Oriental Rugs at 17 South Main Street during the Stroll.
The windows will be creatively decorated again! You are invited to participate in Window Judging via We-Ha.com
er Winn 3 1 0 2
SHOP, DINE & STROLL LOCAL and support these fine businesses in THE HOLIDAY GUIDE: BK&Co, Bella Bridesmaid, Bristle & Blade, Dressed to the Nines, Giftology, Hart Real Estate, Lux Bond & Green, Silkworm, Shops On The Green/Kaoud Oriental Rugs, Suzanne Walsh/Raveis Real Estate, Ten Thousand Villages, The NEW Children’s Museum, Upper Farmington Ave., and West Hartford Festival of Trees ... and so much more! THANK YOU SPONSORS:
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18.
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for him
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18. Microsoft Store at Westfarms OďŹƒce 365; starting at $99.99 19. Microsoft Store at Westfarms Xbox One; starting at $399 20. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms Kona Grand Prix Chronograph Watch by Tommy Bahama; $275 21. Microsoft Store at Westfarms Surface Pro 3, starting at $799
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26. 27.
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22. Tory Burch at Westfarms Tory Burch Classic Aviators, Retail $149
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23. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms Desert Shawl Cardigan by Tommy Bahama; $220 24. AT&T Experience Store at Westfarms FiLIP 2: Pricing available upon request 25. Tiffany & Co. at Westfarms Tiffany Air Plane Cuff Links in sterling silver; $300 26. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms White Sands Estate Dress Shirt by Tommy Bahama; $118 27. Tommy Bahama at Westfarms For Him: Cashmere Plaid Scarf by Tommy Bahama; $188 (on cover) 28. AT&T Experience Store at Westfarms Samsung Galaxy Mega 2: Starting at $149.99 29. AT&T Experience Store at Westfarms AT&T HTC RE camera: $199
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GIFT CARDS Available!
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GARDEN
The Roots of the Holiday. Traditions Are All About Plants!
T photography by BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
by Karla A. Dalley
here are roughly 5 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. In the busyness that accompanies those 5 weeks, the last thing anyone is thinking about is their houseplants, which is probably why it’s so difficult to keep even the simplest of holiday gift plants alive. But if we look at our holidays a little differently–no matter what holiday we celebrate–it’s easy to see that plants play a big role in holiday traditions. Once we begin to realize that, it might be easier to remember to care for any living plants that we have in our home. Hanukkah is our oldest holiday. While it is the least “plant dependent,” the Hanukkah story itself centers on ritualistically pure olive oil. Only one vessel remained after the Temple had been destroyed by an invading army. Once the army was turned away, a single jar of oil was found. The miracle is that the oil, which should only have lasted for one evening, lasted for 8 … the reason for the 8 day holiday celebration today. But because menorahs no longer use oil, it’s easy to forget the plant-based associations for this holiday. The newest holiday, Kwanzaa, is celebrated from December 26 through January 1. There are 7 symbols of Kwanzaa and several of these have to do with plants. There is the Unity Cup, which is filled with fruit juice or wine. While it represents family & community, it is literally the fruits of the harvest. There are The Crops, usually tropical fruits like bananas, mangos and other family favorites–not fruits of the New England harvest but again, fruits of the
harvest. On another evening, one ear of corn is placed on the table for each child of the family. If a family has no children, a single ear is placed on the table to represent the community’s children. Kwanzaa incorporates many African “First Fruits” celebrations with their plant and harvest traditions. Christmas literally brings a whole tree, either live or artificial, into the home. In many cases, folks also bring wreaths, garlands and boughs along with it! With so much greenery around, it amazes me that folks can forget to water plants, but of course the focus is on family so it’s understandable that some things–even living things like plants–might occasionally be forgotten. The practice of decorating our homes with greens has its origins in ancient traditions having to do with the longest day of the year (in our Northern Hemisphere). Depending on how far back one wants to trace these traditions, we can start with the Egyptians, the Druids, the Celts, the Romans or if we’re being a bit more modern, the Germans who brought us the tradition of the Christmas tree. While space doesn’t permit a discussion of the ancient beliefs that led to our modern traditions, greenery of all sorts has been used in the home since the 16th century as a Christian tradition. Legend dates the first tree back to Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer. While walking home through the woods one evening, he caught glimpses of the starry sky. He wanted to share this beauty with his wife, so he cut down a fir tree, brought it inside, decorated it with candles, and the
first Christmas tree was born. The tree traveled to America with German immigrants, although it had a very slow beginning here in conservative New England. But 100 years later, Christmas trees are a well-established tradition in homes that celebrate the holiday–although I doubt many of us think of the beauty of the forest or the sky when we see them. Perhaps we ought to re-invent that idea. The greens that we decorate with–fir, wreaths and kissing balls–were originally used in winter solstice festivals. When Christianity arrived, new meanings were given to these symbols so that they could continue to be used to decorate homes. Fir and other evergreens, for example, symbolize everlasting life with God. The wreath’s circular form, as well as the greenery-covered kissing balls, represent the circle of life and the soul’s triumph over death. Most of us never stop to think of these ideas and traditions when we see Christmas decorations during a time of hustle and bustle. This year, try to take a moment to remember where your traditions came from, no matter what holiday you celebrate, remember to water your houseplants … and have a wonderful holiday and a joyous new year! Q
Karla Dalley is a garden writer and speaker from West Hartford. kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 6 2014
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info@taylorrentalpartyplusct.com • 600 Oakwood Ave., West Hartford, 860-233-2108 • 274 Broad St., Manchester, 860-643-2496 we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 6 2014
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Giftsfor him 30.
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35. JCPenney at Westfarms Arizona shearling toddler boot in pink; $39.99. in chestnut; $39.99. in black; $44.99 36. LEGO Store at Westfarms LEGO Friends Heartlake Horseshow $39.99 37. Nordstrom at Westfarms YETI by Aurora World Toys; $16 (16”), $27 (20”), $80 (36”), and $200 (54”). 38. JCPenney at Westfarms Okie Dokie tulle skirt; $12 39. Nordstrom at Westfarms Freshly Picked Leather Baby Moccasin’s; $25 40. LEGO Store at Westfarms The LEGO Movie Benny’s Spaceship Spaceship SPACESHIP!; $99.99
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290 Prospect Avenue, Hartford • 860.232.0010
Quality is transparent
single doors, door & panel, neo angle, custom frameless distinctive designs offering an enduring style frameless & framed shower enclosures for new and existing bathrooms.
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WINE
Champagne: [No Occasion Required!]
Discover the refreshing taste of grower-Champagne, perfect for any day of the week! by Ertan Sener
photography by ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
D
o you remember the last time you opened a bottle of Champagne without a special occasion? Champagne is a wine and can be, well I’ll stress, should be enjoyed for the great wine it is, with all the pairing possibilities! While you may not want to un-cork a pricey bottle of Champagne on a typical Tuesday night dinner, there are plenty of delicious, good quality Champagnes that are so reasonable, you’ll want to pop them open more often, at any family dinner, any day of the week! These fantastic ‘grower Champagne’gems are wines that need not be judged by the color of their label or what their initials are! First, let me clarify some of the mystery of Champagne. Did you know that Champagne is only Champagne if it comes from the region in Northern France of the same name? What’s so special about this place? The word Champagne is derived from the Latin term campania, which translates to rolling countryside, and is used today to describe the area just north of Rome. In the middle ages the term was applied to this area in northern France. Second, this Champagne Region is the first region to create sparkling wine in any quantity. So, the term Champagne became synonymous with this fine quality wine that dances in the glass. Strict regulations keep the name safe, and no other sparkling wines can bear the name Champagne, even if it is from France. Champagne is France’s northernmost wine making region, about an hour and a half north of Paris. This is pretty far north! If we followed the latitude from the town of Reims in Champagne, across
to North America, we would be at the Island of Newfoundland. Why is this northern location so important? Well, it helps in creating grapes very high in acidity, and that is one of the appealing points, balanced with fruit and backed up with bubbles, that creates good Champagne. There are four main areas of Champagne that grow three grape varieties that are used to make the sparkling treat. These grapes are: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Yes, that’s right; the first two varieties are red! Make wine with no contact from the grape skins, and you get white wine! We’ll save that topic for a whole other article! Now, let’s talk about grower Champagne. I’ll speak not as a wine grower, but as a wine drinker now. Consider this quote by wine grower, Alexander Chartogne: “when I drink a wine, worked by people who spent three times longer in their vineyards, who always followed their grapes, who suffered the same climactic conditions as their vines, I dream. I dream, and it gives me pleaChampagne comes in 4 sure, because I know there is designations: Extra Brut: the a story, work, patience, pasdriest of all. no sugar added. Brut: sion, and the unique bemost common. Up to 1% liquer may liefs of the wine grower.” be added. Extra-Dry: Slightly sweet This is true! This is the with 1-3% liquer, Demi-Sec: Sweet belief system of a lot of champagne, for desserts. 5-8% liquer.
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WINE growers, and this is my belief. Winemaker, Terry Theise has single handedly brought the grower Champagne, or “Farmer Fizz” as he calls it, to the attention of small producers, to be enjoyed by the mass public, each carrying a story of devotion and dedication of wine making. Each wine has a sense of place, of where it comes from, as well as from a particular family tradition. Why drink grower Champagne? Well to quote Theise, “You should drink grower-Champagne because, like all hand-crafted estate-bottled wines, it is not a mere thing but is indeed a being, expressive of where it grew and who raised it. In drinking it you help protect diversity, and diversity leads to vitality.” Theise believes that if you’d rather eat a local field-ripened summer tomato rapturous with sweetness instead of some January tomato you buy at the supermarket hard as a stone with little taste, then you should be drinking farmer-fizz! Let me see if I can give you some pairing possibilities that further the conversion. Champagne is a wine and should be
Ertan’s wine
Cabinet
• Champagne is only Champagne if it comes from the region in Northern France of the same name. • Wine or champagne made with no contact from red grape skins, creates a white variety • Each variety of growerChampagne has a sense of place, of where it comes from, as well as from a particular family tradition. • Champagne is a wine and should be enjoyed as one, with food…not just as the pre-dinner toast!
enjoyed as one, with food! Pair not only with cheeses or the classic gougère (fun little French cheese puffs), but let it be the accompaniment to any course or meal. The high acidity is great to get your
BARTENDING SERVICES, LLC
mouth prepared for a bite of something savory. Next time you have Sushi, try a bottle of bubbles with a variety of rolls or sashimi. Champagne, the right Champagne, can stand up to soy as well as a little heat from our friend wasabi. You’ll never look at a California Roll the same way! Try Champagne with a favorite dish that would normally call for a glass of white. You might find it’s the perfect pairing. Champagne likes to play with food, it doesn’t always want to be the opening solo act. Let this treat become a part of the symphony of flavors and help support the other players. So, be a little daring and open a bottle of bubbles during the week, for nothing more than the pure pleasure. You deserve it! Cheers! Q Ertan S. Sener, wine educator, has been seen in Wine Spectator Magazine, and is the buyer/manager at West Side Wines & Spirits. 860-233-1241. westsidewines.com.
west hartford center 982 farmington ave. 860.216.0124 www.silkwormonline.com
& Full Service Catering Please contact us to plan on of the most important parts of your event! John: 203-215-6701 Bob: 860-299-6161 Lesa: 203-804-8996 www.twopourguys.com
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twopourguys@yahoo.com
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Elmwood, circa 1960s
YESTERDAY, and ... Support these fine Elmwood businesses, services, schools, and restaurants!
Visit
... TODAY!
Elmwood, 2014.
•Bristle & Blade
•Elmwood Kitchen
•Imperial Decorating & Upholstering •Juniper House
•Dr. Rick Liftig, Dentist •Merchant Solutions •Saint Brigid School
•Sheehan-Hilborn Breen Funeral Home
www.elmwoodct.com
Save the Date: l
“Everything Elmwood!” is the website of the Elmwood Business Association of West Hartford, Connecticut. For more current news, check out our Facebook page.
635
2nd
New Park Commerce Center
Salon & Academy 860-232-0212 KarenElizabethSalonandAcademy.com. 860-236-8800
thefitplayground.com
LisaMatiasDanceCentre.com
860-569-2205
Real Yoga. Elevated ctaerialyoga.com 860-233-4830, ext. 6
NED SMITH Construction, LLC
West Hartford, CT 06110
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TALCOTT RD
860-233-6400 I nsc@ntplx.net 635 New Park Avenue
ua
Ann
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OO
AKW
Thursday February 5th Participants: Cora Cora Corner Pug Elmwood Pizza Fernwood Restaurant HB Seafood Pepe’s Sliders Grill & Bar Tapas Sponsors: AVERY HEIGHTS JERRY’S ARTARAMA Made possible by the Elmwood Business Association, St. Brigid School, and
BJʼs & HOME DEPOT
myuberdog.com. 860-236-8237
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SBS-4p
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YMCA Snow Day and Vacation Club Programs Visit www.westhartfordYMCA.org
OPEN ENROLLMENT
For a tour, contact Andrea Thompson, Advancement Director AThompson@saintbrigidschool.org 860-561-2130, ext. 104
VISIT TODAY!
When you commit to Saint Brigid School, you commit to a particular type of education. An education that is faith-based with strong academics rooted in the Catholic faith. It is so important, especially today, that we must provide a moral compass for our children. At SBS, we seek to cultivate the human core... the part of the person we refer to as the soul. Pre-K 3&4 • Grades K-5 • Middle School • TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE • CARE FOR KIDS • C.E.O. PROGRAM
Fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges 100 Mayflower Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 • 860.561.2130 • www.saintbrigidschool.org we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 6 2014
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Pre-K 3&4
Early Childhood
Best Value In Town.
� Caring child-centered approach � Kindergarten academic preparedness program � Activity-centered learning stations � Full day program
OPEN ENROLLMENT
For a tour, contact Andrea Thompson, Advancement Director AThompson@saintbrigidschool.org 860-561-2130, ext. 104
VISIT TODAY!
To say that Saint Brigid School (SBS) is ALIVE and WELL is an understatement. What WE have accomplished in the past sixteen months since I became Principal is amazing and WE are so proud to say that our entire community is deeply rooted and committed to academic excellence. Fifty-years-ago, when our families built SBS, students walked to school. In 2014, school choice is based on where our parents work. Today while 30% of our students live in West Hartford, others commute from as far away as North Stonington and Harwinton. Principal Shevon Sweeney Hickey, ‘75 It is time to REimagine SBS, and I invite you to be a part of our VIP700 campaign: Vision. Involvement. Pledge. REimagine: We have partnered with the West Hartford YMCA. Last summer we offered a Summer Camp (campers walked to Beachland Park to swim), today the YMCA provides our After Care program. We have big plans for the future! We opened access to Beachland Park for our neighbors so we all could enjoy the park and today the Town is rebuilding the pool and adding a Splash Park. The State of Connecticut is connecting a bike path and walking trails and the FastTrack Station will soon open. All in our back yard and benefiting not only SBS students but the entire community. VIP700: We need to raise $700,000 to be able to implement our plan over the course of the next two years and we need your Vision. Involvement. Pledge. What makes us different from other private school options in town? Our student population is diverse and we are proud of it. Our families come from all levels of the socio-economic scale and represent Catholic, Baptist, Protestant, Hindu and Jewish faiths ... we reflect a Global Community and celebrate it! Also, we are a BULLY-FREE ZONE! Through REimagine and VIP700 … you are supporting a particular brand of education – one that rests on the Catholic intellectual tradition and our rich heritage – if you or you know someone in town who graduated from SBS, you know this already. As principal, I or any member of the school board, or staff would be happy to answer any questions. We are a TEAM – committed to REimagine and VIP700. We welcome you to visit us today! – Principal Shevon Sweeney Hickey, ’75 860.561.2130 • www.saintbrigidschool.org
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West Hartford’s ONLY 10 acre K3-Eighth Grade campus abutting Beachland Park’s newly renovated Splash Park and Pool (Coming Summer, 2015)
Grades K-5 Primary and Intermediate
Primary Grades � Strong academic core curriculum � Concentration on reading, writing and math skills � Small group focus allows for more individualized attention � Transition programs for 5th graders as they prepare for middle school
860.561.2130 • www.saintbrigidschool.org
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12 to 1 student to teacher ratio BU
FREE ZO LY-
NE
L
Grades 6,7 & 8 BULLIES
Middle School
� Challenging academic curriculum � Advanced courses available: Algebra and English � World language: Spanish � Academic course work competitively prepares students for high school � BEST VALUE IN TOWN FOR A PRIVATE MIDDLE SCHOOL.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
For a tour, contact Andrea Thompson, Advancement Director AThompson@saintbrigidschool.org 860-561-2130, ext. 104
VISIT TODAY!
Pre-K 3&4 • Grades K-5 • Middle School • TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE • CARE FOR KIDS • C.E.O. PROGRAM
Fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges 100 Mayflower Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 • 860.561.2130 • www.saintbrigidschool.org
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TRAVEL
Travel Tips
The stage is set for best wildlife encounters
S
• Visit www.cdc.gov/travel for the information you will need to know when traveling to Tanzania to prepare yourself from a health and wellness perspective. • Note: There are currently no travel restrictions to Eastern Africa. East African safaris remain one of the top 5 bucket list adventures in the world!
by Norma Spadola
ome 34 years ago, a safari to Kenya proved to be a profoundly life altering experience that resulted in a cherished lifetime friendship. When presented with another opportunity to visit Tanzania on safari last November, my only question was “when does my flight leave”? Now anyone who knows me knows that I am far from an “outdoors girl”! And yet, the lure of returning to Africa to commune with nature and the wildlife once again, hoping to recapture what I recall as nothing short of a spiritual experience, was irresistible. Embarking on a safari requires a bit more planning than the average vacation. Visas are necessary to travel to Tanzania but can be obtained easily upon arrival ($50 and cash only). Most flights from the U.S. connect via European gateways, with Amsterdam being the most convenient for travel to Tanzania. But enough about these logistics that any travel professional can assist
you with. Why Tanzania? Along with Kenya, Tanzania is the stage for one of nature’s most incredible spectacles-the Great Migration- where the cycle of life and death is played out from Tanzania’s Serengeti Plain to Kenya’s Masai Mara. The name “Serengeti” is an approximation of the word, siringet, used by the Masai people to describe the area, meaning “the place where the land runs on forever” or “endless plain”. It is also the land of “Hakuna Matate”, a Swahili phrase meaning “no worries”. (The animals may beg to differ on this point). For peak wildlife viewing, travel during the dry seasons (June-October, or JanuaryMarch), when temperatures range from 65 to the low 80’s and the brilliant violet jacaranda is in bloom. However, the fact is that this “great migration” is a year round event, 70% of which occurs in Tanzania. The less than attractive wildebeest (with great night vision) partner with the zebras as travel buddies since zebras have better
day vision. Along with the Eland and the Thomson gazelle, these herbivores migrate in numbers in excess of 1.4 million seeking water and fresh grass while hungry predators follow in their wake. The “Big Five” (Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, the elusive leopard and the endangered Rhinoceros) are all “residents” of the various conservancies and national parks. Traveling with an experienced safari company, you may get lucky and see all of them in the first several days. The success of any safari depends upon the expertise of the driver/tracker and one’s guide. Our guide, Kelvin, was a college educated young Tanzanian, passionate about his country and the wildlife, who shared his insights with us as we bounced our way along some of the bumpy roads between the parks, experiencing our “African massage” firsthand. Treat yourself to a Hot Air Balloon ride over the plains to quietly view the wildlife from above as the sun rises. Early morning game drives allow you to see the animals we-ha.com ISSUE NO. 6 2014
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TRAVEL on the hunt. An African safari is truly a photographer’s dream come true. The light, the colors, and the wildlife roaming in its natural habitat all contribute to one’s appreciation of this amazing circle of life. We traveled from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, located in the Northern Serengeti circuit. The hilly landscape here is dotted with Baobob trees, high grasses and abandoned termite mounds rising like towers from the ground. The park is famous for its tree climbing lions and the vast numbers of elephants. A haven for bird enthusiasts, it is home to more than 550 species. From there we headed to Lake Manyara, at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, a scenic site that Ernest Hemingway remarked was “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. The mischievous baboons were entertaining as they comically mimicked human behavior while blue monkeys swung above us between the mahogany trees. Onward we traveled to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dubbed by some as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera, formed some 2-3 million years ago after a
volcanic eruption caused it to collapse on itself. It remains one of the world’s most unchanged wildlife sanctuaries. Now, over 25,000 animals including the black rhino, the wildebeest, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, Burchell’s zebra and crater lions call it home. The drive down from the rim to the crater floor is an experience but well worth it! A safari is so much more than just game drives. Activities such as bush lunches or dinners, mountain bike tours, forest walks, or relaxing by the pool at many of the lodges
or luxury tented camps round out the experience. For a more extreme adventure, Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world awaits the intrepid trekker seeking to reach Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet! The accommodations on safari vary from mobile tented camps to some of the most luxurious permanently tented camps and lodges, providing features and amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel, but with the advantage of being uniquely positioned center stage as nature plays out before you. The days end as you enjoy a “sundowner” cocktail, savoring the beauty of the brilliant orange African sun setting over the vast plains. If time permits, extend your holiday relaxing on the unspoiled island of Zanzibar- a slice of paradise off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean and experience a bit of Hakuna Matate for yourself! Q
Norma Spadola Sales Director Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC nspadola@ abercrombiekent.com
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Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math
Ro ar in g kN oo Br
The New Children’s Museum
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family is positioning itself to be the premier “STEAM” institute
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� Special events and nature programming for all ages � Immersive natural science exhibits � Live animals including many Birds of Prey � Live music opportunities � Nature trails
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Presc � Hands on Exhibits � Planetarium shows � Live animals � Science, nature and arts programming including camp opportunities, homeschool and toddler programs
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� Immersive learning classrooms � Curriculum backed by CT’s early learing guidelines � Emphasis on play learning. � Licensed and caring teachers � Full and part day opportunities available �Regular visits to our Museum and RBNC
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The New Children’s Museum & Preschool 950 Trout Brook Dr., West Hartford, CT � www.thechildrensmuseumct.org � 860.231.2824
Roaring Brook Nature Center 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT � www.roaringbrook.org � 860.693.0263 Media Sponsors for The New Children’s Museum
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Make your own holiday themed napkins. Use plain white napkins from your pantry and tie them with a strip of red ribbon. Insert a small sprig of pine from the tree into each.
Stress-free Shopping Strategies:
Holiday Organizing
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by Lisa Lelas
few organizing steps this holiday season can go a long way toward de-stressing your life! From decorating and gift shopping to planning the big dinner party, holiday living can be a whole lot sweeter with a few simple tips! Grab some photos from last December and place them into an album, sprinkled with a few retro holiday pictures from when your kids were little or even from your own childhood. Display this new holiday photo album on your coffee table for a festive and fun new conversation piece. Keep adding to it each year. .
Easy Decorating Strategies:
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Holiday Gift Wrapping ideas: Create a separate holiday wrap station…Hanukah or Christmas wrap, ribbon, gift tags, bows and scissors all kept in one portable bin so you can easily pull it out for wrapping gifts and tuck it away with the rest of your holiday décor after the holiday season. If you’ve got little ones at home, swap out gift-wrapping time with friends, whereby they’ll watch your kids at their home one afternoon or evening, giving you time to wrap at home…and you do the same for them. Wrap sturdy boxes with tops in holiday fabric that you can re-use year after year.
Giving yourself permission NOT to do this year:
Organizing Memories Past:
Display groups of candles everywhere (be sure to put the unscented ones on the dining room or kitchen table) Simple glass bowls with pears, mixed nuts or even ornaments can brighten up a quiet corner table. Move a few of your holiday poinsettia plants to under the tree to help ‘fill up’ the empty spaces while adding a warm and inviting look to your family room. Place a wreath on the front door.
Consider giving a few ‘signature’ gifts in 2-3 categories to simplify shopping this year, allowing you to buy in bulk to save money. Bottles of champagne to co-workers at work, retro board games or puzzles for the kids on your list, and other timeless gifts to friends and family can include things like monogrammed kitchen towels, leather gloves, knitted scarves, etc. Give service oriented gifts this year, such as babysitting or home cooked dinner coupons. Shop on-line for door to door deliveries.
Dinner party shortcuts: Not enough table space to hold the appetizers for your upcoming party? Go into the garage and bring in one of your kids sleds and place it atop 2 small end tables for an instant serving table with lots of room and a fun winter wonderland touch. Use the kids’ red toy wagon in the corner of your room to hold extra appetizers, spirits, or even the ice for drinks.
Don’t feel guilty about not having the time to set up your entire holiday village or Santa collection. Plan on displaying holiday collections every other year instead! No energy to get the big Christmas tree up and decorated? Opt for a couple of miniature ones on a window front table or even as your dining room centerpiece. Don’t have the time to get holiday cards out? Don’t stress. Send out Happy New Year cards this year, in January, when time is more affordable.
LISA LELAS is the editor of West Hartford Magazine, bestselling author and a professional speaker on the subject of organizing time, space & goals. www. LisaLelas.com
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The Holidays Come Early at The Heights. Here’s one special gift you don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy. Join our community and receive up to
$1,000 towards a Moving Specialist and Moving Company Services plus One Month’s FREE Rent!
Living at The Heights is a pleasure you’ll enjoy every day of the year. Explore our senior living community, tucked away on a 43-acre park-like setting, overlooking the downtown skyline and Avon Mountain. Everything from boutiques to breathtaking views and fine dining are a mere stroll away. Our state-of-the-art Wellness Center and full calendar of social activities keep our residents inspired to live life to the fullest.
See all The Heights has to offer! Join us for our Open House and Luncheon: Wednesday, November 26th and Saturday, December 13th. Starting at 10:45 a.m.
To RSVP for upcoming events or for more information call:
860-953-1201 ext. 403
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SHOP LOCAL Spotlighting Westfarms 40th Anniversary A Guide to Elmwood Holiday Stroll Monarch Jewelers gift catalog