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Nestled in the heart of Simsbury, Bill Selig Jewelers offers a refined approach to fine jewelry. Guided by a passion for craftsmanship, we create wearable works of art to become life’s milestones and tomorrow’s heirlooms. Every piece reflects our commitment to quality, artistry, genuine service, and love of our community.

















You know when things are surreal and you are questioning if something is actually happening or not? Well, I have moved in and am living there right now, sitting on the porch, enjoying an amazing cortado, as I reflect on the journey of Farmington Valley Lifestyle. My journey has brought me from marketing to publicity to publisher, with some fascinating side trips along the way. Everything I have done has brought me to this moment. A time when my vision of building community has arrived. I am not really one for the limelight. I am the guy holding the light for the photographer as he shoots our amazing cover photo of Cashew, who won our first annual Dog Cover Model Contest. I'm the one partnering with an energetic social media Gen Z'er to bring value to my partners and hiding behind the camera every time she passes. It's about the value I can give – It’s about the positive stories I can bring to help shape an extraordinary community and highlight the people that live here. It’s about you.
It’s about the store owner at SubHERbanLivin who raised $130k for the American Heart Association, on the side! It’s about the retail “landlord” of the Shops at Farmington Valley that takes you to lunch and asks “what can I do to help?” It’s about coffee shop owners (Dom’s) that are building a playground for the kids in the community. One of my favorite things has been to learn of these people and many more as I embarked upon a #iloveFarmingtonValley Tour.
One of the things I am most proud of is being an advocate for the women leaders in our community. You will find the first of many articles here that introduce you to some of these women. This will be a reoccurring column you will find within the pages often. If you know someone who should be featured, let me know.
Welcome to the Premiere Issue of Farmington Valley Lifestyle. Let’s grab a coffee and chat!
ED
MAIN, PUBLISHER
@FARMINGTONVALLEYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Ed Main | ed.main@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erica Drzewiecki | erica.drzewiecki@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Patrick Kiniry | pat@pkotography.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Maddy Maske | Bloom More Media
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Vintage Kovel, Ed Main
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
PK Photography, FV Lifestyle
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick


Proverbs 3:5-6
Ed Main FARMINGTON VALLEY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Action Carpet & Floor Covering ACTIONCARPETANDFLOORING.COM
Antonio’s Restaurant ANTONIOSSIMSBURY.COM
Arden Courts of Avon ARDEN-COURTS.COM/COMMUNITIES/AVON
Ardor Real Estate ARDORREALESTATEGROUP.COM
Avon Lighting Showroom AVONLIGHTINGSHOWROOM.COM
Avon Old Farms School AVONOLDFARMS.COM
Bill Selig Jewelers Inc BILLSELIGJEWELERS.COM
Bloom More Media BLOOMMOREMEDIA.COM
Chokaico Craft Chocolate CHOKAICO.COM
Dom’s Coffee DOMSCOFFEE.COM
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense EBAD.COM
The Ethel Walker School ETHELWALKER.ORG
Hartford Symphony Orchestra HARTFORDSYMPHONY.ORG
The Lucky Gut Collective LUCKYGUT.CO
Lux Bond & Green LBGGREEN.COM
Milestone Asset Management Group LLC MILESTONEAMG.COM
Mind Dental MINDDENTALCT.COM
Mitchell Auto Group MITCHELLAUTOGROUP.COM
Modern Beautique Medical Aesthetics MODERNBEAUTIQUE.COM
Northwest Catholic High School NORTHWESTCATHOLIC.ORG
PK Photography PKOTOGRAPHY.COM
POSH Party Spa POSHPARTYSPA.COM
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness PRIMEIVHYDRATION.COM/LOCATIONS/CONNECTICUT/ SIMSBURY-06070/
Regall Realty, LLC REGALLREALTY.COM
Roni Wyss - Berkshire Hathaway VERONICAWYSS.BHHSNEPROPERTIES.COM
SubherbanLivin- The Gift Back Gift Shop SUBHERBANLIVINSIMSBURY.COM
Vitality Orthopedics and Biologics VITALITYORTHOPEDICS.COM
Valiant Home & Energy VALIANTENERGY.COM
Wonder WONDER.COM








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At POSH Party Spa, we create unforgettable experiences designed exclusively for children—because every child deserves to feel like a VIP. Whether celebrating a birthday, enjoying a special day out, or marking a milestone, our mission is to create one-of-a-kind memories your child will treasure for years to come.



poshpartyspa.com














Welcoming New Patients Dr. Aristotelis Marinis, is a board-certified prosthodontist with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience in advanced restorative and implant dentistry. Experience dentistry the way it should be: patient-centered, human, and mindful
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SubherbanLivin, home to more than 70 local makers, has launched a new online store, bringing its unique Shop Local Experience beyond the walls of its Simsbury storefront. Customers can now shop a curated collection of handcrafted gifts, artisan goods, and exclusive local finds at www.SubHERbanLivinSimsbury.com, with shipping and local pickup available. Every purchase supports local entrepreneurs, and a portion of proceeds continues to be reinvested into community initiatives.
Scan to read more
The Shops prepare to welcome three restaurant openings this Summer: Wonder, Shake Shack, & Ramen & Bao. Wonder offers a completely new dining model allowing guests to enjoy everything from steakhouse-style entrées to comfort food favorites for kids. Shake Shack will bring its modern-day “roadside” burger stand experience to the area for the very first time. Finally, Ramen + Bao will open its third CT location to the Valley, with rich broths & house-made bao.
The owners of Dom’s Coffee, Creamery & Cheese felt that playgrounds are more than just places for children to play; they are spaces for learning, social interaction, laughter, and connection. They bring families together and create a true sense of community. Mind Dental is among 37 generous businesses & individuals who have already made donations to the dream of building a playground next to Dom's Creamery in Avon. Join the dream at https://domscoffee.com/playground
Scan to read more








We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
The Children's Clubhouse thechildrensclubhouse.com/ | 860.651.0064
The Children's Clubhouse North thechildrensclubhouse.com/ | 860.653.0011
Cobb School Montessori cobbschool.com/ | 860.658.1144
The Nest Schools Simsbury thenestschool.com/locations/simsbury/ | 860.560.1857
The Goddard School of Simsbury goddardschool.com/schools/ct/weatogue/simsbury | 860.432.6330
The Ethel Walker School ethelwalker.org/ | 860.408.4467
Avon Old Farms School https://avonoldfarms.com/ | 860.404.4100
Northwest Catholic High School northwestcatholic.org/ | 860.236.4221
Miss Porter's School porters.org/ | 860.409.3500
Westminster School, Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT, USA westminster-school.org | 860.408.3000








For 190 years, EBAD has delivered mission-critical technologies for space and defense.
From defense products, satellites and launch systems, to advanced aerospace components for NASAʼs Artemis, our work supports the missions that expand human potential and protect what matters most.


But our greatest strength isnʼt in what we build. Itʼs the people who build it.
PROUDLY HEADQUARTERED IN SIMSBURY.

PROUDLY COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY.


















A quarterly review of some of the Valley's amazing female leaders

Jennifer Berry
Owner, SubHERbanLivin
There are many reasons to celebrate the extraordinary women of the Farmington Valley but the overwhelming commonality is their ability to build COMMUNITY. We are proud to begin a series of features showcasing some of these women who make our beloved valley a better place.
Jennifer Berry is a lifelong Simsbury resident, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for community connection. By day, she serves as managing director for a Fortune 100 health services company. Outside of her corporate career, she is the founder of SubherbanLivin, executive chair for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, and co-founder of Valley EntreprenHERs, a networking organization dedicated to supporting and connecting local women business owners. Berry is passionate about creating opportunities for the people, businesses, and organizations that make the Farmington Valley such a special place to live and work. That passion inspired her to create SubHERbanLivin, built on the belief that local businesses thrive when communities invest in one another.
Today, SubHERbanLivin provides a retail platform for more than 70 local entrepreneurs and artisans while supporting charitable initiatives throughout the region. Through her work in business, community leadership, and philanthropy, Berry is committed to helping the Farmington Valley remain a place where people, businesses, and communities thrive together.
Asta Plankiene and her family came to the Farmington Valley from Lithuania in 2013 with big dreams and a baby son, Dominykas. They opened Dom’s Coffee in 2015, with the idea of providing delicious coffee and pastries in a setting that would encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy the experience with friends and family. In 2018, they added Dom’s Cheese, offering stunning made-to-order charcuterie boards. In 2022, Dom’s Creamery opened and homemade ice cream now also delights visitors.
“Our family thrives when we are surrounded by people we love,” Plankiene says. “Opening Dom’s Coffee was the fulfillment of a dream to bring people together, and we have made countless new friends and longtime customers in the process.”
But being a part of the Farmington Valley community is something they don’t take for granted. Dom’s sponsors many local groups, including the Hometown Foundation, and was a driving force behind the “Slow Down, Avon” campaign. Dom’s is now constructing a safe and inclusive play area for kids on its property.

Gail Alzmann
Registered Jeweler, Bill Selig Jewelers

With 25 years of dedicated service at Bill Selig Jewelers in Simsbury, Gail Alzmann brings a rare blend of precision, heart, and expertise to every customer. A GIA-certified diamond specialist, her passion for diamonds and other gems perfectly fits with her love of guiding customers through the process of choosing engagement rings and heirlooms, turning major decisions into cherished milestones. Alzmann’s additional passion for research and investigation shines through in her work with the store’s estate jewelry collection, as well as her meticulous evaluations of customer pieces.
Alzmann’s profound capacity for care is rooted in her 48-year career as a respiratory therapist, working in conjunction with her career at Bill Selig Jewelers. For nearly five decades, Gail served as a vital lifeline for patients — including two intense years on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now retired from healthcare, she brings that same deep commitment and attentiveness to her jewelry clients.

A 25-year resident of Simsbury, Town Selectwoman Diana Yeisley has continuously served the community as a full-time volunteer. Yeisley says she’s driven not only by the love of her town and community, but her own personal passions and life experiences. Having a son with autism shaped her community involvement for people with disabilities, advocating for autism insurance reform and the ABLE Act.
“Addressing the needs of people in our community who have disabilities became such an ingrained part of my life that continues today through EasterSeals and my work on the aging and disability commission,” Yeisley says. “Broadening that to serve the greater community was the next logical step for me and why I enjoy my work as Selectman. Connecting with people in Simsbury, the Farmington Valley and the state to create a shared vision of our wonderful community is both challenging and fulfilling.”
Yeisley’s early education and training was in performing, so a creative itch led her to the Theatre Guild of Simsbury. She has served as its President since 2020.
“Having been a classically trained singer, I found an opportunity to sing, dance and act with an organization that not only performed high-quality productions, but had a wonderful sense of family and giving back to the community as well. I am proud of how the organization has grown and welcomes performers and production team from all over the state and of all ages and backgrounds.”
Scarlett Duncan, APRN, founded Modern Beautique Medical Aesthetics in Simsbury with a simple mission: to help people feel confident in their own skin. With more than 16 years of healthcare experience, she combines advanced aesthetic treatments with personalized care, education, and a commitment to natural-looking results. As a female business owner in the Farmington Valley, Duncan is grateful to serve the community she calls home.
The most rewarding part of her work is helping patients feel refreshed, empowered, and more confident, she says. When people feel their best, Duncan adds, it positively impacts every part of their lives.

Diana Yeisley Board of Selectmen, Town of Simsbury




Our secure, friendly environment fosters independence while upholding the absolute dignity of every resident. With a dedicated team of specially trained caregivers, we provide customized support that gives families complete confidence and peace of mind. ST TRUSTED NAME IN MEMORY RE FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS










ARTICLE BY VINTAGE KOVEL
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents the Talcott Mountain Music Festival, a concert series spanning musical decades and genres at the gorgeous Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center’s (SMPAC) outdoor venue in the heart of downtown Simsbury. The concerts are certainly a hometown favorite, but the orchestra’s incredible music is also a nationwide draw. The atmosphere at SMPAC is unmatched; audiences are encouraged to picnic under the night sky and enjoy the evening with friends, family, and food. This year the HSO is introducing live IMAG technology, allowing an excellent
view of the performers on the stage no matter where on the lawn you choose to sit.
Three concerts already took place in early July, including Celebrate America (which included an exhilarating fireworks display to cap off the evening), Infinity Rising (the music of Journey) and Color My World (the music of Chicago).
Coming up are 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience on July 24 and Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience on July 31.
Tickets are on sale, including table seating or lawn access. Visit hartfordsymphony.org/ events/series/talcott-mountain-music-festival/





Connecting through Community
For some, a luxury magazine is a collection of glossy pages. For others, it’s an invitation to pause, pour a cup of coffee, and connect with the world around them. For me, it represents the culmination of a lifelong career dedicated to the art of storytelling and community unity.
The journey to launching this publication seemed serendipitous. Everything I have done in my career has led me to this moment, from marketing to writing to public relations. I spent decades promoting and telling stories of great organizations such as Cirque du Soleil, USA Gymnastics and the CT Science Center, among others. My focus has been on uncovering compelling narratives and sharing them with the public in a manner that is meaningful.
Throughout this journey, my affection for lifestyle magazines has always been present and I had the opportunity to write for some great publications including Hartford Magazine. I am drawn to the relaxation of sitting with a magazine and a cortado -- the positive vibes and tactile experience of it all. Unlike screens, a magazine allows you to sit down, get comfortable, and truly relax.
The journey over the past year was inspired by the community found throughout the area at places like Dom’s Coffee, The Lucky Gut, Posh Party Spa and others. Anyone who has been to Dom’s knows of the energizing rhythm of the space. Friends laughing over espresso, community leaders building dreams together, people working on school projects and sharing their lives at the communal table. Here, community is everything, inspiring me to define the identity of Farmington Valley City Lifestyle to reflect this vibe.
My dedication and mission remain firmly grounded in community with a goal of providing positive stories about the extraordinary people here and serving as a reliable source of positivity and connection for the entire valley.
ARTICLE BY ED MAIN


Following the decision, I embarked on a #iloveFarmingtonValley tour to deeply integrate into the fabric of the valley including finding the local “connectors” that are born and raised here and know almost everything that goes on here. In addition, I placed membership in both the Avon-Canton and Granby-Simsbury Chambers of Commerce, further connecting me to great businesses and the people behind them.
For me, one of my favorite things about FV is the feeling of being in a place that is set apart from the hustle and bustle of the Hartford area. A place with rooted history and strong ties to community and family. It is self-reliant, yet connected. We asked some residents of the Valley why they love it here and here are their thoughts.




I love discovering new spots along the Farmington River and revisiting my favorite spots to hike, swim, and fish.
I love the strong community feel and access to great outdoor activities along with exceptional activities for young kids. It is truly a family friendly area.
I love the peacefulness, the beauty, all the wildlife, and access to nature trails. After living in NYC for 22 years, my soul needs it here. I’m back home.




Not only is it beautiful but it has so many things to do and places to go for self-care services, products, great little shops, and nice dining experiences.
I love chasing bears, coyotes, turkeys, and watching the eagles fly over the valley on their way to the river.
It’s quiet and safe. You’re centrally located so anything you want to do around the state isn’t too far. There’s lots of access to nature and the Farmington River.




I love the beautiful farms, scenic trails, locally owned shops, live music, and a community that genuinely supports one another.
I love the perfect blend of small-town charm, beautiful scenery, and strong sense of community. It feels welcoming, inspiring, and truly feels like home.
I recently moved to the FV, and I am completely in love with the vibe, the fantastic restaurants, and how warm and welcoming everyone has been.

















Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
FRIDAYS JULY 3RD-31ST
Talcott Mountain Music Festival
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM Friday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. - 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience*
AUGUST 15TH
6th Annual Summer Farm Festival
Hein Farm, 303 Meadow Rd., Farmington | 10:00 AM
Join Hein Farm for its 6th Annual Summer Farm Festival and Art & Craft Fair, a weekend of celebrating summer with local artisans, live music, food trucks, farmers market, cut your own flowers and more. Free admission and parking Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
AUGUST 21ST
Canton Volunteer Fire Co.'s 44th Annual Lobsterfest
14 Canton Springs Rd., Canton | 6:00 PM
Dinner is served Friday, August 21 from 6-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 22 from 12 to 9:30 p.m. Price includes one full lobster, corn, New England Clam Chowder, and a beverage.
AUGUST 21ST-23RD Dream Ride
Farmington Polo Grounds, 152-162 Town Farm Rd., Farmington | 9:00 AM
The Dream Ride Experience is the signature fundraiser for The Hometown Foundation, Inc., bringing together thousands of guests, motorcyclists, and automotive enthusiasts for a weekend filled with live music, food, vendors, and unforgettable experiences. The event honors Dream Riders with intellectual or developmental disabilities, celebrating their strength, determination, and ability to overcome challenges while promoting inclusion, friendship, and community. https://dreamride.org/
AUGUST 22ND
Music on Main Collinsville
Downtown Historic Collinsville (Municipal parking lot). | 6:00 PM
Incredible live music from CT Groove, completely free and 100% live. No tickets needed — just your good energy.
AUGUST 29TH-30TH
Hike To The Mic XII
The Heublein Tower, Summit Dr., Simsbury | 10:00 AM
This outdoor music and hiking series brings renowned musicians to the top of Talcott Mountain for live performances from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Access is only by foot, and accessible via a 1.25-mile moderate hike from the trailhead on Route 185. Admission is free, donations encouraged. Hiketothemic.com


Be part of the moments that make Dream Ride so special. Open your vehicle to a Dream Rider and take part in the excitement. Register today!


SCAN TO REGISTER TODAY!





The Dream Cruise and Wrangler Rally is one of the most anticipated highlights of Dream Ride Experience weekend for both participants and Dream Riders.
Automotive enthusiasts gather at The Farmington Polo Club for a 17-mile police-escorted cruise through the Farmington River Valley with Dream Riders. Riders enjoy the experience in an exotic, luxury, classic, or specialty vehicle before returning to the Farmington Club for a red carpet celebration.
Farmington Polo Club 152 Town Farm Road, Farmington
Since 1898, we have been helping customers celebrate life’s moments with natural diamonds, stunning jewelry, fine Swiss watches, and unique gifts for the home, all wrapped in our signature gold box. Whether you’re looking for something extraordinary for yourself or the perfect gift to give. Let our professionally trained diamond experts show you the difference. Visit us in-store or online at LBGreen.com.
Where Every Box Has a Story™

