Glastonbury, CT November 2020

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

FOOD + DRINK WH I P U P A T HAN KS G IVI N G M E AL I N M I N U T ES AN D SP EN D M O RE T I M E WI T H FA M I LY.

T H REE FA M I LY- OWN ED B USI N ES SES I N G L AS T O N B U RY H I T A M I L ES T O N E T H IS Y E AR .

Nationally Recognized Advisors Right Here in Your Backyard Jason Cerniglia CFP®, CRPC®, CMFC® Private Wealth Advisor Chief Executive Officer

Bryan J. Lauriat APMA® Financial Advisor Managing Director

Joel E. Blum APMA®, CRPC® Financial Advisor Managing Director

Forbes Best-in-State 2018 - 2020 Barron’s Top 1200 2017 - 2020 Financial Times Top 400 2018 - 2020 Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council 2017 - 2019

Forbes’ Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisor 2019

Forbes’ America’s Top Next Generation Wealth Advisor 2018

Coastal Wealth Management, a Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management advice to affluent individuals, families, small businesses, and family trusts.

Mystic, CT 860.245.0251

Glastonbury, CT 860.430.1780

CWMCT.com

Forbes/SHOOK Research listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, selected by their firms, which is then submitted to and judged by SHOOK Research. Key factors and criteria include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and credentials/years of professional experience. Selection of winners is done by comparing advisors at a national level, selecting winners, and then sorting them into state-specific lists. A separate evaluation is not done for each state. Portfolio performance is not a factor. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Barron’s listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, which is then submitted to and judged by Barron’s. Key factors and criteria for each award include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and years of professional experience. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Joan Hunt | joan.hunt@lifestylepubs.com

There's Lots to be Thankful For This November

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@lifestylepubs.com

THANKSGIVING IS UPON US, A TIME OF FEASTING AND BEING THANKFUL. Toward

AD DESIGNER

that end, this month's issue focuses on appreciating what a wonderful community we live in,

Evan Deuvall

the people and businesses that make up Glastonbury and getting ready for the holidays.

This year, despite the ongoing pandemic, we will once again gather with our families on Nov. 26 to celebrate Thanksgiving and our many blessings.

Many of us, says Tim Devanney, owner of Highland Park Market, might do so in smaller groups and some of us who usually dine out on Thanksgiving may not this year. In

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carrie Draghi

our Food & Wine feature we look at the growing trend of home cooks ordering out on Thanksgiving Day. Devanney says many folks enjoy the process of making a big family dinner, but a growing number of locals like to order their food from his store and then simply heat and eat on the big day. Doing so gives families and friends more time to celebrate and less time slaving over a hot stove.

But even if you're ordering in this Thanksgiving, you might still want to make one or two dishes to share with your guests. Check out our pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe in Culinary Creations for a fun and delicious treat this Thanksgiving.

In the Our Town feature we look at three local family-owned businesses marking an important milestone in 2020. Melzen's Pet Supplies, Richards Service Inc., and Katz Hardware all are celebrating 100 years in business. We talked to all three to find out what makes their businesses tick and the unique business practice they all have in common.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Speaking of local businesses, November is an important month for our community

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

retailers. Small Business Saturday, which encourages us all to "Shop Small," has

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

become one of three shopping days directly after Thanksgiving that are intended to

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

kick off the all-important holiday shopping season. In this month's Locally Owned seg-

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

ment we take a look at the history and significance of Small Business Saturday.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

With local businesses on our minds this month we called on two local retailers to help our photographer, Carrie Draghi, craft our autumnal and holiday-themed cover photo for this issue. The lovely table-setting, which evokes thoughts of a sumptuous holiday meal, includes a centerpiece provided by Meagan Salinsky of Keser's Flowers at 337 New London Turnpike. The dinnerware, wicker charger and glass pumpkin were pro-

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

vided by Deb Buxton from the Mahogany Shoppe at 2285 Main St. Thanks to both of them for taking part in such an inspirational cover!

Whether you're eating in, cooking all day or dining out, all of us here at Glastonbury Lifestyle wish you a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving!

Together we remain, Glastonbury Strong.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

Gary Perrelli, Publisher ON THE COVER A table set for a festive feast.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI. 4

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Glastonbury areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

TIME FOR A WEALTHHEALTH® CHECK-UP: a Investment Temperment a Tax Mitigation a Business Flexibility WEALTH MANAGEMENT • TAX • INSURANCE

860-633-1662 www.LichtensteinFinanciaL.com 25 New LoNdoN TurNpike, GLasToNbury, CT 06033

a Generational Wealth Mobility

Financial Professionals doing business as Lichtenstein Financial, LLC offer securities through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and advisory services through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Lichtenstein Financial, LLC is a separate entity from Securities America.

Confidence is a

beautiful

smile

Call us for a free cosmetic consultation!

Bring in this magazine and receive a $100 voucher toward future treatment.

Personalized Dentistry for Beautiful Smiles See our amazing results in our website's Smile Gallery

(860) 659-8660

HartfordCosmeticDentist.com

Steven M. Balloch, DDS

300 Hebron Ave Ste 112 Glastonbury, CT

Jeffrey J. Glavin, DDS CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020 FEATURES 14 Small Business Saturday: Celebrating Local Retailers The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Now a Well-Known Holiday Shopping Event

18 100 And Going Strong Three Local Family-Owned Businesses are Celebrating Their Centennials this Year

22 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins A Fun Fall Recipe You Can Whip up Thanksgiving Morning

14 24

24 A Ready-Made Thanksgiving Many Enjoy The Holiday By Letting Someone Else Do The Work

18

22

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Locally Owned

18

Our Town

22 Culinary Creations 24 Food & Wine 28 Renovate & Refine 32 Lifestyle Calendar

Dreams do come true!

If you've given thought to purchasing or selling a home or need real estate advice, give me a call at 860.796.0562.

I make dreams a reality!

It would be my pleasure to help you with your real estate needs!

Dana Flanagan Realtor

www.FlanaganRealtyGroup.com

THANK YOU, GLASTONBURY! for all of your support over the past 100 years

DISCOVER RENBROOK! Personalized, virtual and in-person visits available. renbrook.org/visit Age 3 - Grade 8 • West Hartford

Congratulations to the Melzen & Richards Families on their 100th Year!

Contact Us at (860) 633-3551 or katzhardware.com 2687 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06033

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

7

GOOD TIMES

Coastal Wealth Management Golf Outing Coastal Wealth Management, based in Glastonbury, recently hosted its annual Client Appreciation Golf Event at The Country Club of Farmington. The 2020 outing was a fun day for clients, their guests and members of Coastal Wealth Management!Â

8

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

1.

60 Strong Visits Glastonbury Dondero Orchards and The Old Cider Mill were the backdrops recently for the group 60 Strong, which celebrates women in their 60s with inclusion in an annual calendar. The 12 central Connecticut women took part in the photo shoot. Starling Physicians sponsored the event in conjunction with the launch of its Senior Care Advantage program.

2.

1. Lori Kelly of Bristol was one of 12 women chosen for the 60 Strong initiative. She was photographed at The Old Cider Mill. | 2. Ellen Cyr of Southington at Dondero Orchards.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

9

AROUND TOWN

THE SCOOP GLASTONBURY Content for part of Around Town is provided by

ANIMAL HOSPITAL COMING TO SHOPS ON MAIN

Jackie Post from The Scoop Glastonbury, a business

Banfield Pet Hospital is opening in the space

news website that follows breaking "SCOOP" about

next to Aspen Dental in the Shops on Main. This

new businesses in town, business renovations or

is a chain that started in Portland, Oregon in 1955,

relocations and unique or interesting business hap-

by a local veterinarian there. They now have more

penings. Follow The Scoop Glastonbury on social

than one-thousand locations across the country

media or visit thescoopglastonbury.com to sign

and provide preventative and emergency care to

up for the weekly newsletter.

pets. Clients can also purchase wellness plans.

NEW OWNERS TO RENOVATE GLASTONBURY STRIP MALL

DMV OPENS SATELLITE IN NUTMEG STATE FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

The strip mall near T.J. Maxx and Michaels

The

new

AAA

opened

their

new

across from Nardelli's is being sold to new own-

“EXPRESS” location at Nutmeg State Financial

ers. They’re planning major renovations to the

Credit Union last month. Some of the offerings,

exterior. There are some spaces open for rent

in addition to the AAA products and services and

including the end caps where the former Just

credit union services, include license and state ID

Like New and Aspen Dental were located. Visit

renewal and address and name changes. Nutmeg

www.loopnet.com for more info.

State members will also be offered discounts on some services.

10

DMV

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

Program, a post-graduate experience at The Academy at Watkinson for deserving Hartford public high school graduates. Pictured on left are Jay Maffe, president and CEO of Maffe Financial and Owner of Square Peg Pizzeria and Conor Geary, owner of Square Peg Pizzeria and Square Peg operating partner. The annual Watkinson Golf Classic took place on Sept. 15. Watkinson School is a co-ed independent day school for grades 6-12/ PG and offers bus service to Glastonbury.

ACADEMY TEEN CENTER ANNOUNCES HOURS The Academy Teen Center, at 2143 Main St., provides an unstructured supervised space for kids in grades 6-8 three days a week. This fall, the Teen Center will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-6 p.m., and Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m. The daily cost is $5 or $59 for a school year pass. Transportation is provided after school from both Gideon and Smith schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information call (860) 652-7679 or recreation@ glastonbury-ct.gov. You can call the Teen Center during their hours of operation at (860) 652-7638.

DRIVE-IN MOVIES AT THE ELKS There is a temporary drive-in movie theater at The Glastonbury Elks on Woodland Street. Mike Tierney and his family are hosting "The Tierney Family Drive-In". Tierney runs Audio Media Solutions and owns a giant, outdoor movie screen that made this possible. Tickets go on sale every Monday at 9:00 AM and are first come first serve.

There are 60 car spots for each show including some lawn seats for individual families. This will run every Friday until weather no longer allows. Find them on Facebook for more info.

TWO GLASTONBURY BUSINESSES PARTICIPATE IN THIRD-ANNUAL WATKINSON GOLF CLASSIC

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

Maffe Financial Group and Square Peg Pizza

would love to hear from you! Contact us at

are proud supporters of Watkinson School’s

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury using the Get In

Golf Classic to benefit the school’s City Scholars

Touch link and let us know what you think.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

11

THANK YOU! PAST & PRESENT CUSTOMERS

We very much appreciate your support for the last 100 years.

Congratulations to the

Katz & Richards Families on the 100th year!

Y OWNED & OPERATED FAMIL EST. 1920

MELZEN FARM & PET SUPPLY

DOG / CAT / HORSE / POULTRY / SMALL PET / WILD BIRDS LOCAL NOOKS / LAWN & GARDEN / MORE!

M-F: 8:00-5:00 • Sat. 8:00-1:00 860.633.9830 • www.MelzenPetSupply.com 100 Oak Street • Glastonbury, CT 06033 12

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

Keeping Your Home & Family

Comfortable Contact us at 860.657.4554 or visit www.emonds.com

“Family Owned & Operated” Lic# 392776 17 Nutmeg Lane Glastonbury, CT 06033

Yes, Watkinson School is different... in all the best ways.

Difference #15: All students learn to build deep relationships with their teachers.

“At Watkinson, we were encouraged to ask questions and connect with our teachers. At Purdue, my classmates arrived at college not necessarily comfortable reaching out to professors who have hundreds of students. Because it was natural for me, by the end of my first semester, I had a working relationship with my professor who had over 400 students. I had made myself known.” Hear Aneesh’s full story at WatkinsonStoryVault.org

Schedule a visit today • watkinson.org/visit Co-ed day school • Grades 6-12/PG • Bus service to Glastonbury CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

13

LOCALLY OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: CELEBRATING LOCAL RETAILERS THE SATURDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING IS NOW A WELL-ESTABLISHED HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT

“SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS MORE IMPORTANT IN 2020 THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN IN THE PAST.” - MARYELLEN DOMBROWSKI.

AT ONE POINT IN MY JOURNALISTIC CAREER I TOOK A BREAK, FOLLOWED MY PASSION AND OPENED A CLOTHING BOUTIQUE IN THE SMALL VILLAGE OF EAST HAMPTON. Up until then I’d written about small businesses, wrote stories about the shop local movement and covered broader issues about the problems facing “Main Street.”

None of them could have prepared me for the joys and heartaches of owning a business.

For the three years I ran my little store there were three days of the year that were my biggest money-makers; Christmas Eve, Mother’s Day and Small Business Saturday, in that order.

We’ve all heard the stats about shopping local, that with every dollar you spend in a local business nearly 70 percent of that money stays right in your community.

Small businesses make up more than 99 percent of all businesses in the country - and employ nearly 50 percent of all workers - yet only about half of all small businesses survive for more than five years.

So local support of small businesses is clearly crucial.

In recognition of that reality, American Express in 2009 kicked off its Shop Business Saturday program. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the event, also known as Shop Small Saturday, is sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two important shopping days that kick off the all-important holiday shopping season for retailers.

The program began at a time when the country was still in the midst ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

of a deep recession wrought by the subprime loan crisis and the hous-

PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

ing market collapse. American Express wanted to find a way to help struggling small businesses and support local communities.

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

"We all have favorite small businesses we can't imagine living

The pandemic has impacted most of them in such a way that

without," American Express says on its website. "However, fewer

without our ongoing patronage, many may not be able to survive

small businesses are opening and staying open. To be successful

for several more months.”

requires an abundance of grit, passion and determination."

"Every sale, each take out order and gift card purchase makes

This year’s Small Business Saturday event will take place on Nov. 28.

a difference to all retailers today," Dombrowski says. "If you were

In 2011, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution supporting the day

accustomed to eating out weekly, reinstate your routine and order

and now all 50 states officially participate with promotional backing

take out, for your holiday gift giving, buy gift cards from a local

and other programs.

retailer. Black Friday does not benefit small business in Glastonbury,

Small Business Saturday sought to tap into the larger Shop Small

invest in your hometown.

and locavore movements that have swept the country in the last

"Glastonbury is primarily comprised of small businesses – their

decade. Consumers, worried about political, social and ecological

absence will impact our “hometown” Main Street and the vibrancy

impacts of their buying choices have sought out more local sources

of our community. Vacancies are already visible on Main Street; we

for their food, clothing and other goods.

need to frequent our coffee and gift shops, restaurants and salons,

Locally, Small Business Saturday could have its greatest impact this year, says MaryEllen Dombrowski, president of the Connecticut

and all the other unique businesses that make us Glastonbury well beyond Small Business Saturday. "

River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“Small Business Saturday is more important in 2020 than it has ever been in the past. Eighty percent of the Chamber’s members have 10 or fewer employees, they are small businesses.

“WE ALL HAVE FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESSES WE CAN’T IMAGINE LIVING WITHOUT. HOWEVER, FEWER SMALL BUSINESSES ARE OPENING AND STAYING OPEN.” - AMERICAN EXPRESS. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

15

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

The group Our Town America lists seven ways shopping small can help your community.

1) SMALL BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY When you spend money in your neighborhood, your sales tax stays in your neighborhood. You help fund public education, parks, and street improvements, not to mention vital services like firefighting and mosquito control.

2) LOCAL STORE OWNERS CREATE LOCAL JOBS The Small Business Administration reports that local businesses added 8 million jobs to the American economy since 1990 while the expansion of large chains reduced jobs by 4 million.

3) LOCAL OWNERS BUY LOCAL SERVICES THEMSELVES Independent local businesses go into their local community to buy the supporting services they need.

4) LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS PROVIDE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE Business owners rely on great customer service to build a loyal customer base, so it is comforting to know you will be shopping in a store that is genuinely happy to assist you.

5) SMALL BUSINESSES CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY Human beings seek a feeling of belonging and familiarity in the towns in which they live.

6) IT FEELS GOOD TO HELP NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS SUCCEED There’s something special about knowing the owner of the store when you walk in. It’s always a comforting feeling to see that poster of the local Little League team in the coffee shop window.

7) IT’S ABOUT PRESERVING THE COMMUNITY The American Independent Business Alliance has another great reason to shop locally: “The disappearance of local businesses leaves a social and economic void that is palpable and real — even when it goes unmeasured," AIBA says. “A community’s quality of life changes in ways that macroeconomics is slow to measure, or ignores completely.”

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

“EVERY SALE, EACH TAKEOUT ORDER AND GIFT CARD PURCHASE MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO ALL RETAILERS TODAY.” MARYELLEN DOMBROWSKI.

Emmy Lou’s, Ltd

Gift Shop

Distinctive Home Decor Custom Florals

and

17 Hebron Avenue , Glastonbury

| (860) 633-9565

emmylousgiftshop.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

17

OUR TOWN

100 AND GOING STRONG THREE LOCAL FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES ARE CELEBRATING THEIR CENTENNIALS THIS YEAR

The team at Melzen's. Standing (L-R): Jim Melzen, Eric Pond, Ken Melzen, John Melzen.

Kneeling (L-R): Tim Melzen, Glenn Melzen.

ARTICLE EILEEN M MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

AS A KID GROWING UP HERE KEN MELZEN WOULD ACCOMPANY

webpage says. “Our first location was Station 35 (the name for the

HIS DAD ON ROUNDS DELIVERING FEED TO LOCAL FARMERS.

“center” of Glastonbury at that time). We shared a building with a

Sometimes, those customers paid Melzen’s dad in animals.

phone company, which was upstairs from the feed store.”

“I’d be on the delivery truck with my father, we’d deliver feed and

Over the years the establishment changed locations a few times

bring home a turkey in a bag,” Melzen recalls. “That’s what the farm-

and Melzen’s even opened another store in Manchester. Today the

ers did back then if they didn’t have money for feed. They’d barter.

business is headquartered at 100 Oak St.

My grandfather would trade feed for animals quite a bit.”

It’s a fond memory Ken shares as he spoke recently about his family’s 100 years in business in Glastonbury.

In 1920, Stanley Melzen, a Polish immigrant who came here through Ellis Island, founded the Melzen Grain Co.

Like the town itself, Melzen’s has evolved over the years as farming in Glastonbury ceased to be the town’s main industry.

Today the store is known as Melzen’s Pet Supply, though Ken, the third generation Melzen to run the operation, says the name doesn’t really encapsulate the wide diversity of goods the store sells.

“At our beginnings, we had a variety of names, including Melzen

“We can’t put a proper name on it because we do so much, large

Grain Co., S. Melzen Feeds, and Melzen & Durdek,” the company’s

animal feed, dog and cat supplies. Then we do lawn and garden

18

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

products, heating products, like stove pellets and bio bricks. We do bedding products for animals, fencing products, like split rail and electric fencing. We’re not just a feed store and we’re not just a pet store.”

Melzen’s is one of several family-owned businesses that are celebrating their centennial this year, albeit in a low-key, pandemic fashion, including Katz Hardware on Main Street and Richards Service Inc., in South Glastonbury.

Their success in surviving for 100 years is their common ability to evolve to meet the town’s changing needs, says Robert Krieger, the 4th generation family operator of Katz Hardware.

“With all of us, the reason we’re still here is that we’ve adapted and we're constantly evolving.”

“At Katz, we’ve changed and done so many different things in this establishment and that’s how we’re still all in business. We used to have an Ice cream shop, we once sold auto parts, we used to do small engine repair.

We used to not have paint in the hardware store, but now I’m the largest paint store in the town. We used to do lumber, but now we don’t do that because of Home Depot. Every year we’re changing.”

CONTINUED >

“I STILL THINK OF ‘HOW WOULD DAD DO THIS AND HOW WOULD DAD DO THAT?’ WE WERE A REAL FATHERDAUGHTER TEAM.”

Donna Walstedt with her Dad, Francis Richards, and her son, Brandon, in a family photo taken in 2011 prior to transitioning to Irving.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

19

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

The store was founded by Ben Katz. His son Joe Katz ran the family business until his son, Dick Katz took over, who then handed the operation over to Bob. Like Katz, Richards Service Inc., has also survived 100 years because the family running the business recognized when it was time to evolve, says Donna Walstedt. The changes at the business over the years have been both operational and cosmetic.

Founded by Donna’s grandfather, James Richards and his brother Johnny (Green) Richards the South Glastonbury gas station in 1920 sold fuel and offered small car repairs, such as oil and tire changes. In 1994 Donna’s dad, Francis Richards, expanded the business to include a small convenience store and waiting room for customers. About 10 years later he bought more property next to the station and expanded the fuel pumping station to include gas

Donna Walstedt at her family business.

Melzen's is one three local businesses celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Pictured are Ken Melzen with his father, Joe, at the Oak Street location.

20

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

The exterior of Katz's (circa 1930) when one could visit Katz for everything from ice cream to gasoline.

and diesel pumps. He also created a full convenience store, which Donna talked him into naming Fran’s Mart. Donna, who has worked at her family’s station for 26 years, took over the reigns of the business when her dad died in 2012.

She started working at the station with her dad in 1994.

“I worked with him for 19 years, and for seven days a week we worked together, side by side.

He was the roots of the gas station and my dad really incorporated all of those old roots of the business in me. I still think of ‘How would dad do this, and how would dad do that.’ We were a real father-daughter team.”

“WITH ALL OF US, THE REASON WE’RE STILL HERE IS THAT WE’VE ADAPTED AND WE’RE Robert Krieger, the 4th generation owner of Katz Hardware.

CONSTANTLY EVOLVING.” CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

21

CULINARY CREATIONS

pumpk in chocolate chip mu f fins A FUN FALL RECIPE YOU CAN WHIP UP THANKSGIVING MORNING

ARTICLE IVY PERRELLI | PHOTOGRAPHY GARY PERRELLI

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

pu mpk i n choc ol at e ch ip mu f f i n s CLOVE, NUTMEG, GINGER AND CINNAMON MAKE THESE THE PERFECT AUTUMN BREAKFAST TREAT ALTHOUGH THEY CAN CERTAINLY BE ENJOYED YEAR-ROUND. These moist quick breads are even better the next day, when the spices have had a chance to mellow. Yields 16 to 18 large muffins

i n g re d ient s + 2 cups organic all-purpose flour + 1 cup organic white whole wheat flour + 2 teaspoons baking soda + 2 teaspoons coarse salt + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon + 1 teaspoon ground ginger + ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg + ¼ teaspoon ground cloves + 1 ¼ cups brown sugar + 1 cup organic cane sugar + ¾ cup organic unrefined virgin coconut oil + ¼ cup of walnut oil + 4 large eggs, at room temperature + 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree + ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce + cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

i n st r uc t ion s 1. Set the oven rack in the middle position. Preheat oven to 375.

Line muffin pan with paper liner, or generously butter with softened butter; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, oils, eggs, pumpkin puree and applesauce. Add the dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until the flour has been absorbed.

4. Fold in chocolate chips.

5. Use a 2-inch (1/4 cup) ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill to the top.

6. Bake, rotating the pan about two-thirds of the way through the baking time until the tops of the muffins spring back when touched and a cake tester inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

7. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Use an offset spatula or a table knife to gently lift and turn the muffins on their side in the muffin cups. Let cool completely in the pan.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

23

FOOD & WINE

A ready-made Thanksgiving ENJOY THE HOLIDAY BY LETTING SOMEONE ELSE DO THE WORK - OR AT LEAST SOME OF IT ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

If you want to take the trouble and anxiety out of Thanksgiving Day cooking, try buying ready-made pies.

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

IT’S THANKSGIVING TIME AGAIN, ARE YOU ALREADY PLANNING YOUR MARATHON THANKSGIVING DAY MEAL? If not, don’t panic. The food industry is gearing up to help you out this year.

Eating out or getting takeout at Thanksgiving has become a trend as revelers seek to limit the amount of time they spend in front of a hot stove or a sink full of dirty dishes and more time with family and friends.

While fewer people are expected to eat out this year because of the pandemic restrictions, and many families will likely limit the size of their celebratory gatherings, more people are expected to buy all or part of their Thanksgiving meal ready-made.

According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, nearly one in every 10 adults ate their holiday meal at a restaurant last year. Also, more than one in 10 said they expected to buy takeout food for part or all of the holiday meal.

At Highland Park Market the store’s chefs were finalizing their Thanksgiving dinner menus in September this year. In recent years the store has seen an uptick in the number of customers buying part or all of their holiday meals, says owner Tim Devanney.

“It’s just been growing every year because people just don’t have time. They'll come in last minute to buy food or they’ll place orders ahead of time and then come in the day before or a couple days before and pick it all up.

On Thanksgiving Day they can just pop all the food in the oven to reheat it.”

Highland Park offers a wide variety of side dishes for Thanksgiving; mashed white and sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans stuffing, gravy, rolls, just to

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

25

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

name a few. If you just want to buy desserts for the special day the store has 10 different kinds of pies available, as well as fruit tarts and cakes.

Jason Mease, Highland Park’s deli manager, says the store offers two different meal packages. One feeds 10 to 12 people and comes with a fully cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, brusell sprouts, gravy, rolls and a choice of an apple or pumpkin pie.

The other meal package feeds 14 to 16 people and comes with all of the same foods, except it also includes both pies and a bigger turkey.

The meals sell for $140 for the smaller option, $189 for the larger.

Another popular option, Mease says, is to buy all the sides, but cook your own turkey "to get that good turkey smell" all day.

He expects more sales of the smaller meal packages this year as more families will likely limit their guests on Thanksgiving Day.

26

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

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RENOVATE & REFINE

B R I N G I N G B AC K F R O N T P O R C H G AT H E R I N G S

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LEANN PARKER

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

THIS TIME OF YEAR, I FIND MYSELF

game nights; this fall, I expect the changes

EXCITED FOR PREPARING OUR HOME

to continue and that we will be doing more

FOR THE CHILLY MONTHS AHEAD. Even

front porch chats rather than indoor cocktail

before the air gets crisp I get busy washing

hours. Whatever may come with the chilly air

air-conditioning then social distancing and

throw blankets, replacing worn out couch

I do know one thing…we still need people,

mask wearing but, whatever the reason, I

pillows and digging out those yummy smell-

and it can still be just as wonderful to gather

believe that we have a wonderful opportu-

ing candles. It makes me want to stock up on

together! The question that I’ve been asking

nity to bring back the front porch tradition

coffee and hot cocoa to share with friends

myself is “how can our family pivot with

into our modern reality. So, this fall, instead

when they gather in our home.

the times and continue to gather, visit with

of turning my attention into our living room, I

friends, meet for coffee, share dinners and

am looking to my front porch (and backyard)

celebrate in life milestones?”

in preparation for gathering with people

Although I am still inclined to do those things, this year is a bit different as the world of social distancing has changed our abilities

Priceless are the stories that our grand-

there. Here are a few of my ideas for creating

to gather with friends and family like we used

parents tell of the days when they would sit

an outdoor space to be used well into the

to. Much like this past summer where we did

on their front porch waving to neighbors and

cold winter months. You can also continue

more backyard pool hangouts and bike rides

visiting with friends. In those days front porch

to join me in the journey by following me at

instead of indoor dinner birthday parties and

sitting had more to do with the absence of

@silvertoothfarmhome.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

29

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

P U T T I N G T O G E T H E R YO U R G AT H E R I N G S PAC E …

“H e r e ’s t o

1

garage, a yard, a little corner under a tree. Pick a spot and plant some chairs there (6 feet apart these days). Our Adirondack Chairs are an old version from World Market, but any outdoor chair will do. If you have a covered space then don’t be

building your

afraid to pull out those indoor chairs too. It’s charming to see repurposed wooden dining room chairs sitting on a covered porch. Be creative!

own new memories with old

Somewhere to sit… Even if you don’t have a front porch, you might have a

2

Something to feel… Instantly give your outdoor space the feeling of indoors with an outdoor rug. It seriously changes everything by making the space like a living room! I get my budget friendly outdoor rugs from Boutique Rugs, but you can find

front porch

them at any price point. Include a pillow or blanket for warmth, and when the days get really cold a patio heater is a major bonus.

t r a d i t i o n s .”

3

Something to see… Bring on the layering of flowers, pumpkins or candles to bring the space to life! I like to work with different heights and textures (here I placed my chrysanthemums in bushel baskets from Hobby Lobby and placed them on stools to elevate them to eye level). The possibilities are endless so be creative and have fun!

4

Something to eat… Fill a basket with caramel apples on sticks, kettle corn in brown paper bags, coffee or tea in paper travel cups. I love using baskets and trays to easily transport items from my kitchen to the outdoor space.

Keep it practical. If your porch is covered then everything can live outside all season long. If your gathering place is open to the elements then designate a spot indoors, such as a corner in your coat closet, to store your outdoor pillows and blanket on those dewy nights and rainy days. Then, you’ll always know where they are when it’s time to pull them out as friends come by. Here’s to building your own new memories with old front porch traditions!

30

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

31

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

WITH THE ONGOING PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS PLEASE CHECK WITH THE LOCAL EVENT ORGANIZERS FOR UPDATES AND CHANGES.

people interested. Let's keep our

friendship. Since events up to 100 peo-

brains active with fun interaction! To

ple are now allowed we have returned to

register email norma.carey@glaston-

a 6:30 p.m. start time for everyone. You

bury-ct.gov or call 860-652-7655.

don't need to RSVP or get an EventBrite ticket to participate, just arrive by 6:25

2

p.m. to sign-in and pick a route. Visit

PURE INSPIRATION FROM DUSTIN PARI ~ VIRTUAL PROGRAM LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

5

CAPITAL FLEA MARKET

This

Zoom

1 Pequot St., Hartford

from Dustin Pari takes a look

Join the Welles-Turner Memorial

Come and browse our free outdoor

at the tale of Charlie and the

Library's Moving for Better Balance

market featuring a grand variety of

Chocolate Factory by author Roald

virtual class every Thursday this

quality local inventory! Mask wearing

Dahl, examines the characters and

month. Take steps to improve your

is required and maintain a healthy

their vices and uses these devices

strength and balance and maintain

social distance between you and

to create a wonderfully magical tale

an active lifestyle. This therapeu-

other customers!. Follow entry and

of motivation, inspiration and imagi-

tic program is aimed at improving

exit guidelines. Parking is $5. Come

nation. Hosted by the Welles-Turner

posture, stability, awareness and

browse the food, drink, produce,

Memorial Library, registration is

mindful control of body positioning,

clothing, jewelry and accessories

required at 860-652-7720 or at

functional walking, movement sym-

vendors every Saturday and Sunday

wtmlib.info.

metry and daily functioning to pre-

1

fleetfeethartford.com

Virtual - Zoom

confectionery

creation

this month. Visit eventbrite.com/e/ the-capital-flea-market for tickets.

1

vent falls. Zoom signup required.

4

Visit wtmlib.info.

6

REMOTE NETWORKING: VIRTUAL LUNCHBREAK

KNITTING WITH SHEEP

TAI JI QUAN

Virtual - Zoom

Working

Farmington, 12 p.m.

Join the Connecticut River Valley

Friday mornings in the Children’s

Last year we set the world record

Chamber of Commerce for our weekly

Department at the library are for

for the “Most People Knitting in the

Wednesday Leads at Lunch, via

toddlers

company of Sheep” with 15 knitters!

ZOOM throughout November. Dial in

stations are set up for little ones to

Let’s do it again and break our own

by phone or your computer. Please

learn at their own pace. Adults must

record ( 15 knitters to tie- 16 to win)

register to have the meeting link sent

stay and participate with their chil-

Advanced registration, masks, social

prior to the meeting. Downloads are

dren. This drop-in program is held

distancing

quick and easy. Visit crvchamber.org

weekly (except the second Friday of

to register for this free event.

the month) from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

and

knitting

needles

required. Visit hillstead.org to join.

remotely

from

home?

TINKERLAB

Hillstead Museum, 35 Mountain Road,

Welles-Turner Memorial Library

and

preschoolers

and

Call 860-652-7718 for information.

2

4

VIRTUAL MONDAY GAMES

COMMUNITY RUN

The town has put together some

West Hartford

fun

games,

Join us every Wednesday this month for

play as a team or one on one, it

a socially responsible 3-5 mile run

257 Belltown Road

all depends on the number of

that

Join your hosts at the Crystal

Virtual

interactive

virtual

7

Fleet Feet, 1003 Farmington Ave.,

emphasizes

community

and

FOOD BY SKYSCRAPER & MUSIC BY TAKE 2!

Crystal Ridge Winery,

CONTINUED >

32

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

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NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR Ridge Winery, 257 Belltown Road, for an afternoon of food, music, wine and fun. Food provided by Skyscraper Sandwiches. The food truck brings their amazing "piled high" NY-styled sandwiches made fresh to order, and packed with

10

craft supplies. Please wear masks

IDENTITY THEFT ~ VIRTUAL PROGRAM LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

more information.

(ages 3 and up) and bring own lawn blanket. Visit ssds-hartford.org/ for

Virtual - Zoom

mouthwatering ingredients. Also

Join

Kathleen

Titsworth

of

featuring the music of Take 2, a

the Connecticut

Department

of

band that plays classic and recent

Banking to learn about the methods

hits. rystalridgewinery.com.

of identity theft and take action to

WOMEN'S SPEED NETWORKING EVENT

Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar,

reduce your risk; recognize signs

437 Main St., Middletown

8

that you may be a victim of identity

Join us for our Monthly Speed

theft and exercise your consumer

Networking Event - A North America

CONNECTICUT BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO

rights to shield your credit report

Professional Women (NAPW) Event.

from unauthorized use. Register

The Social Butterfly brings you

at wtmlib.info. or 860-652-7720.

Speed Networking Events throughout New England and the Tri-state

XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford

Wedding professionals are ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception

venue,

invitations,

photographer, music, menu, hon-

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area using an innovative, four-step

SHALOM REGGIO GRATITUDE/THANKSGIVING

personalized introductions for pro-

system, specifically developed to deliver effective connections and fessionals. Cost is $5. See facebook.

Solomon Schechter Day School of

com/groups/northamericaprofes-

more. Don’t miss the bridal fashion

Greater Hartford 26 Buena Vista Road

sionalwomen for more information.

shows and live DJ demos, plus tons

, West Hartford

of prizes and giveaways. Visit our

Join us outside on the Schechter

website for showcase dates and

Field with your birth -to 4-year-old

times. We’ll see you at the show.

child for a Gratitude/Thanksgiving

Would you like to get in touch with

$10 admission, Runs 1-5 p.m. Visit

themed craft activity, a Thanksgiving

us? We would love to hear from you!

exlcenter.com/events.

PJ Library story, and participatory

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

songs. All COVID-19 precautions will

Glastonbury using the Get In Touch

be in place: We will supply individual

link and let us know what you think.

eymoon destination, and much

34

12

Glastonbury Lifestyle | November 2020

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