Glastonbury, CT February 2021

F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

LI F E + C U LTU R E T H E SE AS O N O F LOVE: VAL EN T I N E LOVE S T O RI ES A LO CAL LY-S O U RC ED G I F T G U I D E FO R A N O - FAI L VAL EN T I N E ’ S DAY

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.

Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the ranking. The Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times. The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisors, firms, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each advisor’s performance in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved.

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R DIAMONDS E A L

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Welcome to February, the season of love!

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH OF LOVE HERE IN THE U.S., thanks to the celebra-

L AYO UT DESIGNER

tion of Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. While the roots of this holiday are shrouded in lore

Jayme Emery

and mystery, one history of it holds that it was created more than 1,500 years ago

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

in Europe to mark the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, who was killed by a Roman

Carrie Draghi

emperor because Valentine refused the emperor's order banning young men from marrying. Over the years we’ve celebrated the romantic notion behind Saint Valentine’s sacrifice by trading simple cards of affection or giving our loved ones chocolates, romantic cards, flowers and even proposals of marriage.

We love a good love story this time of year and toward that end we went in search of love stories for our February issue, though not necessarily the sweeping saga kind of love story you find in romance novels or movies (There are no Leos and Kates here hanging out on the prow of an ill-fated cruise ship).

Instead, we sought out the real love stories most of us know, the small, sweet kind that make up most of the stories behind how couples meet. In our Little Love Stories you’ll meet three couples with a connection to Glastonbury, each with a small but unique love story. Also, our photographer Carrie Draghi, took full advantage of one of our December snow storms to capture this month's cover photo of a young couple walking through the vineyards at Crystal Ridge Winery.

And since Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest gift-giving days of the year, we’ve also included a gift guide for you with some unique ideas that you can find right here in town.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

With the housing market as hot as it's ever been, we talked with Realtor Bob LaPerla,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, on what the market means right now for

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

buyers and sellers and what we should do if we’re thinking of selling or buying.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

If you’re like most of us, you’ve been spending a lot more time at home, either because your kids are home schooling or you’re now working there. If you’ve looked around your house and wondered how to get more space out of it or improve the interior, designer Sharon McCormick has some advice for you before you start a home renovation.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

In our Now Open feature we welcome Asana Organic Skin & Beauty to Glastonbury's business community. Asana opened Nov. 2 and is run by a Thailand native whose business offers all-organic, all-natural treatments and services.

We hope someone showers you with some much-deserved love this Valentine’s Day and that you love this month’s issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle as much as we do!

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 young couple walks through Crystal Ridge vineyards.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI 4

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 12 Designing Woman Sharon McCormick views interior design as more than just making homes pretty

16 East Meets West in Glastonbury’s Newest Spa Asana Organic Skin & Beauty Uses Only Organic and All-Natural Products and Treatments

20 Little Love Stories Sometimes the Sweetest Love Stories Are the Small Ones

26 A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Trying to find the perfect gift for

12 20

your sweetheart? Here are a dozen local ideas!

26

16

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Renovate & Refine

16

Now Open

20 Local Limelight 26 Local’s Choice 32 Open House 34 Lifestyle Calendar

GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN GLASTONBURY GLASTONBURY’S NEWEST COMMUNITY BASED LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION

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Walk-in care on nights/weekends, same day visits for injuries, and onsite physical therapy, x-rays, and casting.

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GOOD TIMES

A Christmas Tradition For over 20 years Donna Walstedt Richards has hosted a Christmas morning celebration. Each year a group of friends and family gather to celebrate and honor those who are no longer with us. Donna's father, Fran Richards, started the tradition. This year's gathering was small and socially-distanced due to COVID and took place in the garage, but the tradition continues.

Sometimes life is taxing.

So is the IRS. Let us help you with both!

Come and see us for your 2020 Tax Preparation and receive a two-hour courtesy consultation after tax season.

You choose the topic!

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

from Flanagan Realty Group!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING OUR CLIENTS & COMMUNITY IN 2021!

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AROUND TOWN finally, and perhaps most importantly, a MedicallyAssisted Weight Loss Program. Call: 860.622.8819 or email: sdraghi@yahoo.com to schedule a consult.

THE SCOOP GLASTONBURY Content for part of the Around Town section is provided by Jackie Brousseau Post, author of The Scoop Glastonbury, a business news website that follows breaking "SCOOP" about new businesses in town and the region, business renovations or

GENO TAKES OVER MANCHESTER COUNTRY CLUB RESTAURANT

relocations and unique or interesting business

Geno Auriemma has signed a lease to take over

happenings. Follow The Scoop Glastonbury on

the restaurant space at Manchester Country Club.

social media or visit thescoopglastonbury.com to

The club opened the bidding process after nego-

sign up for the weekly newsletter.

tiations with the former lessee fell through. Club members felt that Auriemma's proposal was the most exciting and was in line with the direction they hope to go as a club.

GLASTONBURY GRAD OPENS WELLNESS CENTER 1995 GHS Grad, Sara Moore (Draghi), APRN recently opened Moore Wellness Solutions in Marlborough. She offers a fascinating treatment

10

DIME BANK OPENS GLASTONBURY LOCATION

called Ultherapy. It's the only FDA-approved NON-

Dime Bank recently held their grand opening

INVASIVE way to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines,

in the old bank space on Hebron Avenue in the

droopy eyelids, or a sagging neck. Just one treat-

Square Peg plaza. The more than 150-year-old

ment is required and it can last 2 years. Some of her

bank has more than a dozen banking locations

other offerings include IV therapy, Botox / Dysport

in Connecticut and Rhode Island. This is Dime

/ Xeomin injections for wrinkles, B12 injections, and

Bank's first Glastonbury location.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

Beausoleil is a trusted medical doctor in West Hartford and is expanding her former West Hartford spa, Aspire Wellness, into Get Tight Spa. She is an internal medicine and pediatrics specialist with more than 20 years of clinical experience.

BIRDCODE OPENS IN WEST HARTFORD There is a new restaurant on Park Road in West Hartford called BIRDCODE HOT CHICKEN that is getting rave reviews. They offer a simple menu of Nashville-style HOT chicken, including sandwiches, wings, and tenders, along with sides. Everything looks delish and we cannot wait to try them!

NEW MED SPA IN WEST HARTFORD

SPA OWNERS OPENING SECOND LOCATION IN GLASTONBURY Del

Soul

Spa

from

Newington

recently

Get Tight Spa has opened a new facility in West

announced that they are opening a second loca-

Hartford. The medical spa, at 1216 Farmington

tion called Eliana in the house on the corner of New

Ave., provides "the most scientifically validated,

London Turnpike and Rankin Road (across from the

non-surgical methods to stimulate the body’s

Post Office). They hope to be up and running by

natural anti-aging response." Their high tech

spring of 2021. Stay tuned!

machines boosts the body's natural production of collagen, builds muscle, permanently destroys

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

fat cells and creates a refreshed, revitalized, and

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

renewed version of your absolute best self. Chief

com/Glastonbury using the Get In Touch link and

Medical Director at Get Tight Spa, Dr. Shannon

let us know what you think.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

11

RENOVATE & REFINE

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Sharon McCormick Design.

DE S IG N I NG WOM A N 12

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

SHARON MCCORMICK VIEWS INTERIOR DESIGN AS MORE THAN JUST MAKING HOMES PRETTY

EVER WALKED INTO A HOME OR A ROOM AND IMMEDIATELY FELT UNCOMFORTABLE, EVEN ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU WANT TO GET OUT? Or, have you ever walked into a space and just wanted to spend all day there?

That, Sharon McCormick says, is the essence of both good and bad design. Beyond simple aesthetics, interior design is about surrounding yourself with style and elements that make you feel at peace, or that bring you joy.

“Your surroundings affect your emotions and your happiness.

Good design is about more than just making a space pretty. It’s about loving walking into your bedroom or your kitchen and being surrounded every day by things you love.”

Based in Glastonbury since 2000, Sharon has designed some of the finest homes across Connecticut and in other states.

Great design, Sharon says, is about loving the elements around you.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

13

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Good design, she says, is about making your life less stressful and frustrating and finding serenity in your surroundings. And with more of us spending more time at home these days, we’re realizing there are many things about our homes that need to be redesigned.

“Now people are actually living, really living, in their houses. Before, when we were all working somewhere else, it was more like we were sailing in and sailing out of the house every day.

People didn’t have dinner together this much, they didn’t spend this much time together. Now they’re realizing that their kitchen doesn’t function that well or someone is always in their way.

And they’re realizing that their home doesn’t need to be just utilitarian, it can be beautiful.”

Design clients are also looking at more than just interiors, she says. People are spending more time outside now, even in colder weather, because of coronavirus precautions and they want their outside spaces to be beautiful as well.

That means designing outdoor spaces with fire elements, dining and living rooms and exteriors that blend well with interior spaces “to take advantage of the outdoor spaces that you need now and that you’re craving.”

She knows well the awakening that many people are having for great home design. She had her own more than 20 years ago after she bought a historic home in Durham and she decided to leave her career as an accountant and go back to school for interior design.

“All I was doing was getting up, going to work and waiting to come home again. One day I woke up and said, I’m going back to school for design. That day I applied to go back to college, it totally awakened my passion again. The world became a different place.”

For more information: Sharon McCormick, Owner sharonmccormickdesign.com 860-550-3358

14

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

Based in Glastonbury, Sharon McCormick designs interiors in homes across Connecticut.

Discover exceptional assisted living

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The newly named Addison Place at Glastonbury is where local seniors and their families have turned for quality care

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Call Laura at (860) 652-3444 or visit addisonplaceatglastonbury.com 1177 Hebron Ave. | Glastonbury, CT 06033 CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

15

east meets west in glastonbury’s newest spa NOW OPEN

ASANA ORGANIC SKIN & BEAUTY USES ONLY ORGANIC AND ALL-NATURAL PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS

16

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

"T he entire pl ace was a f amily aff air, it was really buil t wit h love and we designed every inch of t he space."

SOMETIMES UNEXPECTED AND UNWEL-

“It’s really meant to be a transformational

COME CHANGES IN LIFE CAN LEAD TO

pose and I want people to feel this is a trans-

SOMETHING POSITIVE, EVEN GREAT.

formational place.”

That’s how Tida Murdock looks back now

Owning her own spa, Tida says, also

on being laid off last year in the pandemic. If

allowed her to focus her work exclusively on

she hadn’t been, there would be no Asana

organic and holistic practices.

Organic Skin Care & Beauty, her new business at 730 Hebron Ave. “I just decided to go for it,” Tida says.

for an entirely organic experience. I believe

As a licensed esthetician, she realized she

self-care is sacred and I want people to feel

might need to take dramatic steps to remain committed to her profession.

“It really pushed me to pursue my own space."

After months of work renovating the space, Asana opened on Nov. 2.

better on the inside and the outside.”

“Taking care of yourself is sacred, it’s something precious and worthy of protection. I believe that self-care is not just a luxury, but a vital fuel for your soul.”

She got the business off the ground

The spa, which uses all organic materials

with the help of her fiancé and business

and treatments, offers a comprehensive list

partner, Alex Bukowski. Other family mem-

of services, including facials, body treat-

bers helped out as well. Alex’s father, Jeff

ments, makeup, waxing, brow shaping and

Bukowski, helped to build out the interior of

henna tinting, lash lifts and tints, LED treat-

Asana. Her mother, Fon Camfield, assisted

ments and an infrared sauna.

in designing the space.

“I also carry crystals and chocolate and a

“The entire place was a family affair, it was

CBD line, all of them from small businesses

really built with love and we designed every

and people I know, we all need each oth-

inch of the space.”

er's support more than ever!”

Tida Murdock and her fiance Alex Bukowski

“This whole industry can be so convoluted and toxic. I wanted to give people an option

Tida came to the U.S. when she was

Born in Thailand but raised mostly in

4 with her mother and father, a Vietnam

Connecticut, Tida brings her strong Eastern

war veteran who settled in Thailand after

connections to her life and her business.

the war and married Fon. When she came

For instance, the name Asana is a term

along, Tida says, her parents decided to

used to describe a yoga pose as well as a

settle back in America so that she could

seated posture in meditation, which in turn

be educated here.

is an ancient practice intended to bring tranquility and a sense of peace.

But she still has deep ties to her and her mother’s native Thailand. She has family CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

17

NOW OPEN (CONTINUED) there that visits every year and continues her education in Asianinfluenced spa treatments.

“I incorporate my culture into the business and every time I go back to Thailand I bring back something special for the spa. It’s been going really well and people have been loving these different types of services.”

In fact, the spa was blessed by a Buddhist Thai monk prior to opening “so it has really great energy now.”

While it was a daunting task planning and opening a business during the pandemic, Tida says one of the upsides is the spa was built and arranged with pandemic safety precautions in mind, instead of having to retrofit them.

“It just feels like a safe space for sanitation and self-care. People have been really eager to treat themselves again because they haven’t been able to for so long.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Asana Organic Skin & Beauty asanaorganicskin.com 860-382-6625

Tida Murdock gives a facial to a customer in her new salon.

18

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Tatiana Naumova and Ilya Smirnov fell in love in Russia and live in Glastonbury now.

LITTLE L OV E S T OR I E S

Sarah French and Billy Thomas on their wedding day

SOMETIMES THE SWEETEST LOVE STORIES ARE THE SMALL ONES Tatiana Naumova and Ilya Smirnov outside the dance studio where they both teach.

20

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

Sarah French met Billy Thomas when she bought a VW Beetle from him.

FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE TATIANA NAUMOVA AND ILYA SMIRNOV Tatiana Naumova and Ilya Smirnov met about eight years ago in Russia. She’s a well-known compet-

“We are very happy here. We like the nature of the people and we love to work here,” Ilya says. “We went through a lot of difficult situations and we became stronger. It’s like a life lesson for us.”

itive dancer and instructor there and was the soloist

One of those difficult situations was Covid-19. Just

dancer of one of the most famous shows in that country.

months after they arrived the Coronavirus struck, shut-

Ilya is the winner and runner up of multiple Belorussian

ting down the dance studio. They had to start conduct-

and International ballroom championships.

ing dance lessons and classes via Zoom, a daunting task

Tatiana was an instructor at a studio in Russia where Ilya came to teach. They’ve been together ever since.

since they were still struggling with their English.

“It’s a very big problem with the English,” Tatiana

Both started dancing when they were children but

says. In person, when the language barrier gets in the

their love of dance, Ilya says, was just one of the things

way, she can use body language to communicate with

that drew them together. They each also longed to travel

her dance students.

and one day see America.

Together they began dancing and traveling throughout Belarus and Russia.

“We traveled a lot and we danced in some very famous shows,” Tatiana says.

“I can help you with my eyes and my hands. But with the Zoom class, it’s not possible.”

They live near the studio and don’t have a car, so they walk most places locally. Ilya has his driver’s license and sometimes they rent a car if they want to venture farther afield.

It was a fun, adventurous life and about two years ago

Their opposite personalities, the couple says, along

they found an ad online for dance instructors in the U.S.

with their shared interests, has helped them overcome

They applied for the jobs, were accepted and began

the hard times and keeps them together.

the arduous task of applying for U.S. visas intended for

Each is quick to credit the other’s strengths.

non-citizens who can work and live in this country if they

Tatiana's very strong, outgoing and funny, he says of her.

have extraordinary abilities in the arts or sciences.

Ilya is quiet, but sure and steady, she says of him.

They arrived in October of 2019 and today work as instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Main Street. They also live in Glastonbury.

Their journey and life here has been a joyful struggle, the couple says.

They’re both hoping to stay here and continue to teach dance as long as possible.

“We love it so much here,” Tatiana says. “Everyone is so nice and it’s so beautiful.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

21

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

THE LOVE BUG

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA

SARAH FRENCH AND BILLY THOMAS

MAURA YELLEN AND MATTHEW BIEKERT

After totaling her beloved Volkswagen Beetle in March of 2014, Sarah French needed a new ride.

Knowing she’d want another VW Bug, her dad stopped at Gene Langan Volkswagen, got a salesman’s business card, and gave it to Sarah.

When she went to the dealership Sarah figured she’d be meeting “a typical car salesman.” In her mind, that meant an older man who would push her to make a fast deal on a car.

Instead, she met Billy Thomas, a cute, 25-year-old college student working at the dealership part time.

“He was definitely not what I thought a salesman would be,” Sarah says.

When she was in high school, Maura Yellen remembers distinctly the boy who was in the next grade up from her.

Matthew Biekert was captain of the St. Bernard High School football team and Maura’s clearest memory of him is of a loud, outgoing, gregarious boy whom she considered utterly unattainable.

“In my world, he was very old and very loud,” she says with a laugh.

During college years later, Maura’s internship director turned out to be Matthew’s mom.

“After chatting with her, she caught me up on all the great things her son was doing, the guy I just knew as

She went home, told her mom about the cute sales-

the captain of the football team. He was living in Utah

man she’d met, and her mom urged her to call him.

and was working in outreach at a drug and alcohol

She didn’t, so Mom took matters into her own hands

treatment center. I reached out to him on Facebook

and called on Billy, urging him to text her daughter.

merely to say hello. After weeks of talking and growing

He did and the couple started dating and fell in love.

close, he came home for Christmas in 2015.”

A Glastonbury native, when Sarah finished her

They went out on a date, a pizza dinner at Luna

Master’s Degree at the University of Hartford

Pizza on Hebron Avenue, and then watched the

she decided to do her residency in prosthetic med-

movie Elf back at Maura’s family home in Glastonbury.

icine in Tennessee.

“It was a really great date, we had a really good

“I had never left home but I had always been

time and we saw each other almost every day for

interested in the South so I told (Billy), ‘If you want

two weeks. We fell in love and after graduate school I

to come, join me, or else we can date long distance."

moved out to Utah with him.”

He went with her.

This year, after a couple of false starts caused by

The couple married in 2019 and still live in

the pandemic, Matthew proposed and the couple is

Tennessee, where Billy is the general manager of a

planning a June, 2022 wedding. Matthew originally

logistics company and Sarah is a prosthetist ortho-

tried to propose to Maura in March during a birthday

tist. They have one child and Sarah only recently

party friends were planning for him, but the party got

sold the VW Beetle, which she nicknamed “Benny,”

canceled because of Covid-19.

that she bought from Billy in 2014.

"I always tell my husband ‘I love our love story.’ But

He made new plans to propose instead in July, but again the virus interrupted the couple’s plans.

looking back on it now, it was a little awkward,” she

“Finally, in October, he proposed to me on a beach

says. After buying Benny the Beetle she filled out a

in Massachusetts,” Maura says. “We’re planning a

score-card survey for the dealership, including what

wedding for June of 2022 because we’re waiting on

she thought of the salesman.

the virus to settle down.”

“I didn’t give him a perfect score,” she says. “But

Each year, to mark their first date, Matthew and

it wasn’t him I was mad about, it was someone else.

Maura return to Luna Pizza for dinner. The couple lives

But I gave him a 94 instead of 100.”

in Glastonbury and telecommute for their jobs in Utah.

“We have had so many changes in the past five years but one thing remains the same... on Dec 20th we share a large cheese pizza from Luna in Glastonbury," Maura says.

22

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

Sarah French and Billy Thomas on their wedding day

To celebrate their first date Maura Yellen and Matthew Biekert share a pizza every Dec. 20th at Luna in Glastonbury.

Maura Yellen and Matthew Biekert

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

23

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

TRYING TO FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR SWEETHEART? HERE ARE A DOZEN LOCAL IDEAS! IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, VALENTINE’S DAY, THAT SPECIAL DAY WHEN YOU SHOW SOME LOVE TO THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE. Feb. 14 is the date that was set aside hundreds of years ago to honor St. Valentine. Legend has it that Valentine was a Catholic priest in ancient Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men after deciding unmarried men made better soldiers.

a valentine’s day gift guide

Valentine performed marriages for young lovers in secret, but when Claudius found out the emperor had Valentine put to death. Another legend says Valentine was in prison and sent a love letter to a young woman who visited him, signing it “From Your Valentine.”

Whatever its origins, Valentine’s Day is celebrated today with the exchange of small love notes and gifts.

860-430-9642 or email hello@fulleryoga.com to book.

year? There are many local options to choose from.

From the traditional of chocolates and flowers to more

4. Topical Relief Cream at Your CBD Store.

creative gift ideas, such as a mobile hair salon, here are

Give the gift of health to your loved one with our

just a few of the local options to choose from so you can

award-winning Topical Relief Cream. Sold exclusively at

surprise the love of your life with a special gift.

Your CBD Stores, our topical has a proprietary blend of Arnica and MSM offering a tremendous synergistic effect

1. Rosé All Day at Crystal Ridge Winery.

when combined with CBD. This top-selling product,

Come and enjoy a bottle of rosé wine at Crystal

along with our full line of certified organic CBD products,

Ridge Winery, for 10 percent off on Valentine’s

can be purchased. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Your

Day! There will be live entertainment by Martin

CBD Store, 2239 Main St., 860-324-0897, cbdrx4u.

Piggot and food by Cousins Maine Lobster. Crystal

com/find-us/connecticut/glastonbury.

Ridge Winery, 257 Belltown Road, 860-657-1004, crystalridgewinery.com

5. The Perfect Pair at Fearless Fitness.

Give the gift of fitness this year with Fearless

2. Ultimate Spa Retreat at Sensations Day Spa.

Fitness’ Valentine’s Day special of 50 percent off cou-

Treat that special someone in your life to a spa package

pon for couples workouts. The gym is also offering 10

at Sensations Day Spa with the ultimate spa retreat. For

percent off their Elite Membership for couples who

$190 they will escape to tranquility and calm with aroma-

join together! Fearless Fitness, 98 Commerce St., 860-

therapy massage, customized facial and a spa mani and

999-2046. fearlessfitness.com.

pedi. Sensations Day Spa, 39 New London Turnpike. Suite 128, 860-633-4377, sensationsdayspa.biz

6. Petite Diamond Pendants from Gozzo Jewelers.

3. Body and Soul Package, Fuller Yoga.

pendant. Our pendants come on adjustable 16-inch

Get her a 14 karat white or yellow gold diamond Grab a friend, partner or family member and enjoy an

to 18-inch chains. Choose from a selection of small

afternoon relaxing in our Far Infrared Sauna followed

V, moon and star, circle, or leaf designs. These are

by a private yoga lesson for just the two of you. This

perfect for every day wear. Wear them alone or as a

Body and Soul package will release toxins and open

layering piece. Gozzo Jewelers, 120 Hebron Ave., 860-

your body so your heart will follow. The package fee is

652-0806, www.gozzojewelers.com.

26

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Stuck on an idea for a gift for your Valentine this

$169. Fuller Yoga, 39 New London Turnpike, Suite 301,

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

27

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

7. SVB Signature Facial & Solo Blowout, Sarah Victor Beauty.

Treat her to our Signature SVB Facial that utilizes all natural, vegan and cruelty-free products by Earth Harbor Botanicals, as well as the clinical grade power of GlyMed Skincare. After your loved one has finished obtaining skin nirvana, we whisk her off to get her hair styled by one of our BlowDry Specialists inside SVB Glastonbury’s first BlowDry Bar. Everyone loves

fresh seasonal flowers offered as a wrapped bouquet

the spa, nobody loves spa hair! She can also opt-in

starting at $50 a month or an arrangement of sea-

for some extra love by indulging in a 10 minute scalp

sonal flowers designed in a container starting at $60

massage. Pure heaven brought to you by the talent at

a month. Each subscription includes delivery in the

SVB. Sarah Victor Beauty Studio & Salon, 476 Naubuc

greater Hartford area. Call the Flower District to set up

Ave., 860-430-6651, sarahvictorbeauty.com.

your subscription. Flower District, 2377 Main St., 860633-1965, theflowerdistrict.com

8. A Sweet Gift: Coffee and Dessert from RaonJena.

Give the gift of sweet love this year with coffee and

11. A Photo Gift With Carrie Draghi Photography.

dessert at Raonjena, a specialty coffee and dessert

Frame your love in a professional photograph by

shop. RaonJena, 39 New London Tpke - Suite 108,

Carrie Draghi Photography. A couple’s photo session

860-430-5006, raonjena.org.

(with or without kids) is a wonderful way to let your special someone know that you just can’t get enough

9. A Mobile Salon Gift with Lauren & Company.

Let Lauren & Company mobile salon bring a stateof-the-art salon right to your driveway. Your loved one

of their smile. Gift certificates for full or mini sessions are available. Carrie Draghi Photography, 860-6334054, CDraghiPhoto.com.

will enjoy this private oasis while receiving expert hair styling, coloring &/or make up application. Book now as space is limited. Lauren & Company Salon, 860850-0713, laurenandcosalon.com.

12. The Gift of Health With Get Tight Spa. Go for the nontraditional this Valentine’s Day with a the gift of health at Get Tight Spa in West Hartford.

This medical spa focuses on scientific, non-surgical

10. A Monthly Gift With The Flower District.

methods to boost the body’s natural anti-aging pro-

Give a loved one the gift of a monthly flower

cesses. “Our practical purpose is to empower our cli-

arrangement. The Flower District offers a floral sub-

ents to develop and function in the world with a pow-

scription called District Blooms. You can purchase a

erful purpose. Get Tight Spa, 1216 Farmington Ave.,

three-month, six-month, or 12-month subscriptions of

West Hartford. 860-206-4825. Gettightspa.com.

28

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

29

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

31

OPEN HOUSE

AR T

ICLE EI

A

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

MCNAMAR

32

M.

IT’S A SELLER’S MARKET, BUT THAT DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN EASY SALES

E N

CONNECTICUT’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IS RED HOT

LE

And the notion of a seller’s market sometimes is enough to make some sellers expectations overly optimistic.

“When the market is very hot, if you’re coming in with the right price, if it’s competitive with the marketplace, you’re probably going to have several offers. But if you’re coming into the market with the idea that you can inflate your price because it’s hot, your property IN JUNE MY DAUGHTER LEARNED HER PANDEMIC WORKFROM-HOME ARRANGEMENT WOULD BE PERMANENT. She decided to sell her condo and buy a home with land and more space for a home office.

might sit for a while without any offers.”

His advice to buyers out there right now searching?

“Be patient, be willing to look beyond your expectations, look beyond what you think you might want and into styles of homes you

Since she was out of state and we were living in her condo we

may have passed on. You need to be prepared to move, have your

threw ourselves into readying it for market and didn’t worry much

pre-qualifications, your downpayment, anything you need to buy the

about where we would live, figuring it would take months to sell.

house. You need to be ready, you can’t just go look and then decide

Within hours of listing it in September she had a cash offer for close to asking price from a couple who wanted to move in within three weeks.

We were stunned.

to make an offer.”

For sellers, Bob says, your home needs to be properly priced when it comes into the market if you want a quick sale.

But according to real estate experts, our situation had become

“Sellers also need to be realistic, yes the market is hot but that

closer to the norm across Connecticut in 2020 as the pandemic

doesn’t mean you don’t have to make your home look nice. I’ve seen

raged. More people were forced to work from home and many big

‘as is’ deals where the home sells for full price but then the buyer

city dwellers decided to move out to the country.

wants $20,000 worth of improvements.”

While the hot real estate market has meant easy, lucrative sales for some, it doesn’t automatically confer quick and easy deals across

For more information:

all price points and home types, says Glastonbury's Bob LaPerla, a

Bob LaPerla, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.

Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.

860-918-1337.

“Though it’s a very hot market the buyer today is significantly more savvy and much more aware of style and value and what’s

https://www.bhhsneproperties.com/real-estate-agent/2781/ bob-laperla

happening in the market,” Bob says. “Their experience and demands for their money are pretty high and their willingness to negotiate or give up on some things is not as likely. They are looking for properties that are completely move-in ready or to be of such exceptional value that they can alter it themselves.”

But while buyers are pretty smart these days and know what their money can buy, it’s still a seller’s market and homeowners realize they can command top dollar for their property if they’re willing to make it shine.

“There are fewer homes on the market and there are more buyers than sellers right now,” Bob says, and that disparity has meant that in some cases there can be multiple offers on a home, sometimes within a day of hitting the market.

Bob LaPerla of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

33

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

9

glastonbury-ct.gov or nicole.mercer

YOU SLEUTH

WATERCOLOR CLASS - LET'S MAKE ART WITH NORMA

17

rience! You Sleuth combines the classic

Virtual - Zoom

detective game of Clue with the aug-

The Community Center hosts this vir-

mented reality of Pokemon Go to create

tual Let's Make Art watercolor event.

WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET OR PURSE? A VIRTUAL SCAVENGER HUNT

a brand new game experience. This

Learn to paint an iris flower. The cost

Virtual - Zoom

event doesn't require you to be close

is $10, which includes the watercolor

Bring your purse or wallet for a fun

to anyone outside your own group.

painting kit. For more information or

virtual scavenger hunt! We all know

Various dates and times available. Visit

to register call 860-652-7638. You

that there are lots of surprising things

yousleuth.com for more information.

can also email diana.patterson@

hidden in the depths of our purses

glastonbury-ct.gov

and wallets … let's see what's in

Hartford

Get outside and enjoy a new, safe expe-

2

GENEALOGY BASICS: FAMILY SEARCH

Welles Turner Memorial Library, Virtual - Zoom

Interested in researching your family

Glastonbury Community Center,

or nicole.mer-

cer@glastonbury-ct.gov.

Glastonbury Community Center,

your's! Program is Zoom and requires registration by calling the community

9 CUT THE CORD ON CABLE TV ~ VIRTUAL PROGRAM FOR ADULTS Welles Turner Memorial Library,

center, 860-652-7638 or by emailing diana.patterson@glastonbury-ct.gov or nicole.mercer@glastonbury-ct.gov.

21

tree? FamilySearch, a free genealogy

Virtual - Zoom

search tool is a great place to start!

Want to break the expensive, frus-

Learn how to access free genealogy

trating cable service cycle and

webinars, how-to guides for local

get lower costs, more control and

research, and original records in this

expanded selection of entertainment

180 Cheshire Road, Wallingford

workshop hosted by professional

and communication choices? James

Things are a little different this year,

genealogist Bryna O’Sullivan. Call

Gifford will teach attendees how to

but the love remains the same. That's

the Welles Turner Memorial Library

get out of a cable service agreement,

why we're moving forward with

for more information. 860-652-7720.

find and negotiate the best internet/

our 2nd annual Wedding & Event

Or visit wtmlib.info.

broadband access deal, and get

Expo. We will still have lots of ven-

started with streaming services. For

dors for you to meet and hire for your

4

more information call 860-652-7720

wedding or special event. $5 entry

or visit wtmlib.info.

fee. Visit pinkoliveevents.com for

BEST TRIVIA EVER : TRIVIA NIGHT AT HOG RIVER BREWING

12

1429 Park St., Hartford

VALENTINE SERENADE WITH PAUL SHLIEN

Hog River Brewing,

Best Trivia Ever presents Thursday night trivia each week in February at

34

@glastonbury-ct.gov.

THE FARMS COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING & EVENT EXPO The Farms Country Club,

more information.

Glastonbury Community Center,

28 MAPLE DAY - MAPLE SUGARING Stanley-Whitman House,

Hog River Brewing. Free, five rounds

Virtual - Zoom

37 High St., Farmington

of trivia each game. Since 2018 Best

Sit back and enjoy the music of

Learn the process of turning maple

Trivia Ever has provided entertain-

Paul Shlien on piano. Serenading

sap into maple syrup, a cherished

ing live, interactive, trivia nights to

songs of love and friendship right

tradition in Connecticut. At Stanley-

bars, restaurants and breweries

to you inside your home. Program

Whitman House, historic interpreter

across the state. For more infor-

is virtual via Zoom and requires

Dennis

mation visit besttriviaever.com or

registration by calling the com-

how to tap a maple tree for its sap

203-464-4100. Hog River Brewing,

munity center at 860-652-7638

and turn it into syrup. Register by

860-216-2119.

or by emailing diana.patterson@

calling 860-677-9222.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | February 2021

Picard

will

demonstrate

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

35

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