Style Issue
CATEY HIMMELSTEIN RECENLY OPENED THREAD BY THREAD BOUTIQUE IN SOUTH GLASTONBURY.











CATEY HIMMELSTEIN RECENLY OPENED THREAD BY THREAD BOUTIQUE IN SOUTH GLASTONBURY.
September feels like a “pause” month, doesn’t it? A time when we can finally, now that the kids are back in school, just hit the pause button on life for a bit and try to reconnect with what’s going on in our lives.
For Glastonbury Lifestyle , September is also our Style Issue. Meteorological summer is over, though the weather often says otherwise, and fall is just around the corner. Time to revamp our wardrobes and maybe our overall look?
For this issue, we’ve touched base with several folks in our community who are connected with style, in one way or another.
We met Catey Himmelstein, who recently opened a fashion boutique in South Glastonbury, called Thread by Thread . During the pandemic Catey was inspired to find a way to give back to others and she told us all about how her business model includes giving back 10 percent of sales to organizations that help others.
We also visited with Lynn Cusano, a medical aesthetician and co-owner of Infinity Medical Spa . Lynn is an ovarian cancer survivor who sees a role for her med spa in helping women achieve their personal beauty style in a way that also is mindful of their health.
And speaking of health and taking care of our bodies, we have a Q&A this month with Mary Bycholski, owner of the IV Lounge CT, about the growing popularity of IV treatments in the medical spa world and how IV infusions can help boost our wellness.
In addition, we met Dr. Jenny Cha, an optometrist who just opened a new eyecare center on Addison Road, called OculusDocs . Her new offices include a frame shop and frame fitter and Dr. Cha says the shop specializes in custom-fitting the dozens of designer frames the shop carries.
Lastly, we take a look at one of the region’s premier theater spaces, Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, which stages numerous original productions in an intimate theater all year long.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue and that you find something in these pages to inspire you!
GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @GLASTONBURYLIFESTYLESeptember 2023
PUBLISHER
Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Brian Boyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kevin Savage, John Helmke - For POP Studio, Rich Wagner, Meredith Longo, Page Family Photography, Nicole Bedard.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Proverbs 3:5-6
Let’s
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Where neighbors can see and be seen.
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Ayshe Tayfun, a professional in the wellness and healthcare industry, has recently joined AFG. After identifying gaps in brokers’ knowledge and customer service, she found her true calling as a life insurance and employee benefits broker. With a passion for building relationships and designing innovative strategies, Ayshe aims to exceed clients’ needs and goals for the future. AFG welcomes her expertise and anticipates a lasting impact on the industry. Find out more at AdionFG.com.
Dea Collins, an independent consultant with JAFRA Cosmetics, will join 99 other women from across the U.S. in Honolulu this September as part of earning the company’s incentive trip. Since 1979, Dea has shared JAFRA’s products, specializing in skin & body care, color, and fragrance, and business opportunities with women of all ages, To learn more about her services or to join her team, visit Linktr.ee/deacollinsjafra.
The IV Lounge CT, owned by Mary Bycholski, has signed a threeyear sponsorship deal with the Eversource Energy Hartford Marathon Foundation, hosts of the annual Hartford Marathon. Under the agreement the IV Lounge will be the premiere IV therapy provider for the race. The agreement allows IV Lounge to participate in race-day sponsorship events and provides the spa with exhibition spaces at the race. For more information visit IVloungect.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury
RBC
Work
The Theater Group Stages Professional Productions Year-Round
When the sun sets over Park Road in West Hartford, the brightest lights shine from Playhouse on Park, a cozy, cultural icon transforming visitors into new worlds from various backgrounds and genres of plays and musicals. But it wasn’t always a sure thing the theater would be such a pillar in the West Hartford Community.
“We were in the right place at the right time,” said Tracy Flater, Co-Founder and Executive Director, who helped open the theater in 2009. “We opened in June and had our first show the same month. We wanted to give back to the community that supported us as soon as possible.”
During a recent early summer morning, the intimate theater bustled with activity as actors rehearsed, the box office sold tickets and the scenery was prepared for staging “Bandstand,” a musical about American WWII soldiers returning home, grappling with the effects of the war, and entering a national radio contest in an effort to rebuild their lives through music.
Running Sept. 27 - Oct. 22 is “The Complete Works of Jane Austen “a fun, funny, and fast-paced romp that will delight fans of Austen and newcomers alike.” Tickets are on sale now.
While Broadway tickets in New York have increased significantly in recent years, Playhouse on Park offers professional productions with a community feel and at reasonable prices.
“We try to be a good neighbor in our community by bringing awareness of the arts to the residents of West Hartford and throughout Connecticut,” said Flater, who also noted that most tickets range in price from $45-$55, much less than larger theaters. We offer specials and subscriptions which often make a night out even more cost-effective.
“We have five main stage productions that run between three to seven weeks, a dance company in residence, theatre for young audiences productions, comedy nights, and more, so there is something for everyone.”
The cost of putting on world-class productions – and filling the seats at the theater – has been no easy feat for Flater and her team. It has been especially challenging after COVID-19 shut down public venues. Arts and culture continue to fight back after years of dark stages and minimum activity.
“It’s a change in lifestyle postCOVID,” said Flater, who added the theater partners with local restaurants
"Indecent"to cross promote shows, dinner and drink deals. “Many people prefer now to stay in their homes and watch Netflix, but we’re starting to make a comeback and hope people will come out and enjoy dinner and a show.”
Flater points out that the cost of the tickets and intimacy of the space is what make Playhouse on Park such a unique experience for visitors. In addition, the Park Road neighborhood offers numerous dining options and a community feel for those attending performances.
“The quality of our productions is first rate,” add Flater. “Our audiences are so close to the stage, they become immersed in the performance. It’s an escape from everyday reality.”
Playhouse on Park continues to build momentum, and the quality of the professional and community actors gets better and better, according to Flater. There is also an effort to partner with other arts organizations to ensure a bright future for culture in Connecticut.
“We have a lot of work to do but we’re not giving up,” said Flater. “There is a passion from everyone who walks through these doors, and our goal is to ensure this theater continues as a community hub for many years to come.”
Playhouse on Park
244 Park Road, West Hartford Phone: 860-523-5900
Online: Playhouseonpark.org
On Facebook: @Playhouse-on-park
On Instagram: @Playhouseonpark
"Into the Woods"During the midst of Covid in 2020 Catey Himmelstein had an epiphany. What if every purchase could make a difference?
“It was October and someone was doing a nonprofit drive to raise money and I thought ‘I really wish I could positively impact the life of someone else daily.’ I was thinking about clothing and sustainability and everything just started jelling in my brain and I thought ‘What if buying clothing was something that could be fun and at the same time provide a way to give back?’ “
That’s how Thread by Thread, Catey’s fashion boutique in South Glastonbury, was born. The clothing and accessories store is a shop with a specific mission: to donate 10 percent of all purchases to organizations that work globally to end famine, poverty and slavery.
All the products she carries in the store, Catey says, are “carefully selected from local manufacturers or family run businesses that are just around the corner,” or “come from parts of the world where poverty is widespread and the hands that make them are directly benefited. I seek out companies that have ethical production and sustainability methods. Some are fair trade certified companies or companies that reuse material and pay fair wages.”
A different organization is highlighted every month and selected from a rotating list of groups she has personally looked into. In July, for instance, the store donated 10 percent of its proceeds to the nonprofit group A21, which seeks to end slavery. The prior month the nonprofit selected for donations
CONTINUED >
was the Midwest Food Bank, a national group that funds local and regional food banks across the country. Customers can also donate directly on the shop’s website.
Before starting the store Catey had dabbled in the retail world by taking part in pop-up shops and special events.
“I would do market events and set up a tenfoot by ten-foot tent with a curated collection of clothing and accessories. A lot of times I would get the question, ‘Where is your store?’ The popups were a lot of work to set up and tear down and with a growing inventory and customer base I knew I needed to pivot my business model and I started looking for places to expand and possibly open a shop.”
She finally found a home for her new shop here in town. Thread by Thread opened in February at 862 Main St., in South Glastonbury and, Catey says, “it’s been going really well.”
She describes her inventory as “comfortable and classic yet trendy” and says her selections are inspired by stores such as World Market and Anthropologie.
“Our customers really like our clothes and we get people of all ages in here.”
She also has set aside a small part of the boutique for a “Neighborhood Market” wall where local artisans can rent space to display and sell their handmade wares.
She lives in Manchester with her husband, JT Himmelstein. The couple has three children, Emmie, Addie and Eli.
Thread By Thread Boutique
862 Main St., South Glastonbury
Email: Threadbythreadboutique@gmail.com
Phone: 860-652-8010
Online: ThreadbyThreadBoutique.com
On Social: @Threadbythreadboutique
“I seek out companies that have ethical production and sustainability methods. Some are fair trade certified companies or companies that reuse material and pay fair wages.” Catey HimmelsteinThe front window of The boutique
CUSTOM FRAMING GALLERY WALLS REPAIRS
PHOTO PRINTING
FINE ART PRINTING ENLARGEMENTS
PHOTO RESTORATION SCANNING DIGITAL CONVERSION
SHADOWBOXES MEDALS & HONORS MEMORABILIA
SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER MONTH. INFINITY MEDICAL SPA'S CO-OWNER SHARES HER SURVIVAL STORY
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE FOR POP STUDIOAround the same time that she and her business partner signed the lease for the new Infinity MedSpa of Glastonbury, Lynn Cusano got some earth-shattering news. A test during a routine doctor’s appointment revealed a diagnosis that strikes fear into the heart or every woman: ovarian cancer.
“I was scared, it took me a little while to even process that I had cancer,” Lynn says. “I thought ‘It’s ovarian cancer I’m going to die.”
After surgery and months of chemotherapy, Lynn, a registered nurse, is cancer free. But the experience, she says, has profoundly changed her work as a medical aesthetics professional. Her diagnosis, treatment and recovery, she
says, has broadened her perspective and viewpoint about the importance of self care, preventive care, looking good and feeling good.
“Self care is such a big part of when you go through chemotherapy,” Lynn says.
“Every patient who comes in I spend a few extra minutes with them to share my story and talk about cancer and how important screenings are. I make them aware of how we should listen to our bodies, be aware of changes, because our bodies are clearly trying to tell us something when something’s wrong.”
And with September being Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Lynn and her colleagues at Infinity Medical Spa will be focused on ways to raise awareness of the disease as well as money to help find a cure for it.
“We’ll be providing discounts for chemotherapy patients and giving a percentage of our proceeds to ovarian cancer groups that are looking for a cure or promoting assistance to patients.”
One in every 78 women will get ovarian cancer, she says. The disease has a very low cure rate because most women don’t get diagnosed until they are in the latter stages of the disease. The early warning signs, including abdominal swelling, pelvic discomfort, increased urination, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits, can be easily missed, or confused with other illnesses, Lynn says.
She credits her oncology medical team, including her primary physician, Dr. Jacqueline S. Nissen, her surgeon, Dr. Molly A. Brewer and oncology nurse, Karen Metersky, with guiding her through her treatment.
“The amount of care and compassion they gave me was incredible, they just really make you feel that everyone is there just for you.”
She and her business partners, Suzanne Walker and Faith Zeller, own Infinity Medical Spa and opened it in October of 2022. Both Lynn and Suzanne are medical providers and had worked together previously.
Suzanne Walker, a physician’s associate who also holds a pharmaceutical degree, is trained in aesthetic medicine. She holds a master injector certification and is certified in Coolsculpting.
Faith Zeller is a business professional who leverages her expertise to deliver a transformative client experience.
Lynn has more than 30 years of experience in the beauty and medical aesthetics industry with expertise in Botox, fillers, microneedling, laser treatments, wellness IV therapies and skin care consultations.
An RN, she holds a master injector certificate, and is also a licensed Cosmetologist. Recently, her cancer experience has led her to pursue additional certification as an oncology skin care specialist.
With all the chaos and uncertainty that comes with fighting cancer and starting a new business, Lynn says she has a new perspective on life. “While running a thriving business absorbs much of my time, I still find time to pause, look around at life, and find beauty in the small things – self-care, definitely, but most certainly a grandchild’s smile, time with her children, a hug from mom, and dancing with friends.”
36 Welles St., Suite 220
860-430-5264
Online: Infinitymedspaglastonbury.com
GLASTONBURY'S NEW EYE CARE CENTER INCLUDES A FRAME SHOP AND A FITTING SPECIALIST
Glastonbury has a new full-service eye-care center. OculusDocs held its grand opening Aug. 4 for the Addison Road facility, owned by Dr. Jenny Cha, an optometrist who has practiced eye care for 26 years.
Before moving her practice to Glastonbury, Dr. Cha worked for 26 years for Lenscrafters as the in-house optometrist in four of the company’s eyewear stores. She lives in South Glastonbury with her husband Travis and their two children, Nabia and Jacoby.
She opened her private practice here to be closer to where she and her family lives, she said. The practice is housed in a new development of white farmhouse-styled commercial condominiums at 221 Addison Road.
The new offices, Dr. Cha said, feels homey and welcoming for Oculus’s patients and practitioners.
“I love this space. It’s right at the edge of a residential neighborhood and when I look out the window I can actually see the fence in the backyard of the house next door. Now I love coming to work every day because this feels like where I should be.”
Joining her in the practice is Dr. Meghan Kelleman, an optometrist who specializes in primary eye care and disease management; Peggy Scougall, a licensed optician and contact lens fitter; Dominique Veilleux, an optician who works as Oculus’ eyewear fitter; and LaiChu Wong, a patient support specialist. The office also employs several other full- and part-time support staffers.
One of the hallmarks of the new offices, Dr. Cha says, is its frame shop, where patients can pick out their new glasses immediately after their eye exam and get expert advice and fitting from Veilleux.
“We have a beautiful optical shop and we have great frame styles at a wide variety of price ranges, anywhere from $100 to $700, something to fit anyone’s budget,” Dr Cha says. “I’ve created a boutique optical shop where we incorporate what’s in fashion with the latest styles, but also try to have frames to fit all face shapes and budgets.”
The optical shop carries prescription glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses and contacts. Prescription frame styles are available for all ages, from toddlers and up.
In a world of exploding online sales of so many products, Dr. Cha said picking the right frames from a local frame shop is more important than ever. A local frame fitter can help you find the most stylish frames for your budget and your face.
“When you work with our in-house optician/ stylist we take into account not only style but what would be the best fit based on face shape, prescription and personal style. Everyone’s eyes sit differently in a pair of glasses because everyone’s noses are different, so it makes the frames sit differently. Bifocals have to fit correctly both in pupillary distance and the near portion. Far-sighted lenses and near-sighted lenses are convex or concave and different frames work better or worse even based on their prescription.
First impressions are only something you have one shot at, and if you wear glasses they’re the first thing people see when they meet you.
We provide a one-stop shop experience for our patients and we have a 45-day, no questions asked return or exchange policy for our glasses,” she added. “We will always do what we can for the patient and will guarantee a one year warranty for our frames and lenses for reasonable return reasons.”
Some of the designer frame brands carried by Oculus’ optical shop include Brooks Brothers, Evatik, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Tom Ford and YSL, to name a few.
“The benefits of buying local is, it’s local! It’s a personalized boutique experience.”
OculusDocs
221 Addison Road, Suite 105
Phone: 860-838-3838
Online: Oculusdocs.com
On Facebook: @Oculusdocs
THE NEW TREND OF IV TREATMENTS HAS COME TO THE HARTFORD AREA
Mary Bycholski, the owner of Touch of Glamour Medical Spa here in Glastonbury, opened a new spa earlier this year in South Windsor that offers the innovative use of IV Therapy to help rejuvenate and enhance overall well-being by delivering vital nutrients straight into your system. We spoke with Mary about the treatment and her new venture.
Q. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW IV LOUNGE CAME TO BE AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS BUSINESS?
A. IV Lounge opened in March 2023. Being an experienced APRN who has been in the hospital setting since 2003, I have seen the effects of chronic disease over and over. During the Covid 19 pandemic, I was witnessing people all around me being compromised with illnesses and having poor immune systems.
This had lead me to take action on helping my patients with their chronic diseases and illness prevention. With the level of research I’ve done and starting my business, I’ve seen that IV therapy can help anyone and not just those that are suffering. It has been eye-opening in many ways. I firmly believe IV therapy is a great option for those that want to take control of their health.
A. Having over 20 years of experience in healthcare has given me diverse perspectives on patient outcomes. I first started my clinical career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2014. My specialty is predominantly internal medicine, emergency medicine, and neurology. In 2017 I wanted to shift my focus toward the aesthetics industry and to help people feel confident in their own skin. Ever since starting Touch of Glamour, I continually have been asked by my clients for advice on their medical health conditions. After hearing their personal stories I wanted to make a difference in their lives with the knowledge that I have. I want to try to do something to make a difference and educate on health strategies to keep people out of the hospital.
IV Therapy’s significant advantage is its 100 percent nutrient bioavailability, which means your body is able to use all of the vitamins administered. Typically oral supplements can have up to 60 percent bioavailability. With IV infusions there is a level of control of vitamin absorption through your bloodstream; supplements and nutraceuticals don’t have that same guarantee. People seek IV treatments because of their benefits. Some of the most common reasons we’ve seen people seek care can be to enhance their immune support, aid in recovery by promoting faster healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle soreness.
A. IV infusions have been available for quite some time. As the demand for self-care has been rising, healthcare professionals saw this as an opportunity to provide infusions to people outside of a clinical setting. Initially, many providers would be asked for infusions for hangovers or dehydration.
“With the level of research I've done and starting my business, I’ve seen that IV therapy can help anyone and not just those that are suffering. It has been eye-opening in many ways.”
Mary Bycholski
Since then, people have discovered that IV infusions can be customizable based on any of their individual needs, with more infusion options than ever before. The growth of this industry is due to people wanting to take their health into their own hands and focus on their long-term sustainability.
A. We have a very robust and successful weight loss program that we started in late 2022 at Touch of Glamour and we will be bringing that service to IV Lounge. Our program is designed to curb appetite, slow down gastric emptying, promote fat burning, preserve muscle mass, and focus on long-term results. Our team has consistently witnessed numerous success stories personally and with clients. They are achieving significant weight loss, which has improved their overall health and lifestyle.
We will also be providing some of our most popular aesthetic services including Botox and fillers. In the future, we will be adding services based on the demand of our community and other options for people to continue to have access to treatments that can benefit their health and self-image. IV Lounge will continue to grow based on the needs of our community, and we are here to help them become a healthier version of themselves.
158 Sullivan Ave., Suite 6, South Windsor 860-644-9442
Online: IVloungect.com
On Social: @IVloungect
2023/24
FOUR POWERFUL EXPERIENCES
LIVE THEATER THAT BRINGS OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER SUBSCRIBE NOW!
twhartford.org
RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY CENTER, 300 WELLES ST. | 6:30 PM
Riverfront Music is presented by the town and the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Glastonbury Farmers Market. Free parking and shuttle service available at 180-200 Glastonbury Boulevard. Bring a picnic, or purchase food from one of the trucks or Farmers Market vendors! Glastonburyct.gov for more information.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
HUBBARD GREEN, 99 HUBBARD ST. | 10:00 AM
Glastonbury Arts will host its annual popular art and craft show on Sept. 9 & 10. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Parking and admission is free. “Join us as the Green is transformed into a bustling marketplace. Enjoy live music, poetry readings, and our Food Court.” Visit Glastonburyarts.org for information.
SEPTEMBER 17TH
WELLES-SHIPMAN-WARD HOUSE, 972 MAIN ST., SOUTH GLASTONBURY | 1:00 PM
The Historical Society of Glastonbury will host Harvest Time from 1-4 p.m. Experience life for the early colonists and the Native Americans who lived in this area. Watch or try your hand using a prehistoric atlat. Admission is $10 for those over 10, free to HSG members.Visit Hsgct.org for more information.
SEPTEMBER 19TH
GOLF CLUB OF AVON, 160 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD, AVON | 11:00 AM
Enjoy a day filled with food, drinks, fun and golf in support of The Miracle League of CT, which serves children with disabilities and their families. Play 18 holes on a premier course, along with contests! All proceeds will support The Miracle League of CT’s mission to improve the lives of Connecticut’s children. Visit miracleleaguect.org/golf for information.
EVENTS CONTINUED
St. James' Hosts Hawkwing
ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 2584 MAIN ST. | 7:00 PM
St. James’ Episcopal Church will present in information session on Hawkwing, a nonprofit organization based in Glastonbury that is dedicated to changing the lives and healing the hearts of the Cheyenne River Sioux/ Lakota Tribe in South Dakota. Rochelle Ripley, founder of Hawkwing, will lead the presentation. Contact the church office at 860- 633-8333 or email Parishadmin@stjamesgl.org to sign up.
PORTLAND GOLF COURSE, 169 BARTLETT ST., PORTLAND | 9:00 AM
Come play a round of golf at the Portland Golf Course and help the group Beat Parkinson's Today raise money to eradicate Parkinson's Disease. Admission is $150 and includes a round of golf, lunch, dinner, contests and raffles. For more information visit BPDGOLF.com.
WATKINSON SCHOOL, 180 BLOOMFIELD AVE, HARTFORD | 9:00 AM
Watkinson School, a private day school for kids in grades 6-12 will host a series of information session for parents. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and will include refreshments. You’ll have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour the 40- acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students. Visit Watkinson.org/visit for information.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury
BLUE LIGHT, a color in the visible light spectrum and part of daylight, is essential for good health. However, our exposure to excessive blue light has surged due to digital devices.
Shield your precious eyes from digital strain and potential eye damage caused by harmful blue light. Embrace improved focus, reduced eye fatigue, and better sleep patterns as you protect your eyesight. Visit oculusdocs.com for more information.
Get FREE blue-light-blocking filtering added to your eyeglass purchase!
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