Make your next gathering truly magical at the stunning Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Reserve your date today! Contact Shantal Lapid at facilityrental@pequotmuseum.org.
The June Strategy Shift
Hello, Growth-Seekers!
June has arrived, bringing with it the glow of the summer solstice and a unique opportunity to reflect. In this issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine, we explore the intersection of celebration and strategy—bridging the gap between the stories we tell and the results we drive.
Father’s Day is June 21, and it serves as the centerpiece of this month’s issue. To honor the occasion, we’ve curated stories that profile successful local businessmen and explore the latest trends in men’s health and nutrition.
In 2026, we are seeing a significant shift in how we honor these figures: the trend has moved from “stuff” to “stories.” Modern marketing (and gift-giving) is about creating a “tactile memory.” Whether it’s custom-etched glassware or a DIY project kit, the goal is to move beyond the standard tie and offer a personalized experience that lingers long after the day is over.
Beyond the celebrations, June represents the most vital “seam” in the business calendar. It is the perfect moment for a mid-year audit. With the long, vibrant days of summer ahead, now is the window to look at your spreadsheets with a clear eye:
• Are you halfway to your annual goals?
• How can you recalibrate your strategy before the high-stakes push of Q4?
As you audit your growth, consider how the marketing landscape has evolved into a complex, multi-touchpoint ecosystem. The old “Rule of 7” is now a non-linear maze. Today, the most resilient brands are diversifying by blending the speed of digital with the undeniable staying power of print.
In an era of digital fatigue, physical media has become a “secret weapon.” It isn’t a relic; it’s the anchor of a modern strategy. Consider these insights:
• Retention: Neuroscience shows we retain information 70 percent better on paper than on screens.
• Trust: Print adds a layer of permanence and credibility that pixels cannot replicate.
• Results: By integrating high-quality direct mail or tactile brochures with QR codes, businesses are seeing response rates up to 400% higher than digital -only efforts.
I challenge you to look at your marketing through this wider lens. Are you meeting your audience where they live — both online and in their hands? This June try to bridge that gap, ensuring your business finishes the year stronger than ever.
From all of us at Glastonbury Lifestyle, have a Happy Father’s Day!
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Srivathsa (Sri) Ramachandran srivathsa.ramachandran@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jayashree (Jaye) Subramanian jayashree.subramanian@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Dave Claro | dave.claro@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brian Boyer, Brianna L. Marquis, Peter Inserillo, Prana Dave, Louis Nero, Kelsey Meyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Helmke, Robert Connell, Vincent Wrenn, Brian Ambrose, Shyam Shivareddy
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: The CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Business After Hours —an evening of networking, collaboration, and community building — at the home goods and furnishings store, Saybrook Home, at 400 Hebron Ave. Photography by Brian Ambrose
business monthly
Integrity Wealth Expands with New Glastonbury Office
Integrity Wealth is proud to announce the opening of its new office at 95 Glastonbury Blvd, 2nd Floor, Suite 205 in Glastonbury. This expansion reflects the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Connecticut with personalized retirement and financial planning strategies. As a fiduciary, Integrity Wealth focuses on delivering independent, client-first advice across investments, retirement income planning, tax planning and much more. Visit IntegrityWealthRetirement.com.
Scan to read more
Stepping Stone Wealth Earns Forbe’s “Best in State” Recognition
Stepping Stone Wealth is proud to share that the firm has been recognized on Forbes’ 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list. The honor reflects the team’s ongoing dedication to helping clients focus on their financial goals with clarity and confidence. This recognition highlights the professionalism, collaboration, and client- centered approach that define the Stepping Stone Wealth experience and the trust clients place in the team every day. Visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/stepping-stone-wealth/team-profile
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Seniors Job Bank introduces Next Chapter Success
Seniors Job Bank has introduce the program Next Chapter Success — a high-impact workshop series designed to help adults 50 and older navigate career transitions with confidence and purpose. Next Chapter Success helps participants navigate the job market, including topics like modern job search strategies, resume and LinkedIn optimization, interview confidence and networking skills, career reinvention and transferable skills identification, and digital literacy and personal branding support. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org for more information.
At Cummings & Lockwood, you receive sophisticated and carefully curated legal advice based on decades of experience and tailored to your specific goals, together with the personalized attention and elevated client experience you should expect from your professional advisors. n
Clients | Trusts and Estates
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FUEL THE WORK
The Science Behind Nutrition Coaching at Relentless Performance
ARTICLE BY PETER INSERILLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS
In a world filled with diet trends, conflicting advice, and shortterm fixes, nutrition has become unnecessarily complicated. At Relentless Performance in Farmington, our philosophy is simple: nutrition should enhance how you live, train, and perform—not restrict it.
Peter Inserillo
“Our philosophy is simple: nutrition should enhance how you live, train, and perform — not restrict it.”
Peter Inserillo
Through a structured, evidence-based coaching process, we help clients achieve meaningful body recomposition, improved training performance, and measurable improvements in their health markers.
Our Nutrition Coaching program is designed for people who want results that last. Whether the goal is reducing body fat, improving energy, increasing lean muscle, or correcting metabolic markers seen in bloodwork, our system is built around a phased process that prioritizes sustainability and long-term success.
Rather than relying on rigid meal plans or unsustainable dieting, our approach focuses on education, accountability, and data. Every client begins with a detailed intake process where we evaluate their current habits, training schedule, lifestyle demands, and health history. From there, we guide them through a structured progression of nutritional strategies that allow the body to adapt, improve, and ultimately perform better.
The first phase focuses on building awareness and foundational habits. Clients learn how to structure meals, understand macronutrients, and align their nutrition with their training and daily energy demands. This stage often produces the first noticeable changes— improved energy levels, more consistent appetite regulation, and early shifts in body composition.
The second phase introduces more targeted strategies designed to accelerate results. By carefully adjusting caloric intake, nutrient timing, and recovery nutrition, clients begin to see more pronounced improvements in body recomposition and training performance. Athletes often notice faster recovery between sessions, improved strength output, and more consistent endurance during conditioning work.
The final phase centers on optimization and sustainability. At this stage, nutrition is no longer something that requires constant thought or restriction—it becomes an integrated part of the
client’s lifestyle. Clients leave with a deep understanding of how to fuel their body for performance, longevity, and health.
What separates Relentless Performance from typical nutrition programs is the clinical rigor behind the coaching. Our system is not based on guesswork or popular diet culture. Instead, we track progress through objective data including body composition changes, performance metrics in training, and improvements in blood lab biomarkers such as glucose regulation, lipid panels, and inflammatory markers.
The results speak for themselves.
With three certified nutrition coaches on staff, Relentless Performance has helped dozens of clients transform their health and performance. Our clients include busy professionals, high-level athletes, and adults simply looking to regain control of their health. Many arrive frustrated after years of trying different diets that produced temporary weight loss but never lasting change.
Through individualized coaching, consistent accountability, and a process rooted in proven nutritional science, they begin to see what is possible when nutrition finally aligns with their lifestyle and training.
The success stories continue to grow. Clients report significant reductions in body fat while maintaining or increasing muscle mass. Others see improvements in blood markers that had been trending in the wrong direction for years. Many simply feel better—stronger, more energized, and more confident in how they fuel their body.
At Relentless Performance, nutrition is not about perfection. It’s about building a system that works.
Because when nutrition is done correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for improving how you look, how you perform, and how long you stay healthy.
To learn more about Nutrition Coaching at Relentless Performance, visit RelentlessPT.com or stop by our Farmington location to speak with one of our certified coaches
Relentless Performance
58 Farmington Ave., Farmington
Phone: 860-816-4697
Online: RelentlessPT.com
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Father and Son Gaming
TABLETOP GAMING CENTER PROVIDES CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT CONNELL
Jalix Connell, left, plays Star Wars: Legion
The dice clatter across the table, a burst of laughter follows, and a group of strangers—at least a few hours ago—lean in over a shared map. At the Tabletop Gaming Center in Newington, moments like these are routine, not remarkable. What keeps people coming back isn’t just the games—it’s the connections formed around them.
Now in its 15th year, Tabletop Gaming is a thriving, independently owned gaming hub for players of all ages. On any given day, the space hums with activity, from after-school groups to late-night strategy sessions, all tied together by a shared sense of belonging.
Manager Robert Connell sees that connection play out in real time, and in his own life. Outside of running the store, he regularly sits down for games with his son, a ritual he says mirrors what he hopes other families experience when they walk through the door.
“It’s some of the best times we get together. You’re focused on the same thing, working through challenges, laughing. It gives you a chance to really connect.”
Newcomers might walk in unsure of shelves packed with board games, trading cards and role-playing guides. But that hesitation rarely lasts.
“People think, ‘I don’t know how to play any of this,’ but within 10 minutes, they’re laughing, talking and part of a group,” Robert says.
Staff members guide players through rules, recommend games and even pull up a chair when needed, helping remove the barriers that can keep people from trying something new. The result is a space where phones are put away and conversations unfold face-to-face.
For Jim Bonaldo, that business culture is personal. He first came to the center looking for something to do with his son, Ray. What began as a one-time visit has turned into a weekly ritual.
“It’s our thing now. We come here, pick a game, and just spend a few hours together. No distractions, just time together.”
Jim, part of a generation raised on digital entertainment, says tabletop gaming offers something screens can’t.
“You’re actually talking to people, making decisions together. It feels more real.”
That sense of connection — between parent and child, friends and even grandparents — is what Robert believes gives tabletop gaming its staying power.
“There’s a real community here. People start recognizing each other, then planning games together. It grows from there.”
Dedicated kids’ tables, often led by staff with backgrounds in social work, introduce younger players to teamwork, communication and problem-solving through games like Dungeons & Dragons.
“We’ve seen kids who are shy or anxious really come out of their shells,” says Heather Napier, Tabletop Gaming Center’s publicist and digital programs coordinator. “Parents tell us this is where their kids feel comfortable.”
The center’s programming reflects that broad appeal. Weekly board game nights, Pokémon leagues, and Magic: The Gathering tournaments fill the calendar, alongside open play sessions that invite drop-ins. A vast inventory — known as “The Vault” — ensures there’s always something new to try.
Even as the business embraces digital tools, streaming tutorials and live sessions online, the focus remains firmly on in-person interaction.
“In a world where so much happens on screens, this gives people a chance to be present,” Robert says. “To sit across from someone and share an experience.”
For families like the Bonaldos — and for Robert and his own son — that shared experience has become something lasting.
“It’s simple,” Ray says. “We’re just spending time together—but it feels special every time.”
Tabletop Gaming Center
741 New Britain Ave., Newington Phone: 860-436-2213
Online: tabletopgamingcenter.com
“It’s our thing now. We come here, pick a game, and just spend a few hours together. No distractions, just time together.” Ray Bonaldo
“In a world where so much happens on screens, this gives people a chance to be present. To sit across from someone and share an experience.”
Robert Connell
Jim Bonaldo plays Bolt Action at Tabletop Gaming Center
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE
NO FLASH, JustRESULTS
The Computer Company LLC is an IT Firm Built on Trust and Consistency
In an industry often defined by disruption, bold pivots and breakthrough moments, Kevin Barros has taken a different path rooted not in sudden change, but steady execution.
As president of The Computer Company, Inc., Kevin has grown the firm to nearly 50 employees and is moving it to a new location here at 20 Western Blvd here in Glastonbury. By focusing on something deceptively simple: doing the work well, and consistently over time.
“There really wasn’t one defining moment. It’s been about making the right decisions over and over again, staying close to our clients and evolving with them.”
That mindset has quietly shaped one of the region’s more stable and respected IT firms.
GROWTH BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS
While many companies chase rapid expansion, The Computer Company has taken a more measured approach, prioritizing longterm relationships over short-term wins.
“We’ve never approached this as transactional,” Kevin explains. “If you build trust and deliver value, the growth follows.”
That has translated into a loyal client base and a steady increase in both headcount and capabilities. Instead of chasing every opportunity, the company has grown by becoming more embedded in the businesses it serves.
NAVIGATING CONSTANT CHANGE
In IT, standing still isn’t an option. The pace of change—from cybersecurity threats to cloud infrastructure to AI—demands constant awareness and adaptation.
Kevin doesn’t view that as a challenge so much as a responsibility.
“Our job is to stay ahead of it, so our clients don’t have to. They’re focused on running their business. We’re focused on making sure their technology supports that—securely and efficiently.”
That forward-looking approach is built into the company’s culture. Continuous learning, team development and staying aligned with emerging trends are not initiatives— they’re expectations.
Perhaps more importantly, Kevin emphasizes clarity.
“There’s a lot of noise in this space. We try to simplify things and focus on what actually matters for the client.”
SOLVING PROBLEMS, NOT SELLING SERVICES
At its core, The Computer Company doesn’t define itself by the services it offers, but by the problems it solves.
From infrastructure and support to security and strategy, each engagement starts with understanding the client’s business, not just its technology.
“Every organization is different,” Kevin says. “You have to take the time to understand how they operate and what they’re trying to achieve. Then you build from there.”
That approach has allowed the company to move beyond being a vendor and into a more strategic role—one where IT becomes a driver of performance, not just a support function.
MARKETING WITHOUT THE HYPE
While similar firms struggle to articulate their value, The Computer Company takes a straightforward approach to marketing and business development.
“We don’t overcomplicate it,” Kevin says. “We focus on who we are, what we do well and letting our track record speak for itself.”
That authenticity has resonated. Rather than relying heavily on aggressive marketing tactics, the company has grown through referrals, reputation and consistent delivery.
It’s a strategy that mirrors the way the business operates: practical, focused and grounded in results.
“We’ve never approached this as transactional. If you build trust and deliver value, the growth follows.” Kevin Barros
Kevin Barros, president, The Computer Company
LOOKING FORWARD
With 48 employees and a strong foundation, Kevin says the focus is less on rapid expansion and more on thoughtful growth.
“We’re always looking at how we can improve—internally and for our clients. Technology will keep changing, but the fundamentals of how we operate won’t.”
In an industry that often rewards speed and spectacle, The Computer Company stands out for a different reason: discipline.
The Computer Company Inc.
Phone: 860-635-0500
Email: info@computercompany.net
Online: computercompany.net
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Experts Espresso Corner
Magnified Home Inspections: Home Maintenance Tips; M&G Landscaping: Handling Invasive Crabgrass
ARTICLE BY LOUIS NERO JR., PRANAV DAVE
TOP 10 SIMPLE HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKS
nav Dave, M&G Landscapi
Spring is a great time for homeowners to check the condition of their homes. Seasonal changes can reveal small issues that, addressed early, can help prevent larger, more costly problems later. Every home requires ongoing maintenance and with a little attention, you can protect one of your most important investments.
1. Check exterior paint and caulk to limit water intrusion.
2. Check washing machine hoses to avoid indoor flooding.
3. Replace HVAC air filters regularly for a more efficient system.
4. Maintain your landscape sloping away from your home’s foundation.
5. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years.
6. Test FGCI outlets to protect against electrical shock.
7. Lock windows in winter to limit air leaks and drafts.
8. Test electrical outlets as they can wear out over time or overheat.
9. Inspect rim joist areas in your basements for air leaks.
10. Check windows for air leaks by placing plastic film over windows to reveal drafts.
Magnified Home Inspections | 203-464-9792
DEALING WITH CRABGRASS
While crabgrass typically shows up in summer, the work to prevent it begins in the spring. In my years of building and maintaining landscapes across Connecticut, I know prevention is always the most effective strategy. Crabgrass thrives in weak, thin turf and compacted soils. Bare spots, poor drainage, and mowing too short create the perfect environment for it. A dense, well-fed lawn is your first line of defense. Applying a pre-emergent in early spring—before soil temperatures reach about 55 degrees—can stop crabgrass before it begins.
Once crabgrass appears, control becomes more reactive. Targeted treatments can help, but results vary depending on timing and severity. Improving overall lawn health is critical to prevent future outbreaks. Crabgrass is a symptom of underlying issues. Focus on proper mowing height, fertilization, and soil health, and you’ll not only reduce crabgrass— you’ll build a lawn that naturally resists it.
mnglandscaping.com | 860-516-0866
Magnifed Home Inspectio
CHARITABLE GIVING GUIDANCE FROM Cummings & Lockwood LLC
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHARITIES ARE IMPORTANT IN ESTATE PLANNING
ARTICLE BY BRIANNA L. MARQUIS
Charitable giving is a long-standing tradition in the United States and can be an important component of your estate plan as a means of giving back to the community and leaving behind a lasting philanthropic legacy.
Barbara Bush, the former First Lady, once noted that “giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”
TAX INCENTIVES FOR CHARITABLE GIVING
While there are many personal and altruistic reasons for giving, many affluent donors are also motivated by the tax savings that can be associated with a charitable gift.
The Internal Revenue Code provides tax incentives to encourage charitable giving. Generally, the tax incentives are more favorable if a charitable gift is made (i) during the donor’s lifetime (rather than at death), (ii) to a public charity (rather than a private foundation), and (iii) with highly appreciated property held long-term (rather than cash).
Brianna L. Marquis
Following are some of the key tax advantages associated with philanthropic giving:
• Income Tax -- A donor may be entitled to an income tax charitable deduction made to a qualified charity (an organization recognized as tax-exempt in the pursuit of philanthropic, non-profit or civic activities) as long as the donor does not receive anything in return. There are annual caps that limit the total amount of charitable contribution deductions.
• Estate Tax -- Generally, contributions to organizations that qualify for the income tax deduction also qualify for the federal estate tax charitable deduction. For estate tax purposes, there are no limitations on the amount of the deduction for qualifying contributions.
• Gift Tax -- Similarly, contributions to organizations that qualify for the income tax deduction also qualify for the federal gift tax charitable deduction. For gift tax purposes there are no limitations on the amount of the deduction for qualifying contributions.
These would include charitable trusts like charitable remainder unitrusts.
Still other vehicles, including private foundations, provide for a tradition of giving beyond your lifetime, thereby solidifying your philanthropic legacy across future generations. You can select one or a combination of these vehicles depending upon your estate and tax planning strategies and your philanthropic goals.
INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING INTO YOUR ESTATE PLAN
“Cummings & Lockwood’s private client attorneys assist affluent individuals and families with all aspects of their charitable giving.”
GIFTS, ASSETS AND OTHER VEHICLES USED FOR CHARITABLE GIVING
There are many different kinds of gifts or alternative assets that will enable you to contribute to a charitable organization while also realizing greater tax benefits for yourself or your beneficiaries.
Some strategies provide for charitable giving during your lifetime, such as outright giving, while others provide for the gift to occur upon your death, such as bequests in your estate planning documents. Some vehicles provide for charitable giving while also generating lifetime income, which helps with retirement, estate planning and tax management.
Cummings & Lockwood’s private clients attorneys assist affluent individuals and families with all aspects of their charitable giving and help them to meet their philanthropic goals as part of the estate and tax planning process.
In assisting clients, our attorneys pay special attention to the client’s overall plan to be sure that the particular charitable strategy achieves the client’s intended goals for the gift. This may take the form of a simple one-time gift during lifetime or at death or a more complex charitable strategy.
The firm’s trusts and estates attorneys can help clients in the creation, implementation, monitoring and administration of various charitable giving vehicles, such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, donor advised funds and private foundations, as well as in structuring pledges and gifts to public charities.
Brianna L. Marquis Principal, Private Clients Group
Cummings & Lockwood LLC
Blue Back Square, West Hartford
Phone: 860.313.4923
Email: bmarquis@cl-law.com Online: cl-law.com
SHYAM
Shivareddy DR.
The Co-Founder of Purple Dental is a leading figure in Hartford County’s Dental Community
ARTICLE BY KELSEY MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHYAM SHIVAREDDY
Dr. Shyam Shivareddy
Dr. Shyam Shivareddy—known to patients and colleagues alike as Dr. Sam—has established himself as a leading figure in Hartford County’s dental community through a combination of dedication, drive, and genuine passion for patient care.
As co-owner of Crest Family Dental in Hartford and Purple Dental in Glastonbury, he works alongside his wife and partner, Dr. Poornima (Nima) Kadagad, affectionately known as Dr. K. Together, they share a clear and consistent mission: to create a dental home where every patient feels informed, respected, and confident in their care.
A dynamic husband-and-wife team, Dr. Sam and Dr. K bring both expertise and warmth to their practices, blending advanced clinical skill with a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Their commitment to excellence is rooted in years of continued education and investment— not only in their own professional growth, but also in the development of their team.
Dr. Sam began his journey in dentistry by earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery before being accepted into the prestigious Doctor of Dental Surgery program at New York University College of Dentistry.
In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a Major in the United States Army and has been honored with the U.S. Army Achievement Medal. His clinical expertise spans from routine restorative procedures to comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation, and he is a certified Invisalign provider.
Dr. K brings equally impressive credentials to the practice. A graduate of both Boston University and KLE University, she holds multiple degrees in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States, building upon foundational training she began in India. She has also completed a mastery series in sleep apnea through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Actively engaged in the professional community, Dr. K is a member of the Connecticut State Dental Association, Hartford Dental Association, American Dental Association, and AADSM.
Their dedication to service extends well beyond the walls of their offices. Dr. K has volunteered with Mission of Mercy in Guatemala, reflecting her passion for outreach and education. Dr. Sam also gives back extensively, volunteering approximately 15 days each year to provide free dental care to underserved communities. He regularly participates in continuing education courses, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest advancements in modern dentistry.
Accessibility remains central to Dr. Sam’s vision. Purple Dental was founded as a community-focused practice, led by a team that lives locally and actively participates in regional initiatives. The office is also a proud member of the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Sam is a Major in the United States Army and has been honored with the U.S. Army Achievement Medal.
Dr. Shyam Shivareddy
“Seeing the change not just in a patient’s smile, but in their confidence and quality of life, is what makes this work so meaningful.”
Dr. Shyam Shivareddy
Designed with patient convenience in mind, the practice removes traditional barriers to care by offering flexible scheduling, emergency services, and membership-style payment options for those without insurance. Advanced technology—including 3D imaging, digital scanning, and minimally invasive techniques—enhances precision while improving patient comfort. This commitment to innovation reflects Dr. Sam’s broader philosophy: dentistry should be efficient, accurate, and as stress-free as possible.
For Dr. Sam, dentistry is about more than treating teeth—it is about supporting long-term health and well-being. Preventive care, early detection, and patient education are central to his approach, reinforcing the important connection between oral health and overall wellness. By emphasizing routine care alongside advanced treatment, he helps patients avoid more serious issues in the future.
Above all, what drives Dr. Sam is the transformation he sees in his patients.
“Seeing the change not just in a patient’s smile, but in their confidence and quality of life, is what makes this work so meaningful,” he shares. Colleagues and patients alike recognize that his work goes beyond procedures—it is about changing how people feel about dentistry and about themselves. Helping each patient feel heard, supported, and proud of their smile remains, for him, the most rewarding part of the profession.
Crest Family Dental LLC
85 Seymour St., Suite 1018, Hartford Purple Dental LLC
2963 Main St., Glastonbury Phone: 860-327-6453
Online: purpledentalct.com, crestfamilydental.com
On Social: @purpledentalllc, @crestfamilydentalllc
The exterior of Purple Dental.
Photo by John Helmke
events
JUNE 2ND
CT River Valley Chamber's 10th Annual Classic Golf Tournament
Glastonbury Hills Country Club, 239 Country Club Road, South Glastonbury | 10:30 AM
Enjoy a full day of golf, relaxed networking, on-course contests, and great food from start to finish, all wrapped up with dinner, awards, and the 19th hole. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, along with volunteer roles for those who want to be part of the day. Visit CRVChamber.org for information.
JUNE 3RD
A Year With Frog and Toad
Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road | 3:00 PM
Based on Arnold Lobel's Beloved Characters this three-time Tony Award Nominee, including Best Musical, about two best friends hops onto Playhouse on Park's Main Stage. Besides June 3, 0ther performance dates include Saturday, May 23 and May 30, 1 and 4 p.m., and Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for times and ticket information.
JUNE 4TH
Social Lounge Hosts Thursday Acoustic Sets
Social Lounge, Somerset Square | 5:30 PM
Musician Martin Piggot will take part in the Social Lounge's Acoustic Thursday Sets throughout the month. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and delicious house made drinks. Visit Socialloungect.com for more information and additional dates.
JUNE 5TH
Elizabeth Park Conservancy Hosts Wine & Roses Fundraisers
Pond House Cafe at Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Ave. | 6:30 PM
The Elizabeth Park Conservancy invites you to attend Wine & Roses, the Conservancy’s annual fundraiser. The event will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, and live music by MDM3—all to benefit the gardens of Elizabeth Park. Space is limited. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Visit WineandRoses2026.eventbrite.com for information and tickets.
JUNE 6TH
Lobsterfest 2026
Glastonbury Elks Lodge, 98 Woodland St. | 4:30 PM
Lobsterfest, the Glastonbury Rotary Club's annual major fundraiser, runs from 4:30-11 p.m. and tickets are $100 per person. This is a BYOB event featuring great lobster or steak and all the fixings. Dance all night at one of the best parties of the year! Visit glastonburyrotarclub.org for information.
JUNE 6TH
What is Montessori?
St. James Episcopal Church, 2584 Main St. | 10:00 AM
The planned Children’s House of Montessori on Main will host a free parents workshop, What is Montessori?, from 10 a.m. to noon in the St. James Episcopal Church Atrium. Montessori has signed a lease with St. James to use their former Sunday School wing to house Glastonbury’s new Montessori Preschool, opening in late summer. Visit CHOMonCamp.org for more information.
events CONTINUED
JUNE 7TH
60th Annual Hartford Feis
Irish American Home Society, 132 Commerce St. | 9:00 AM
The Annual Hartford Feis at the Irish American Home Society is a long-running Irish cultural event centered mainly on Irish dance competitions, along with music and traditional arts. This outdoor dance festival draws hundreds of dancers from across New England and beyond, competing at different skill levels. Visit Irishamericanhome.com for more information.
JUNE 18TH
The Golf Throwdown Annual Golf Tournament
Blackledge Country Club, 180 West St., Hebron | 9:00 AM
Presented by Coe Bancroft's State Farm Agency the The Golf Throwdown Annual Golf Tournament will benefit Glastonbury High School’s Boys and Girls Crew Teams. Over 100 athletes participate in the GHS Crew program in both the fall and spring seasons, and the school counts on the community to raise the money to purchase all equipment necessary. Visit fogri.org/golf-tournament for information.
JUNE 23RD
Wild Game & Craft Beer Dinner
Cotton Hollow Kitchen, 840 Main St., South Glastonbury | 6:30 PM
Join us at Cotton Hollow Kitchen for an exclusive, multi-course dining experience featuring wild game meats, expertly paired with curated local craft brews. Make it a fun Father's Day gift! For more information and to reserve your tickets today, visit cottonhollowkitchen.com or call 860-781-8555.
JUNE 25TH
Riverfront Hartford 5K
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd. | 6:00 PM
Enjoy happy hour running along the river with a series of race options. Kick off the summer weekend early with the popular Thursday evening 5K in Hartford, the first of three Riverfront races. After the 3.1 mile race, cool off with an ice cold craft brew from New England Brewing Company at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Visit hartfordmarathon.com for information.
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