Glastonbury, CT August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

AUGUST 2020

Playtime With Local Entrepreneur Kim Reid

LIFT A GLASS, AND TAKE IN THE VIEW, AT CRYSTAL RIDGE WINERY

A KINGSWOOD DRIVE REGAL BEAUTY HITS THE MARKET

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.

In-Studio Camp

Virtual Camp

Monday-Thursday Daily crafts and activities!

www.glazedpotteryct.com//860-430-6255

New project every week for every age group!

Toddlers, Elementary, Tweens + Teens!

Purchase your kit online with everything you need and follow the link provided in the kit for step by step instructions, as well as tips and tutorials for new painting techniques!

Ages 5-8 from 10am - 12pm Ages 9-12 from 2pm - 4pm Call to register!

Buy Online Pick Up In Store! www.pinwheelstoys.com 860-430-2954

Keep her encouraged 860-633-1817

www.thesilverdahlia.com

through whatever this next school year brings

Outdoor fun in the sun We're all stocked up on the things

summers are made of!

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Let’s hear it for the kids!

IN AUGUST WE CELEBRATE OUR KIDS. Is it me or does everyone feel our kids got cheated this summer? No graduations, no camps, no sports, no birthday parties,

Eileen M. McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@lifestylepubs.com Joan Hunt | joan.hunt@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

the list goes on and on. That’s why we dedicated this issue to them. August is our

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

kids issue and it gives us a chance to highlight their accomplishments and focus on

Carrie Draghi

some of the things they love like toys and art projects.

Speaking of toys, Glastonbury has one of the best toy stores in New England, Pinwheels Toys and Games, on Hebron Avenue. If you haven’t been there yet, you owe it to yourself and your kids to stop by. We spent some time with owner Kim Reid and she gave us a private tour and shared with us some of her picks for toys to keep your kids entertained in the waning days of summer. We’re so excited to share it with you. She also owns The Silver Dahlia and Glazed Pottery Painting & Art Studio, a place that also provides fun activities for kids.

In our Good Times section, we feature the Glastonbury High School graduation parade with plenty of photos that capture the fun, creativity and community support. Even though they had to observe social distancing, our high school seniors

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

made the best of the situation and created memories that will last a lifetime.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

If you’re looking for something fun to do, check out our feature on kid-friendly art

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

projects. A great idea to foster creativity and enjoyment for the whole family.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Lastly, something for the adults. We stopped by Crystal Ridge Winery and met with Harry, Butch, Tina and the entire James family. They've created a world-class winery right here in our backyard and serve up some of the best wines in Connecticut. What a great way to spend a beautiful August day or night, sipping on wine and taking in the views from their expansive deck and lawn.

Whether you’re a kid or an adult, let’s all enjoy what’s left of the summer and continue to be safe and healthy.

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

Together we remain Glastonbury Strong Gary Perrelli, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Kim Reid inside her store, Pinwheels Toys and Games.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI 4

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

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.

your financial spa find tranquility...

WEALTH MANAGEMENT • TAX • INSURANCE

860-633-1662 www.LichtensteinFinanciaL.com 25 New LoNdoN TurNpike, GLasToNbury, CT 06033 Financial Professionals doing business as Lichtenstein Financial, LLC offer securities through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIP, and advisory services through Securities America Advisors, Inc.

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020 FEATURES 14 A Regal Beauty on Kingswood Drive This custom-built Colonial has been extensively upgraded and includes an in-ground pool and spa

18 Kim Reid Has a Retail Trifecta on Hebron Avenue Her three retail operations are steps apart in the heart of Glastonbury’s commercial area

24 Crystal Ridge Winery: A Little Piece of Heaven The Belltown Road vineyard offers delectable wines and sweeping views of the Connecticut countryside

28 Fresh Off The Vine This is the high season for garden

18 28

fresh tomatoes in Connecticut, What’s Your Favorite Tomato Recipe?

14

24

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Open House

18

Locally Owned

22 DIY 24 Hops & Vine 28 Culinary Creations 32 Lifestyle Calendar

We get it done.

Meriden Makeovers, LLC is a Connecticut based home and commercial renovation company that aims to provided the best quality of service and results. We have fully licensed and insured staff that has the experience to make your renovation dreams come true.

167 Cobblestone Lane, Meriden 475.343.9835 MeridenMakeoversLLC

GOOD TIMES

Glastonbury High School Graduation Parade On May 28 the Glastonbury High School Senior Class of 2020 participated in a Motorcade. Passing by cheering family and townspeople, they traveled down Main Street to Hubbard Street then headed to the GHS parking lot where they had the opportunity to bid farewell to their teachers and staff.

8

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

9

AROUND TOWN

THE SCOOP GLASTONBURY

PIER ONE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

Content for part of the “About Town” section is pro-

One of our faves is going out of business. Pier

vided by Jackie Post from The Scoop Glastonbury.

One in Glastonbury is closing for good and run-

The Scoop Glastonbury is a business news website

ning a huge GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE. The

that follows breaking “SCOOP” about new business

company filed for bankruptcy awhile back, so this is

in town, business renovations or relocations, and

not a surprise, but we loved that store and are sad

unique or interesting business happenings. Follow

to see it go! Get down there for some serious deals

The Scoop Glastonbury on social media or visit

right now on home decor.

www.thescoopglastonbury.com to sign up for the weekly newsletter.

NEW BARBERSHOP OPENS IN TOWN

There is a fun new restaurant now OPEN in

There is a fun new barber open in a newly ren-

Old Wethersfield (one of our favorite areas). The

ovated building on Williams Street. Cask & Comb

Charles will be located in a newly renovated old

is owned by Charlie Burns. He's been a barber for

house at 161 Main Street. We just love their tag

8 years and this is his first time opening a busi-

line: Vintage Feel. Modern Taste and can't wait

ness (WOO-WOO!). He loves dogs, craft beers

to see what they offer.

and great haircuts! Follow them on Instagram, at caskandcomb.

10

COOL NEW RESTAURANT OPENING IN OLD WETHERSFIELD

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

NEW RESTAURANT NOW OPEN ACROSS FROM FERRY LANDING

PARKVILLE MARKET NOW OPEN We could not be more excited about the opening

There are new owners of the old Shad Row

of the new Parkville Market in Hartford! What a

across from the Glastonbury/Rocky Hill Ferry.

fun concept...an indoor food hall featuring some

Ferry Park Grill is now OPEN and has some

diverse offerings of all kinds of food! Sounds like a

delicious offerings. They are patio-only and a

foodie dream, right?! Some of their current tenants

great spot to bring the kiddos and sit outside

include: Bombay Express, Brazilian Gula Grill,

(lots of space for them to run free). The ferry is

Ceviche Bowls, Chompers, Disco Forno Pizza

now OPEN and running!

Napolitano, Lucky Taco, Mofongo, Portly Pig, Que Chivo.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

TIME FOR SOME REST AND REL A X ATI O N

CRO MWELL

|

(860) 632-214 4

|

PARI S IAN DAYS PA .N E T CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

11

12

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

Maggie Shumbo - Owner & Showroom Manager - 20 Years Experience

4,000 SQ FT Kitchen and Bath Showroom

Schedule an appointment in July and receive 10% off.

120 DEKOVEN DRIVE MIDDLETOWN, CT 06457

|

860-344-8102

|

W I N S U P P LYO F M I D D L E T O W N . C O M

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

13

OPEN HOUSE

A REGAL BEAUTY ON KINGSWOOD DRIVE THIS CUSTOM-BUILT COLONIAL HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY UPGRADED AND INCLUDES AN IN-GROUND POOL AND SPA

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

ASK REALTOR JEFF BODEAU WHAT HE THINKS IS ONE OF THE BEST DETAILS IN HIS LISTING AT 79 KINGSWOOD DRIVE AND HE PAUSES BRIEFLY. “Boy, that’s a tough one, there are so many great details in this house.”

Take a stroll through the custom-built home and it’s easy to see what he means.

The luxury property has 6,271 square feet over two stories and another 1,300 square feet in its walk-out lower level.

The listing by Bodeau Realty Group at William Raveis Real Estate describes the property as resting “at the intersection of splendor and comfort.” Bodeau says the five-bedroom home, offered at $1,150,000, epitomizes the definition of quality and highend construction.

“It’s in a really exclusive enclave of similarly priced homes, all custom built. It’s extremely high quality and it’s just beautiful. It has a first-floor master suite that is gorgeous and all four of the second-floor bedrooms are en-suite with walk-in closets.”

14

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

The foyer.

The kitchen.

Fast Facts, 79 Kingswood Drive: 1. Colonial with 6,271 square feet, and 1,300 square-foot lower level. 2. An in-house movie theater on the lower level.

3. Five bedrooms, including a first-floor master suite 4. Six full and one half bath 5. Inground pool and hot tub with extensive landscaping 6. Cupola that floods the foyer with natural light 7. Listed by Jeff Bodeau of Bodeau Realty Group at William Raveis Real Estate.

Jeffrey.Bodeau@Raveis.com, www.BodeauRealtyGroup.com.

(860) 463.9296.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

15

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED) The house sits on a roughly 1-acre lot on Kingswood Drive, a short cul-de-sac off Thompson Street in South Glastonbury.

Built in 1998 the Colonial-style brick home has six full bathrooms and one half bath.

The walkout lower level includes a gym room, a movie theater, a full bathroom, tons of natural light from a bank of windows and generous storage areas.

Bodeau says the home’s current owners undertook many improvements at the property, including $300,000 worth of upgrades to the movie screening room that includes special acoustics. The master suite and its adjoining 600-square-foot bathroom, as well as the kitchen, were completely remodeled, he said.

Outside, there is a large in-ground pool with a hot tub, and Bodeau says the entire outdoor living area was upgraded by the owners.

“They extensively improved the landscaping of the space. It was all altered to accentuate the pool area.”

Those upgrades included the building of a new two-tiered patio area, removing some landscaping walls to open up the outdoor living space, installing a full outdoor kitchen that includes a gas fireplace, installing extensive landscape lighting and extended seating areas.

“It really lends itself now to accentuate the beauty of the outdoors,” Bodeau says. “It’s a much better space now for family and for entertaining.

A listing of all the home’s luxury attributes alone though, wouldn’t do it full justice. It has many unique architectural details inside that give the home its distinctive air and mark it as a oneof-a-kind luxury property.

“Guests enter through an elegant foyer with towering ceilings, luminous marble floors, beautifully trimmed columns, and extensive moldings,” the listing states. “Two sets of charming turret windows overlook a stunning stone terrace and breathtaking custom pool.”

Bodeau says there’s also a cupola inside the home’s two-story foyer. From the outside the four-foot by four-foot structure, which has windows on all four sides, rises from the center peak of the home.

“It’s a really cool architectural detail when you look up. There’s a lot of bright light that comes through that cupola.”

Just off the foyer is a regal, curved staircase that sweeps up into a curved balcony on the second floor.

“Off the foyer is the stylish living room, where ornate custom wood cabinetry flanks an enormous fireplace,” the listing states.

“Two-story Palladian windows welcome the sun’s warmth throughout the interior. The expansive natural light continues, ushering your guests to a spacious remodeled kitchen perfect for entertaining.”

The movie theater in the home's lower level.

16

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

The living room.

The kitchen breakfast bar.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

17

LOCALLY OWNED Kim Reid with staff members, from left to right, Hannah McClain, Kim, Diamond Lara, and Lizz Lewis.

HER THREE RETAIL OPERATIONS ARE STEPS APART IN THE HEART OF GLASTONBURY’S COMMERCIAL AREA

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

KIM REID HAS A R E TA I L T R I F E C TA O N H E B R O N AV E N U E 18

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

“In 2009 we were in the recession big time, but we were fortunate. When we first opened we were all silver jewelry … and it was during the Pandora bead craze.

We were also the first store to offer Alex & Ani.” The Silver Dahlia proved so successful it moved three times so it could expand. Today it offers a variety of gifts, accessories, home goods and apparel.

Its success led to two other stores Kim subsequently opened, Pinwheels Toys & Games, which opened five years ago, and Glazed Pottery Painting and Art Studio, which Kim opened three years ago. A mother of three, Kim says she wanted to run businesses that catered to kids and families.

“I wanted to do something I thought would go well in Glastonbury.”

The Silver Dahlia is located at 41 Hebron Ave. AFTER YEARS OF RUNNING HER OWN BUSI-

Glazed Pottery and Pinwheels are both located in a

NESSES KIM REID HAS DEVELOPED A SIMPLE

10,000-square-foot building at 60 Hebron Ave. Pinwheels

PHILOSOPHY THAT GUIDES HER PERSONAL AND

occupies the first floor, Glazed is on the second.

PROFESSIONAL LIVES. “I just want to live in a nice community, a town that’s warm and supportive and to be around people I know and who know me.”

Pinwheels, Kim says, grew out of the popularity of the toys she started introducing into The Silver Dahlia’s inventory several years ago.

“It just got my brain ticking about doing something

That’s become a mantra in how Kim runs her three

more with it.” She started the toy store in the space

businesses here in Glastonbury, Pinwheels Toys &

The Silver Dahlia now occupies at 41 Hebron Ave., and

Games, Glazed Pottery Painting & Art Studio, and The

both stores grew so quickly that she and her husband

Silver Dahlia, all of them on Hebron Avenue.

decided to lease the building at 60 Hebron Ave., so they

A native of Darien, Kim and her husband, Ethan Reid, moved to Glastonbury in 2005 and shortly after

could move Pinwheels there and relocate The Silver Dahlia to 41 Hebron Ave.

Kim, who previously ran an Italian deli in New Canaan,

“Both of them needed more space.”

worked as a real estate appraiser. But then, she says, “I

The space above Pinwheels was vacant and Kim

just got the itch to own my own business again.”

says that led to the creation of Glazed Pottery.

That itch led to the creation of The Silver Dahlia in

“We had this big empty space and all these things

2009. The state and country were in the throes of the

went through my head on what we could do with it. I

Great Recession that year. Nonetheless, Kim’s jew-

settled on (Glazed) because I like the artistic nature of it

elry and accessories store did well, in part she says,

and the family nature of it.”

because the store was the only retail shop in the area

Pinwheels sells a wide variety of kids toys, games and

to sell Alex & Ani, a type of bangle jewelry that was

stuffed animals. Kim says she seeks out products that

popular that year.

are unique, spur a child’s imagination and are fun.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

19

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Some of her favorite toy picks for kids are traditional favorites, such as trucks for boys and play kitchens for girls because “They’re just so much fun and they’re imaginative and interactive.”

She

said

the

community

has

embraced

Pinwheels, despite the competition she faces with online buying options.

She attributes that success, in part, to her store’s culture of being part of the community. For instance, Kim says, some customers come in just to entertain their kids for a while. Both Pinwheels and Glazed have play areas set aside.

“Maybe they don’t buy anything but they play at the LEGO station or they go outside to blow bubbles. It’s just a wonderful community feeling and I just want to focus on that.”

Her three businesses weathered the recent Covid19 shutdowns, but it took a bit of a rapid-response by her and her staff, she says.

“It was difficult because we didn’t have websites we could sell off of, so we quickly got our websites going.”

Glazed did the best at first because families that were shut in during quarantine were looking for projects to do with kids. The pottery studio put together at-home kits parents could pick up and then return to have them fired in the studio’s kilns.

“It worked out wonderfully.”

Then, Kim says, “Pinwheels started going like gangbusters” with online orders for curbside pickups. “In two weeks we sold out of puzzles. Life was still happening and it was so good to give back to the community. It worked out wonderfully.”

She laughs when asked if she’s mulling yet another store opening. That, she says, isn’t in the works.

“I think I’m content for a while.”

As summer wanes and the kids are starting to get bored with the long days, here are a few of Kim Reid’s picks for games and toys to keep them entertained until school starts.

20

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

01 MINI BRANDS Minibrands, $9.95. Each ball comes with five tiny brand products inside for kids who love miniature toys.

02 LIFE Life board game, $33.99. This classic game now includes pets that kids can add to their “life.”

0 3 M AG N A T I L E S Magna-Tiles, $76.99. A game that challenges kids math and science skills.

04 SPRINKLER BUDDIES Sprinkler Buddies, $25.99. This nearly 40-inch blow up dino sprays up to 9 feet for late summer water fun.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

21

+HANDCRAFTED+

DIY

FUN PAPER CRAFT ACTIVITY FOR YOU + YOUR KIDDO ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO GET SOME QUALITY TIME IN WITH YOUR KIDS (AND KEEP THEM BUSY)? Put down the tablet and bust out the toolbox—the craft toolbox, that is...we don’t condone giving power tools to children. When you’re looking for some productive indoor time to spend while empowering your little ones’ imaginations, consider this easy (but we can’t promise mess-free!) project you can create with a few standard supplies and a lot of creativity.

22

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

M AT E R I A L S

PIÑLLAMA

+ Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.

DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata.

2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side.

(Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)

3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look.

4. Cover all remaining sides of the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design.

5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama!

Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

23

HOPS & VINE

The front lawn of the vineyard.

C R Y S TA L R I D G E W I N E R Y: A L I T T L E PIECE OF HEAVEN THE BELLTOWN ROAD VINEYARD OFFERS DELECTABLE WINES AND SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE CONNECTICUT COUNTRYSIDE

24

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI Vintner Tom Mannello

Members of the James family

ON A RECENT SATURDAY CUSTOMERS AT THE CRYSTAL RIDGE WINERY IN SOUTH GLASTONBURY ARE SPRAWLED ACROSS THE LUSH YARDS ON BLANKETS AND ON THE FRONT PORCH OF THE WINERY, LISTENING TO THE BAND TAKE 2 PLAY CROWD FAVORITES. It’s a near perfect day to be at a winery, the sky is a cloudless blue and a warm light breeze carries the delectable aromas emanating from the Greekin Out food truck from one side of the yard.

From the hilltop vantage point at Crystal Ridge it’s easy to see why the vineyard’s owners call it a “little piece of heaven.”

To the north, the panoramic views take in the Hartford skyline and beyond it, Massachusetts. To the west the multiple peaks of hillsides in Meriden are visible. Walk out on the second-story balcony of the building that houses the winery’s tasting room and venue spaces, and the view becomes nearly dizzying.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

25

HOPS & VINE (CONTINUED)

“Spectacular, isn’t it?” says Butch James, looking over his family’s 200-acre vineyard.

Butch’s parents, MaryAnn and Harry James, bought this Belltown Road land, nestled between fruit orchards and farms, about 30 years ago and in 2004 and began planting grapes.

The family owned a home construction business and built dozens of houses each year, bringing their children into the business over the years.

Co-owners Harry and Butch started the vineyard as a shared family hobby, but it grew into an enterprise whose wine products captured the interest of local restaurants.

So many people liked the wine the family decided to open a tasting room of their own.

“We started as a little hobby, and that was Crystal Ridge's tasting room.

The tasting room building.

nice. And then we started sharing the wine and everyone seemed to love it. They were always running out. So then we did this to share it all with the community,” Harry says of the tasting room.

They built the 2,400-square-foot timber frame-style building on the hilltop and officially opened the tasting room to the public in 2018. Though MaryAnn passed away in 2016, Crystal Ridge has remained a family-run business.

Harry’s pride in the venture is clear as he ticks off the various roles each of his children, their spouses and even his grandchildren now, work in the vineyard business.

Harry and his son, Butch, designed and built the tasting room building, which features a large wrap-around porch (perfect for taking in those sweeping views), outfitted with rocking chairs and wine barrel side tables. They created a rustic feel inside the structure with huge timber beams and wood floors.

Harry’s

daughter,

Joanie

James

Barron, helped decorate the tasting room. She searches out antiques that lend the space just the right balance of refined and rustic chic.

Butch and his wife, Tina, run the tasting room and manage the events. Brandee James

26

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

The view from Crystal Ridge.

handles the social media and manges the tasting room. Denyelle James (Plenzio) is a sommelier who helps out with the production of the wine.

Harry’s other grandchildren, Dan Barron, designed the labels and Tyler Campise helps maintain the vineyard and process the grapes.

Brandee and Denyelle help out as well.

Crystal Ridge has approximately 10,000 vines and offers about a dozen different wines, including several estate varieties, such as a chardonnay, a vignoles and a cabernet franc. They offer nine varietals of red and white grapes.

Tom Mannello is the vintner at Crystal Ridge. The retired airline pilot said he’s had a passion for wine-making since he was a child and came to work here because he was impressed with the James’ family commitment to quality.

“They want to do things the best way they can. It’s a family that knows how to do things right. They’re willing to put the time and money into it.”

ABOUT: Crystal Ridge Vineyards is located at 257 Belltown Road, South Glastonbury.

No outside libations are allowed. For liability reasons children and pets are not allowed. Tastings are $12 for four wines or five wines for $15. You can also build your own tastings at $3 per taste.

You can buy wines by the glass, bottle and case as well. Outside food is allowed, and the winery often features a variety of food trucks and live music. It also sells a small assortment of cheese and crackers, pre-sliced meats, such as capicola, prosciutto and salami.

Visit

crystalridgewinery.com or call the winery at 860-657-1004, for more information.

The vineyard is open 7 days a week and hours change seasonally, depending on the time of sunset. Check the website for current hours.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

27

CULINARY CREATIONS

THIS IS THE HIGH SEASON FOR GARDEN FRESH TOMATOES IN CONNECTICUT, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TOMATO RECIPE?

fresh of f the vine

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

28

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

BASIL PESTO

BRUSCHETTA AUGUST IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE SEASON OF THE TOMATO IN CONNECTICUT. Fresh off the vine, they’re one of the best parts of late summer. Here’s one of my family’s favorite fresh tomato recipes.

INGREDIENTS + 2 large heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes, or two cups of fresh cherry tomatoes

6 Servings

+ 1 French baguette + 1 bunch of fresh cut basil + 3 garlic cloves + Olive oil + Grated parmesan cheese + Salt and pepper + Red wine vinegar + 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

20 Min

DIRECTIONS Cut baguette into slices, place on a baking sheet. In a small food processor pulse basil, two garlic cloves, about a tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and salt and pepper until well combined and pesto is of medium consistency. Add more olive oil if pesto is too thick. Spread pesto on bread slices and cook in a 350 degree oven until bread is lightly toasted. While bread toasts, chop tomatoes and place in a bowl. Crush and chop one clove of garlic and add to the tomatoes. Chop the fresh basil and add to the bowl. Drizzle the mixture with the red wine vinegar and adjust to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture is too acidic, add a bit of the sugar to taste. Remove the bread from the oven and top with mozzarella slices. At this point you can either top with the chopped tomato and basil mixture and serve immediately, or put the pan back in the oven and cook until the mozzarella melts and then top with the tomato mixture.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

29

Emmy Lou’s, Ltd

Gift Shop

Distinctive Home Decor Custom Florals

and

17 Hebron Avenue , Glastonbury

| (860) 633-9565

emmylousgiftshop.com 30

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

Personal Insurance Advisors FAMILY OWNED SINCE 2011

Confidence is a

MEET THE PATTERSONS

beautiful

Our unique assessment identifies any gaps in your current health insurance plan and recommends solutions to fit your needs.

Request your Personal Scorecard at no cost or obligation.

Email Diane@PattersonMedicare.com

smile

Call us for a free cosmetic consultation!

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

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

PATTERSONMEDICARE.COM 860-428-7149

(860) 659-8660

HartfordCosmeticDentist.com

Steven M. Balloch, DDS

300 Hebron Ave Ste 112 Glastonbury, CT

Jeffrey J. Glavin, DDS CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

31

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

These events were compiled during the Covid-19 restrictions and some may change prior to publication.

Please check with local organizers

4

finger- licking good chicken with

ADDISON POOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

great prizes. Tickets on sale until

sides, all in air conditioning comfort!

Addison Park, 415 Addison Road

August 4 at the Community Center,

Enjoy a Treat at Addison Pool! Free

Parks & Recreation and Town Hall

and open to all pool patrons, Addison

Info Center. Tickets also sold day of

1

Pool will host an Ice Cream Social

picnic. Glastonbury residents only!

FOURTH ANNUAL GLASTONBURY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

chocolate syrup and toppings will be

for event updates.

beginning at 1 p.m. The rain date will be Aug. 5. Ice cream cups with available. Eat until it’s gone!

The Fourth Annual Glastonbury Food Truck Festival will be Aug. 1-2 at the Elks B.P.O.E. 2202. There will be more than 25 food trucks, plus beer, wine

5 JOB SEARCHING ~ VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Glastonbury Elks, 98 Woodlands St.

4

Zoom

Looking for a new job? Patrick

CHILD AND ADULT FUN RUN

Jones of Goodwill Career Center in

Smith Middle School,

Hartford will teach you how to deter-

8 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

216 Addison Road

mine what type of job you are search-

Sunday. There will be carnival rides

Grab your sneaks and run some extra

ing for, identify the different ways to

for kids and ample parking.

miles! Children jog for one mile around

look for jobs such as paper or online

the Smith Middle School Soccer field.

listings, use various job websites

1

Adult courses are 2.4 and 3.5 miles.

that can become confusing at times

Register at the Smith Middle School

and avoid job scams. For assistance

DROP-IN STORY TIME

Upper Soccer Field starting at 6:30

call 860-652-7720.

p.m. for a 6:50 p.m. start.

and liquor. The festival runs 11 a.m to

6

Welles Turner Memorial Library, 2407 Main St.

A drop-in story time will be held in

5 RIVERFRONT PARK MUSIC SERIES

MORNING LEADS EXCHANGE GROUP

outside. No registration needed.

Head down to Riverfront Park every

Join us in the Founder’s Club meet-

Contact the Children's Department

Wednesday night this month

to

ing room every first Thursday of

at 860-652-7718.

enjoy some great music! Bring a

the month. The Chamber's Leads

picnic or purchase dinner on-site as

Exchange Group is open to Chamber

2

you relax with family and friends on

members and those interested in

warm summer nights with entertain-

joining. All attendees have a thir-

FRIDAY AFTERNOON FILMS

ing music. A series of free, outdoor

ty-second opportunity to introduce

concerts on the field behind the

themselves, explain what their busi-

Welles Memorial Library, 2407 Main St.

Riverfront Community Center on

ness has to offer and what lead they

Once a month the Welles Library

Welles Street.

are looking for. Please bring business

the Children’s Department courtyard, if the weather allows, indoor if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to use

Riverfront Park, 300 Welles St.

hosts a drop-in Friday Afternoon Film. Its August film is Stand By Me, an R-rated coming-of-age tale about four boys who search for a dead body in the woods near home.

In the process, their friendship is tested. Refreshments will be provided.

32

End the day with bingo featuring

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

The Tannery, 917 New London Turnpike

cards and marketing materials.

5 ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZENS’ INDOOR PICNIC Riverfront Community Center,

7 SOY CANDLE MAKING FOR TEENS Welles Turner Memorial Library,

300 Welles St.

2407 Main St.

Start the day with setback followed

Teens

by terrific music! For lunch, enjoy

can create two soy candles in this

entering

grades

7-12,

workshop with Creative Girl Mobile

CEO of an international company and

Studios. With over 65 scents to

longtime meditator, for this powerful

choose from, we plan on hav-

workshop. Registration begins July

ing a fun time. Each candle will

13 online or call 860-652-7720

burn over 25 hours. All materials, including jars and decorative tags, are included. Seating is limited and registration is required online or call 860-652-7720.

10 UPLIFT YOUR SPIRIT WITH LAUGHTER AND MEDITATION ~ VIRTUAL PROGRAM

19 CODING FOR KIDS

Welles Turner Memorial Library,

15

2407 Main St.

NOMINATE A TREMENDOUS TEACHER!

game using Scratch, MIT's drag-and-

Come join the fun and learn the basics of coding by starting a fish drop language used to teach kids to

437 Naubuc Ave.

code. Presented by The Coder School

Connecticut Trial Firm LLC is host-

Glastonbury. Registration

ing their 2020 Tremendous Teacher

Monday, Aug.12, for Glastonbury res-

Nomination. There are so many won-

idents only.

begins

derful teachers in Connecticut who do so much for our children. We'd like

Zoom

to award a deserving Connecticut

Experience the joys of life with a

teacher with a $500 gift card as a

positive attitude and support a

thank you for their dedication to their

spiritual lifestyle. In this workshop,

students and their families. We will be

you'll find ways to replenish your

accepting nominations until Aug. 15.

22 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY 324 Olcott St., Manchester

positive energy, let go of worry and

Glastonbury residents can take part

connect with your spirit through

in the August Household Hazardous

meditation. Join Markus Schramm,

Waste

Collection

on

Olcott

St.,

CONTINUED >

Your #1 Appliance Store

WEST HARTFORD

GLASTONBURY

1003 Farmington Ave

97 New London Turnpike

860.523.5271

860.633.1065

www.SKLaveryAppliance.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

33

AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR in Manchester. The program will run

Come listen to songs by the likes

from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only materi-

of The Carter Family, The Delmore

als from residential sources will be

Brothers and Jimmy Rodgers.

accepted.

No commercially gen-

erated waste allowed. Valid proof of residency is required, driver's license, tax bill etc. will be verified.

25

29 THE DINNER DETECTIVE DINNER THEATER Hilton Garden Inn,

85 Glastonbury Blvd.

CRV CHAMBER HEALTH & WELLNESS COUNCIL

The Dinner Detective is America’s

Healthtrax, 622 Hebron Ave.

comedy dinner show! Solve a hilar-

22

The Chamber has an active Health &

ious mystery while you feast on a

Wellness Council comprised of over

fantastic four-course plated dinner.

THE HOMEGROWN STRING BAND CONCERT LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

75 members that meets monthly to

Just beware, the culprit is lurking

focus on developing programs and

somewhere in the room, and you may

events for Chamber members and

find yourself as a prime suspect!

Visit www.townofmanchester.org for more information.

largest interactive murder mystery

the community that promote healthy

Welles-Turner Library, 2407 Main St.

living. Past events have included

The Homegrown String Band brings

fitness festivals, competitions, sem-

an American folk tradition into the

inars, road races, volleyball, a well-

Would you like to get in touch

twenty-first century. Comprised of

ness expo and virtual competitions.

with

us?

We

husband and wife plus daughter, this

hear

from

you!

would

love

to

us

dynamic trio utilizes an eclectic pal-

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

at

ette of instruments to add their own

using the Get In Touch link and let us

musical DNA to an American tradition.

know what you think.

Contact

THE MARKET IS

HOT!

Contact me to get your home sold fast & for the highest price!

Dana Flanagan 860-796-0562 Dana@FlanaganRealtyGroup.com FlanaganRealtyGroup.com 34

Glastonbury Lifestyle | August 2020

The art of crafting a wealth management plan At RBC Wealth Management, we feel creating a successful wealth strategy is like creating a piece of art. Both require knowledge, skills and supplies to execute properly—but it is the vision, passion and commitment that creates success.

Call today for a complimentary consultation.

MC Wealth Solutions Group David Mozeleski, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS® Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus 20 Church Street, Suite 2300 | Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: (860) 241-8661 | Fax: (860) 241-8667 us.rbcwm.com/mcwsg Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2020 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

20-HF-02511 (06/20)

20-HF-02511_MCWealth_Arts_AD_R2.indd 1

6/19/20 1:23 PM

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

35