Glastonbury, CT October 2020

O C TO B E R 2 02 0

Foods of the Harvest Abound Locally

LI F E + C U LTU R E E M MY LO U ’ S S T RIVES T O O F F ER S O M E T H I N G FO R E VERYO N E FOOD + DRINK M AK E YO U R B ES T PI E D O U G H E VER

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.

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Glastonbury, CT 860.430.1780

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

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

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

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

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER

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

Joan Hunt | joan.hunt@lifestylepubs.com

Let's Eat!

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@lifestylepubs.com

AS YOU CAN TELL BY OUR COVER PHOTO, OCTOBER IS OUR “FOODIE”

AD DESIGNER

ISSUE. So sit back and enjoy some of Glastonbury’s finest delicacies.

Evan Deuvall

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Glastonbury is known for our great farms, fresh produce and healthy foods. Our feature story takes a look at three family farms, Killam & Bassette Farmstead, Dondero Orchards and Joseph Preli Farm and Winery. We talk with the families about the autumnal bounties at each of their farms and capture an assortment of

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carrie Draghi

fruits and vegetables from this year’s fall harvest.

October is also known for pumpkins so we couldn’t publish an October issue without them. Check out our story on how to paint pumpkins and fall gourds instead of carving them.

There’s also a great recipe for an authentic homemade crust for apple pie.

And there’s lots more.

In our Renovate and Refine section we feature Michele Kriticos from MCK Interiors and the amazing work she did on the Silas W. Robbins Bed and Breakfast Inn in

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

Old Wethersfield. Built in 1873, the house was renovated from 2001-2007. Michele

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and her team undertook the interior renovations to bring the mansion back to its

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

original luxury and charm.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

In our Locally Owned section, we paid a visit to Emmy Lou’s and toured her fan-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

tastic gift shop. In business for over 35 years and one of Main Street’s iconic retail operations, her energy and passion are contagious.

Lastly, in our Financial Buzz section, we chatted with Patterson Insurance Services and they explained the complexities of Medicare, how to alleviate the stress and

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decide on the right plan for you.

As always, thanks for allowing us into your home. Please reach out if you have any suggestions for upcoming articles. We’d love to hear from you.

Gary Perrelli, Publisher

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

ON THE COVER Some of the bounty

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

Proverbs 3:5-6 Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

available at local farms.

the US Postal Service to some of the Glastonbury areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI

this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications

and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of 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

4

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

5

INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020

FEATURES 14 It’s Harvest Season!

The Culinary Delights of Fall Are Here and Local Farms Shine This Time of Year

18 Where History and Art Meet Designer Michele Kriticos’ Love of Art Shines in the Renovated S ilas W. Robibns House

20 Brimming With Style Emmy Lou’s Gift Shop is a Longtime Local Fixture

20 26

26 As American As ...

This Year, Try Apple Pie With a Homemade Crust

14

18

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Our Town

18

Renovate & Refine

20 Locally Owned 24 Financial Buzz 26 Culinary Creations 28 DIY 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 1.

2.

3.

Renbrook School With over 75 acres of woodlands, wetlands, trails and ponds, outdoor learning is a priority at Renbrook School in West Hartford. Renbrook has more than 30 outdoor learning spaces and brings learning to life. The school is now enrolling students in pre-K through grade 8 for 2020-2021. Go to renbrook.org to learn more and schedule a visit to explore Renbrook.

4.

5.

6.

1. The boys outdoor ropes course. | 2. A Renbrook student writes at a picnic table. | 3. ELC students take part in an outing at the river. | 4. A creative writing exercise outside. | 5. Students use a magnifying glass in a science class outside. | 6. A student walks on a log at the Renbrook campus.

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

Telling the story is only part of the process... Crafting a unique marketing strategy is the other.

When we are fully immersed in a property, we are ready to craft a specialized marketing strategy tailored to the home and its potential buyers.

Our distinguished photographer captures the homes beauty as we create its presence online and in print advertising around the world.

There is no one size fits all for any of our client’s homes.

From professional photographs and video to a customized website, each home receives our white glove service.

Contact me for a complimentary home evaluation.

It would be my absolute pleasure to serve you!

Dana Flanagan 860-796-0562

www.FlanaganRealtyGroup.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

9

AROUND TOWN interested message The Scoop at thescoopglastonbury@gmail.com for contact information.

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

NEW FOOD TRUCK APP HELPS YOU FIND YOUR FAVE

in town, business renovations or relocations and

Glastonbury High School graduates Will and

unique or interesting business happenings. Follow

Chris Peters recently developed an app that helps

The Scoop Glastonbury on social media or visit-

you find your favorite food truck. Will had the idea

thescoopglastonbury.com to sign up for the

when things started to open after quarantine and

weekly newsletter.

he realized there was no local list of where to find food trucks. Such a bright idea! Look for truckin-find food trucks,” in the app store.

"THE BARN" COMING TO OLD APPALACHIAN TAILS SPACE There's new life on the horizon for the Appalachian

10

LOCAL CANDLES AVAILABLE AT KATZ

Tails barn on Griswold Street. Glastonbury resident,

Katz Hardware is selling neighborhood candles!

Jim Kask and property owner Joe Tom are turning

So fun, right?! They have a large selection that

it into a state of the art co-working space called

includes Buttonball, Addison, Chestnut Hill, and

The Barn. There will be offices for rent, high-tech

Main Street or some of the local pool clubs like

conference rooms and a coffee shop. They are

Minnechaug, Woodledge and Orchard Hill. We are

seeking a local coffee business to open a second

hoping for Hebron Avenue or The Hills (hint hint) to

location. They expect to open by late fall. If you're

be available soon too!

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

favorite spots in town. To buy a brick, email rotarybrix@ gmail.com or call Margaret 860.916.3517.

BUY A BRICK AND SUPPORT THE ROTARY CLUB Here's a fun way to support local and keep your fam-

COFFEE SHOP OPENS IN OLD WETHERSFIELD

ily name forever part of local history. The Glastonbury Rotary Club is selling custom bricks at Riverfront. The area around the pavilion showcases hundreds of bricks

A Glastonbury couple has opened a new coffee

with the names of families and business owners. It's

shop on Main Street in Old Wethersfield (one of

a great tribute to who or what you love! Our kiddos

our favorite spots!). Vincent and Siobhan Federici

LOVE seeing their names on the brick at one of their

held their grand opening last week for Drumroll CONTINUED >

Maggie Shumbo - Owner & Showroom Manager - 20 Years Experience

4,000 SQ FT Kitchen and Bath Showroom

Schedule an appointment in October and receive 10% off.

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860-344-8102

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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

11

AROUND TOWN Coffee Roasters. Vincent started roasting coffee

and "do" philosophy. And, their motto: Happy

and selling at fairs and online. It became so pop-

Happens Here is geared toward bringing joy and

ular that he decided to open the shop! They sell

engagement to children every day. Love that!

a variety of select roasts and coffee accessories.

Visit them for a taste or find them online. They will customize any order. We live for coffee and can't wait to try!

RENBROOK SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE IS THIS MONTH Renbrook School invites you to explore a

NEW DAYCARE OPENS AT THE END OF AUGUST

our October events. Join us for our Fall Festival Open House on Saturday, October 17 from 9

The Learning Experience on Oak Street (next to

a.m. to noon. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 18. Visit

Melzen's) will open by the end of August in time

renbrook.org/visit to schedule a specific time

for the new school year. This is the 3rd location for

for your family to explore our Outdoor Learning

Glastonbury residents, Dee and Shital Patel. They

Curriculum in a socially distanced format. If

also have centers in Cromwell-Rocky Hill and

you prefer a virtual visit, register for our Virtual

New Haven. They are currently registering chil-

Open House on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 4:30 pm.

dren ages 6 months to 6 years. Kids learn through

Registration is required for both events.

the L.E.A.P program, which follows an "explore"

12

Renbrook education for your child at one of

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 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.

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

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

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

Schedule a visit today • watkinson.org/visit

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13

OUR TOWN

THE CULINARY DELIGHTS OF FALL ARE UPON US AND LOCAL FARMS HAVE A WIDE ASSORTMENT OF FOODS AND PRODUCE RIGHT NOW

Apple trees at Dondero Farms.

14

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

It’s Harvest Season!

NUTMEGGERS KNOW THAT WE SUFFER THROUGH MONTHS OF BITING COLD TO ENJOY THE OTHER THREE SEASONS. But while spring and summer hold their own special joys, autumn is when our region really shines.

It’s not just the fall colors, our neighborhood farms also are overflowing right now with autumnal bounty.

“Fall is always a really busy time for us,” said Sandy Dondero, of Dondero Orchards on Woodland Street. Dondero grows 20 varieties of apples and autumn is the season when the orchards see a lot of visitors.

That’s in addition to folks who come to buy pumpkins or sample some of Donderos homemade apple fritters, pie and cider.

“It's been a good season, a lot of people are interested in coming and picking their own fruit this year," Sandy said. For some, getting outside and visiting a local farm is a safe activity during the pandemic. But for others, coming to the farm to pick their own produce is a custom.

"For a lot of people it’s become a family tradition. They like to just meander through the orchards,” Sandy said.

Dondero is one of nearly 30 seasonal farms here that grow or raise hundreds of varieties of produce.

While every season is important to farmers, fall is especially significant because “it's one of the busiest times of the year,” said Chris Bassette, of Killam & Bassette Farmstead.

“We have summer crops and fall crops to harvest while managing the farm stands and over 14 markets we do.”

Some of what is coming into season right now, she said, are pumpkins, winter squashes, cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower. The farm also makes and sells its own pies.

At the Joseph Preli Farm, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the fall harvest is especially important because the farm specializes in apples and Concord grapes, both fall fruits, for its farm-made wines and cider.

“We also do a lot of specialty stuff, things that other farms don’t sell around here,” said owner John Yushkevich. "We start selling in April with raspberries and rhubarb and we sell right through November and December with winter squash and other products." Some of the farm's other unusual produce includes Italian chicory, sunchokes, melons and elderberries.

HERE'S A LIST OF THE GLASTONBURY FARMS YOU CAN VISIT. + Beckett Farms — 1269 Main St., 860-659-0848; Fruits, vegetables, herbs. beckettfarms.com + Bednarz Farm — 118 Wickham Road, 860-633-2942; Organic and conventionally grown vegetables and fruits.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

15

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

K&B carries honey from Mark’s Apiary in South Glastonbury.

“ We a l s o d o a l o t o f s p e c i a l t y s t u f f , t h i n g s t h a t o t h e r f a r m s d o n ’ t s e l l a r o u n d h e r e . We s t a r t i n April wi th raspberries and r hubar b and we se ll right through November wi th winter squash and o t h e r p r o d u c t s .” - J o h n Yu s h k e v i c h Squash is in season now at local farms.

16

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

+ Cavanna’s Farm — 80 Woodland St., 860-659-1856. Fruits, Christmas trees, pick-your-own. facebook.com/cavannasfarm1903 + Deercrest Farm — 3499 Hebron Ave., 860-633-4407. Fruits, vegetables, greens, herbs. turnips, apples. deercrestfarm.com + Dondero Orchards — 529 Woodland St., 860-659-0294, Dondero Orchards Mountain View Farm — 3582 Hebron Ave., 860-430-2212. Pickyour-own fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers. donderoorchards.com + E. Draghi & Sons Farms — 80 Main St., 860-633-2197. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, Christmas trees, baked goods. draghifarms.com + Gutt Family Farm — 155 Addison Road. 860-659-4465. Vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, herbs. facebook.com/Gutt-Family-Farm + Horton Farm — 171 A Ferry Lane, 860-633-2235. Vegetables, eggs, jams, canned goods. facebook.com/Hortonfamilyfarms + Joseph Preli Farm and Vineyard — 235 Hopewell Road, 860633-7333. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, seasonal farmstand. josephprelifarm.com + Killam & Bassette Farmstead — 1098 Main St., & 14 Tryon St., 203-530-0083. Fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs, Christmas trees, greenery, goat cheese, eggs. kbfarmstead.com K&B jams.

+ Littel Acres Farm Market — 535 Griswold St., 860-633-1699.

Annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables, herbs, bakery. littelacresfarm.com + Robb's Farm — 91 Wassuc Road, 860-657-8235. Ice cream, eggs.

Includes Graceful Acres with locally grown plants. riverviewfarmsct.com + Rose’s Berry Farm — 295 Matson Hill Road; Farmstand — 1200 Hebron Ave., 860-633-7467. Pick-your-own fruits & vegetables, Christmas trees, flowers, honey, maple syrup, jams, vinegar, salsa. rosesberryfarm.com + Scotts Orchard and Nursery — 1838 New London Turnpike, 860 633-8681. Pick-your-own fruits, vegetables, Christmas trees.

Local cheese, jams, eggs, jellies. scottsorchardandnursery.com + The Old Cider Mill — 1287 Main St.. 860-778-4460. Historic cider mill. Pressed cider, apples, pumpkins, mums, sunflowers, ice cream. riverviewfarmsct.com + Thompson Street Farm — 49 Thompson St., 860-657-4361.

Farmers’ Market on Hubbard Green July-Oct. No onsite farm stand, pre-orders for pickup.

Greens, herbs, vegetable soaps, jams.

thompsonstreetfarm.com + Walnut Ledge Farm — 360 Matson Hill Road, 860-633-2286.

Fruits, chestnuts, herbs, vegetables, maple syrup. walnutledgefarm.com + Wind-Gait Farm — 45 Hi-Gait Farms Road, 860-659-3426.

Mohair yarns and fiber, goat milk soap. guide. farmfreshri.org + Belltown Hill Orchards — 475 Matson Hill Road, 860-

+ Wind Hill Community Farm — 3006 Hebron Ave., (860) 989-

633-2789; Fruits, vegetables, pick-your-own, farm bakery.

1909. Nonprofit community farm, vegetables, community organic

Belltownhillorchards.com

gardening. windhillfarm.org

+ Bussa Orchards — 101 Clark Hill Road, 860-633-2387; Apples, peaches, pears, plums. facebook.com/BussaOrchards0126/ + Butternut Farm — 1654 Main St., 860-633-7197; Eggs, goat products. butternutfarmbandb.com + Carini’s Berry Farm — 470 Chestnut Hill Road, 860-633-3110.

+ Woodland Farm — 615 Woodland St., 860-430-9942. Fruit cider, cut flowers. woodlandfarmllc.com + Woolly Acres — 581 Thompson St., 860-430-4503. Organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs. fruits, vegetables, herbs, cut flowers. woollyacres.wordpress.com.

Fruits, vegetables, pick-your-own. facebook.com/pages/Carini's CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

17

RENOVATE & REFINE

WHERE HISTORY AND ART MEET

One of the guest Bedrooms

DESIGNER MICHELE KRITICOS’ LOVE OF ART SHINES IN THE RENOVATED SILAS W. ROBIBNS HOUSE

THE FORMAL DINING ROOM IN MICHELE KRITICOS’ PICTURESQUE ENGLISH TUDOR IS LIKE AN ARTISTIC METAPHOR FOR THE WOMAN HERSELF. Every wall of the tidy room is covered by a mural of pastoral Michele Kriticos

serenity. Painted in warm hues it depicts people walking along a scenic river and through meticulously landscaped grounds that surround large homes.

In the middle of the room the dining table is covered by a crisp white tablecloth and set with full-service china, seemingly ready for a sumptuous five-course meal.

“I create constantly,” Michele says. “Everything you see today is me, it reflects who I am.”

An interior designer whose artistic endeavors go well beyond creating beautiful home spaces, Michele says one of her crowning achievements was the interior design she undertook on the historic Silas W. Robbins House in Old Wethersfield.

Constructed in 1873 the rambling French Victorian home was built in the Second Empire style. It’s one of many historic homes in Old Wethersfield but is unique in its sheer size and colorful and ornate architecture.

Michele, a longtime Old Wethersfield resident, says she had longed to someday design the home’s interior.

“Every time I would drive by it I had this yearning, if only I could get

The Kitchen

my hands on that house.”

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTOPHER MEECH 18

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

Her hopes were dashed, however, when the home suffered serious damages in 1996 fire.

In 2001 new owners started an arduous renovation of the home that lasted until 2007 when it was opened as a bed and breakfast inn.

An interior designer for nearly 35 years, Michele dabbles in numerous art forms, including painting and jewelry-making.

Michele was hired during the renovation to do interior design work on the sprawling three-story mansion.

Her most recent passion, she says, is designing small, hand painted acrylic stones that she sells on friendchipsbymck.

“It was a huge undertaking,” she says.

com under the brand FriendChips. Each stone comes with

Some of the work included recreating details from some of the

space to write an intention or affirmation on the back to pass

design elements that survived the fire. It meant removing things like

along to friends and family.

colored floor tiles and wall wainscoting and having someone recreate their patterns so they could be reinstalled in their entirety.

Scattered across her dining room table one recent afternoon were hundreds of the brightly colored glass stones.

During the process workers unearthed original 18th century walls

She started making them, she says, in part because of her

with detailed paint and wallpaper designs that Michele was able to

constant artistic need to create beauty and to counter what

recreate for the new owners.

she felt was an overwhelming amount of cultural negativity.

“To see it in person is an overwhelming experience,” she says.

It took her over nine months to complete the interior, which was massive because she had to maintain continuity of design

“I just wanted to make something beautiful because I felt like there was so much ugliness in the world right now. I’m just passionate about making things beautiful.”

over so many rooms.

“I had never done Victorian design before but I fell into it naturally.”

When the work was done, Michele says, the home was featured in a Hallmark Christmas movie, “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane.”

The entire community took part in some way for the film, she says.

“The whole town was dressed up for it.”

The exterior of the Silas W. Robbins House

The Second Floor Landing The Ballroom

“EVERY TIME I WOULD DRIVE

BY IT I HAD THIS YEARNING, IF ONLY I COULD GET MY HANDS ON THAT HOUSE.”

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

19

LOCALLY OWNED

EMMY LOU’S GIFT SHOP IS A LONGTIME LOCAL FIXTURE

Brimming With Style IF YOU’VE EVER VISITED EMMY LOU’S

Lou decorates her shop with at least a half dozen

GIFT SHOP, YOU’RE PROBABLY WELL

Christmas trees and makes the most of the former

ACQUAINTED WITH ITS NAMESAKE, EMMY

home’s numerous fireplaces, decking them out

LOU DEBARI, AS WELL AS HER CONSTANT

with holiday finery as well.

COMPANION, GINGER GIRL.

She usually starts working on those holiday

“People come in and they look for Ginger Girl

decorations just after Halloween, but this year,

right away,” says Emmy Lou. “She’s always here

with the changes wrought by the Coronavirus,

and everyone loves to see her. And she loves

she’s not sure when she’ll start planning her

everyone, especially children.”

Christmas themes.

Ginger Girl, a 12-year-old Welsh Corgi and

“Everything in here changes for Christmas

former show dog, is pretty much the mascot of

but it’s such an anomaly this year, I’m not sure

Emmy Lou’s Gift Shop, now in its 35th year of

when we’re going to start.”

operations here.

Emmy Lou started the business in May of

Still, there’s plenty in Emmy Lou’s to capture the shopper’s attention.

1985 in a building at 2211 Main St. About 15 years

From the front entrance to the last fireplace

ago she moved the store to its current location

in the multi-room store, Emmy Lou’s brims with

at 17 Hebron Ave. Her boutique takes up the

a variety of home goods, jewelry, knick-knacks,

entire first floor of the large Colonial home at

clothes, furnishings and decorations. Virtually

the corner of Hebron Avenue and Main Street.

every table, mantel and display shelf overflows

It’s owned by the town and formerly served as

with colorful goods and gifts.

the community’s Senior Center.

There’s an entire display of Glastonbury and

Known for her home decor and unique gifts,

Connecticut goods at the store’s entrance, racks

Emmy Lou’s seasonal exterior decorations at

of women’s clothing are sprinkled throughout

her shop have become iconic local fixtures.

the shop, right now there’s an abundance of

“It’s a perfect location,” Emmy Lou says.

fall decorations and goods and there’s even

“We’re right on the corner and right across

a Christmas tree with twinkling white lights

from a park, so we get a lot of foot traffic. It’s

decked out in fall decorations.

worked out perfectly being in the center of

There are lamps, clocks, baskets, shab-

town here. I decorate outside for every sea-

by-chic mirrors, signs, planters, framed prints,

son. We try to keep the flavor of the seasons

jewelry, curios (even an entire family of wooden

going throughout the year.”

chickens), planters, vases, gift cards, books,

In the fall, there are Halloween and pumpkin

garden statuaries, mugs, plates, scarves, sweat-

displays, in spring and summer there are flowers

ers, ribbons and even, in a nod to the current

and wreaths on the front door of the historic home.

pandemic, custom made face masks.

And of course, at Christmas, there’s a sleight out

Every year in January Emmy Lou attends an

front decorated with holiday finery. Inside, Emmy

annual gift store trade show, the International

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

20

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

Emmy Lou and her Welsh Corgi, Ginger Girl

The entrance of Emmy Lou's

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

21

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED) Gift Show in Atlanta, and buys enough goods to see her through the entire year.

“By the end of January I’ve pretty much bought everything I need right through Christmas.”

She prides herself on selecting an eclectic inventory that is both approachable and affordable.

“We have a little bit of everything, gifts for every occasion. You can get a gift certificate for $5 or a gift for $100.”

That approach, she says, has served her well in more than three decades in business.

“Most of my customers are repeat customers. They always seem to find something here that they like.”

Emmy Lou says she specializes in custom-designed home decor items and florals, including seasonal door wreaths, baskets and garlands.

“We also have a lot of those items in the store, but we do custom orders and that’s a big part of our business.”

Her hours have shifted in recent months to accommodate shopping habits because of Covid19. Her hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturdays.

Check her website, emmylousgiftshop.com, for Sunday hours. You can also shop online.

22

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

Your #1 Appliance Store

WEST HARTFORD 1003 Farmington Ave

860.523.5271

GLASTONBURY 97 New London Turnpike

860.633.1065

www.SKLaveryAppliance.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

23

FINANCIAL BUZZ

Medicare Open E n r o l l m e n t i s Up o n U s NAVIGATING THE MYRIAD OF MEDICARE OPTIONS CAN BE CONFUSING. WE ASKED PATTERSON INSURANCE SERVICES HOW THEY CAN HELP.

Q. WHY DO SENIORS NEED HELP SELECTING A MEDICARE PLAN? A. It's every person for themselves when it comes to

Picking the right Medicare plan can be overwhelming. A professional can help cut through the confusion.

2. Medicare Supplement and enroll in a Part D Plan. There are up to 12 Supplement Plans in Connecticut designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare.

Medicare. There's no such thing as a family Medicare plan.

3. Medicare Advantage Plans: Private insurance com-

Often, we see couples on entirely different plans. There

panies offer these, they have a calendar year maximum

is a myriad of options available beyond Basic Medicare for

out of pocket cap and offer embedded benefits that

people 65 and older and younger people with specific dis-

Original Medicare doesn't. Benefits include vision, dental,

abilities. It's split into Part A and Part B. Part A covers hos-

gym memberships, over the counter, eyewear, and hearing

pitalization and skilled nursing services, Part B covers pre-

aid allowances. There are 27 Medicare Advantage plans

ventive and medically necessary services, such as doctor

offered in Connecticut, depending on where you live.

visits, testing, medical equipment, outpatient services, and

surgeries, and limited prescription drugs. Some services

Q. HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH OPTION IS

aren't covered under Original Medicare. There are deduct-

RIGHT FOR YOU AND THEN SELECT A PLAN?

ibles for Part A and Part B and co-insurance for Part B. A

A. As Personal Insurance Advisors, we have a unique

person typically won't pay a premium for Part A if they or

four-step process that analyzes your physical and emo-

their spouse worked for at least 40 quarters. There may

tional needs to help you select the best fit. We guide

be a monthly premium for Part B services, that amount

you and outline the process, starting with signing up

is contingent on income. Beneficiaries must choose one

for Original Medicare and the plan selection. We walk

option among three categories of Medicare:

you through the enrollment process. We're currently

1. Stay with Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. There are 25 drug plans in Connecticut.

24

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

certified with available plans in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, North, and South Carolina.

Diane Patterson, Ed Patterson and Amy Patterson, of Patterson Insurance Services.

Q. WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT WHEN SELECTING A PLAN? A. Each person is unique, your plan should be right for you.

Make sure your providers are in the plan network. Make sure

Q. WHAT ARE THE RANGE OF PROGRAMS? A. There are 39 Medicare Medical Plans approved by the State of Connecticut Insurance Commission and 25 Prescription Drug Plans.

all your medications are covered under the plan you want. Drug lists vary from company to company.

Q. ONCE YOU PICK A PLAN, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A 'TUNE-UP' EVERY YEAR?

Q. WHAT ARE THE TOP CONCERN SENIORS HAVE ABOUT MEDICARE?

A. The plans are approved annually and insurance companies can make changes each year. As we age, our healthcare

A. Seniors can get overwhelmed with all the options. Everyone

needs change, making switching plans advantageous.You can

wants to make the right choice, but the research is tedious and

re-evaluate your choices each year and select a new plan. You

time-consuming. Although Medicare is a national program, there

might also be able to switch plans through special enrollments

are state-specific regulations that are difficult to obtain if you

throughout the year.

are not licensed. We provide the tools and guidance to allevi-

Patterson Insurance Services

ate that stress so you make an informed decision quickly.

860-428-7149 pattersonmedicare.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

25

CULINARY CREATIONS

As A m e r i c a n As . . .

THIS YEAR, TRY APPLE PIE WITH A HOMEMADE CRUST

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

26

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

MY MOM WASN’T A GREAT COOK, DAD WAS THE CHEF IN OUR LARGE FAMILY. But one thing Mom knew how to make well, and passed that recipe onto me, was apple pie.

Women who made pies decades ago, like my mom, didn’t have the option of grabbing ready-made pie dough in the grocery store. While I’ll confess I often do that now, there’s really nothing like apple pie with a light and crumbly homemade crust. Takes a little longer, but it’s definitely worth the effort!

Here’s Mom’s best homemade pie dough recipe.

pie dough I n g r e d i e n ts + 2 1/2 cups flour + 1/2 cup cold water + 1 stick cold butter + 1/2 tspn salt

Method 01 Combine flour and salt in a bowl.

02 Using either a pastry blender or two butter knives cut butter into flour until butter is the size of peas.

03 Make a well in the mixture and add the cold water.

04 Mix with hands until dough forms a ball.

05 Refrigerate 1 hour, remove and then split into two balls.

06 On a floured surface, flatten each ball by hand.

07 Roll out each ball to fit either a 9-inch or 10-inch pie plate.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

27

DIY ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

Pumpkin Pe r fe c t i o n PUT THE CARVING TOOLS DOWN + CHECK OUT HOW YOU CAN ADD SOME PIZZAZZ TO YOUR PUMPKINS WITH JUST A PAINT BRUSH

THE +

For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.

+

Paint

your

“background”

pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.

28

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

C R E E P Y C R AW L E R

THE

G A L AC T I C GOURD

+

Go to the “dark side” with this design that requires matte black paint, white paint, some metallic paint (for an out-ofthis-world vibe) and some newspapers. Be careful—this one could get messy!

+

Leave your stems natural or cover with metallic paint if desired. Then, coat your mini pumpkins in matte black paint— be sure to cover everything!

+

You can leave some matte black, but for an extra touch, lay out newspaper and splatter your white paint onto some of your black pumpkins. Bonus—as long as you catch it before it dries, any paint should be easily removed with some warm water.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

29

Keeping Your Home & Family

P U T YO U R C IT Y O N O U R M A P. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

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

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

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

Confidence is a

beautiful

smile

Call us for a free cosmetic consultation!

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

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

(860) 659-8660

HartfordCosmeticDentist.com

Steven M. Balloch, DDS

300 Hebron Ave Ste 112 Glastonbury, CT

Jeffrey J. Glavin, DDS CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

31

OCTOBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

TAI JI QUAN: MOVING FOR BETTER BALANCE

business has to offer and what lead

exchange groups. Free and open to

they are looking for. Please bring busi-

all. A roster of all registered attend-

ness cards and marketing materials.

ees is distributed. To register please visit crvchamber.org.

Zoom

Take steps now to improve your strength and balance and maintain an active lifestyle! Years of research

5

8

VIRTUAL MONDAY GAMES Online

We have put together some fun inter-

behind this therapeutic movement

active games - Play as a team or one

program aimed at improving postural

on one, it all depends on the number

Come learn Blackletter Calligraphy, a

stability, awareness and mindful con-

of people interested. Let us keep our

classic, dramatic lettering style and a

trol of body positioning, functional

brains active with fun interaction. To

great way to introduce yourself to the

walking, movement symmetry and

register email norma.carey@glaston-

broad edge nib. Calligrapher Debby

coordination to prevent falls. Virtual

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

Reelitz will teach you the basics, pro-

community

evaluations

7720 for more information.

1

THAT’S WEIRD! LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

Zoom, 6 p.m.

vide you with guidelines and lettering

class, Zoom required. Call 860-652-

5

samples you can trace, and guide you

HOMEMADE RAVIOLI VIRTUAL PROGRAM FROM WELLESTURNER MEMORIAL LIBRARY.

860-652-7720 to register.

through a project. Sponsored by the

Zoom

Welles-Turner Memorial Library. Call

15

Welles-Turner Memorial Library,

Join Katie Shepherd, Registered

2407 Main St.

Dietitian, and learn how to make

Museums are full of objects that

your own ravioli from scratch. You’ll

make staff and visitors say, "Huh?"

be guided through mixing, knead-

Present

But what makes these objects so

ing and rolling your pasta dough

Memorial

strange to us? What makes an object

and

Master

"weird?" This presentation explores

filling. Katie will also answer ques-

will speak about the natural history

some strange museum items. You'll

tions nutrition. Registration with a

of black bears in Connecticut and

learn how even the oddest artifacts

valid email address is required in

provide an overview of black bear

can be gateways into a deeper

order to receive login information

habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction

understanding and appreciation of

on the day of the Zoom meeting.

and current research efforts. The

our history. Register online or at the

Call 860-652-7720 to register.

presentation also provides practi-

create

a

delicious

cheesy

1 MORNING LEADS EXCHANGE GROUP WITH THE CHAMBER

BLACK BEARS IN CONNECTICUT Zoom

by

the

Library, Wildlife

Welles-Turner Paul

Colburn,

Conservationist,

cal recommendations for optimum

library, 860-652-7720.

32

INTRODUCTION TO CALLIGRAPHY FOR TEENS

are

and

6

coexistence with our black bear population. Contact

LEADS EXCHANGE GROUP IN MARLBOROUGH

Regions Real Estate Advisors,

860-652-7720

to register.

16

The Tannery, 917 New London Turnpike

15 N Main St, Marlborough

Join us in the Founder’s Club meet-

This is not your average network-

ing room every first Thursday of

ing meeting. Leads to Marlborough

the month. The Chamber's Leads

works to establish personal relation-

Exchange Group is open to mem-

ships that go beyond the 30-second

300 Welles St.

bers and those interested in joining

elevator pitch. Attend a meeting

The Glastonbury Apple Harvest &

the Chamber. All attendees have a

and see why Leads to Marlborough

Music Festival will not be as it was in

thirty-second opportunity to intro-

is one of the fastest-growing, fun

the past - but we are offering slices

duce themselves, explain what their

and

up until such time as when it can

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

effective

lead

generation/

46TH APPLE HARVEST & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Welles Street Riverfront Park,

be determined we can host parts of the festival. The governmental mandates will determine if and how we can responsibly host any of the traditional attractions of the festival.

17 RENBROOK SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 2865 Albany Ave., West Hartford

Renbrook School Fall Festival Open House. Explore parts of our 75-acre campus and experience how Renbrook School brings learning to life! (Rain date – Sunday, October 18) Register for your time slot at www.renbrook.org/visit.

17 COMMUNITY PAPER SHRED EVENT

Highway Department Office, 2380 New London Turnpike

This town event is free to residents. No business or commercial users; up to 8 box/bag limit. Proof of residency is required. Reminder: This is to safely dispose of sensitive documents only, such as bank statements, cancelled checks, credit card statements, pay stubs, medical records, tax records, etc. Other non-sensitive papers may be recycled routinely with the town's program.

Emmy Lou’s, Ltd

Gift Shop

20 ACOUSTIC GUITAR VIRTUAL CONCERT FROM THE WELLES-TURNER MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Distinctive Home Decor Custom Florals

and

Zoom

Peter Biedermann is a solo instrumental guitarist based in Green Valley, AZ who has been composing and performing for over 45 years and will be performing for the fourth time for the Welles-Turner Memorial Library. Registration with a valid email address is required in order to receive login information on the day of the Zoom meeting.

21 VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS Online

Virtual Cooking with Lindsey, a Retail Dietitian at ShopRite. Registration is required fo this online class.

To register email norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov or CONTINUED >

17 Hebron Avenue , Glastonbury

| (860) 633-9565

emmylousgiftshop.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

33

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR call 860-652-7650 and leave your name, phone number and email address.

22 CONNECTICUT WITCH TRIALS Zoom, 7:30 p.m.

The harrowing story of the hanging of witches in our state will be covered in this program. Hear the stories of some of the women and men accused, tried and executed as witches, and how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witch accusations. Call 860-652-7720 to register.

23 VETERANS SOCIAL Online

Veterans Social with Sherri Vogt, Veteran Liaison Hartford Healthcare Home. A support group for veterans. Topics may include: presumptive diseases, service-connected disabilities, Aid & Attendance, Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal, burial allowances for survivors of veterans and more. Register by email to norma.carey@glastonbury-ct.gov

Bringing Learning to Life - Outdoors

29 RENBROOK SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Online

Renbrook School Virtual Open House. Visit with the Renbrook Admission Department and members of the Leadership Team to explore a Renbrook education for your child. Register at www.renbrook.org/visit.

DISCOVER RENBROOK! ...and our Outdoor Learning

Open House Fall Festival

Saturday, October 17 - 9 am - noon (Rain Date, Sunday, October 18)

Virtual Open House

Thursday, October 29 at 4:30 pm

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

Registration Required Details at renbrook.org/visit

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury using the Get In

Age 3 - Grade 8 | West Hartford 34

Glastonbury Lifestyle | October 2020

would love to hear from you! Contact us at Touch link and let us know what you think.

OCTOBER Pick Your Own Apples!

So Many Pumpkins to Choose from!

Apple Fritters | Farm-Made Pies and Cookies Award Winning Jams | Pickles | Pesto

529 Woodland Street South, Glastonbury www.DonderoOrchards.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

35