NOW SERVING DINNER
Kids & Pets Issue
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.
Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for [our city’s] kids in this issue.
Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
Cheers!
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Katherine Bode | katherine.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Sarah Lodge, LeAnn Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
CARLA COSENZI & FAMILY
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY OF TOMMY CAR AUTO GROUP AND HOW IT HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Growing up surrounded by the automotive industry, I witnessed my father's evolution from a wholesaler to a used car dealer, eventually acquiring his first new car franchise: Chrysler. Despite this background, my initial interests diverged, leading me to pursue undergraduate studies in psychology and develop a passion for research. I worked as a research assistant and in a hospital setting, planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Tommy Car Auto Group
“Our journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to transforming the car-buying experience for our customers.”
However, during the application process for my Ph.D., there was a gap in time before I would start, so my father asked me to assist at the dealership. Stepping into this male-dominated industry, particularly as the owner's daughter, was challenging. I faced resistance and skepticism, with many assuming my position was due to nepotism rather than merit. Despite this, I was determined to prove myself and earn respect.
I enrolled in the NADA Dealer Academy, where I discovered a new passion for the automotive business. Leveraging my psychology background, I sought to revolutionize the car-buying experience and bring fresh perspectives to our business practices. I immersed myself in every aspect of the dealership, eventually taking on managerial roles and running a store.
The trajectory of my life and career changed dramatically when my father, at just 49 years old, was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma brain tumor. Despite initially being given only six months, he lived for over two more years, during which we spent invaluable time together, and I gained insights that shaped my approach to business.
Following my father's passing in 2009, my brother and I took ownership of the dealerships. Since then, we have been dedicated to honoring our father's legacy and continuing the growth of Tommy Car Auto Group. Our journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to transforming the car-buying experience for our customers.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTORS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF TOMMY CAR AUTO GROUP?
At Tommy Car Auto Group, our success is rooted in a commitment to creating a people-focused culture.
Our journey started with my father's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to exceptional service. His values of integrity, customer care, and hard work continue to inspire and guide us. Being a family-owned business, I hold a deep commitment to both our community and our employees.
Our employees are our greatest asset. Building a truly people-focused culture has been essential to our success. I prioritize their development, well-being, and engagement. This commitment is evident in our continuous efforts to provide professional growth opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a strong sense of belonging within our team.
The automotive industry is ever-evolving, and our ability to innovate and adapt has been crucial. From embracing digital marketing strategies to implementing cutting-edge technologies in our operations, we strive to stay ahead of industry trends. This focus on innovation ensures that we meet the changing needs of our customers and maintain a competitive edge.
At the heart of our business is a dedication to exceptional customer service. I aim to make the car-buying experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. By deeply understanding and exceeding customer expectations, we have built long-lasting relationships and a loyal customer base.
Giving back to the community is a core value for me. Through initiatives like the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament
and the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship, we support local causes and make a positive impact. This community-focused approach not only strengthens our ties with the local area but also reflects our commitment to social responsibility.
Under the leadership of my brother and me, Tommy Car Auto Group has continued to thrive. We carry forward our father's vision and are dedicated to steering the company towards a future of sustained growth and success. My leadership is focused on strategic planning, fostering a collaborative culture, and setting a clear direction for our team.
I invest in our employees' professional development and empower them to take initiative. By offering continuous training and growth opportunities, I ensure that our team is equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. This investment in our people is a cornerstone of our long-term success.
As we look to the future, I remain committed to scaling our people processes and capabilities in readiness for the next chapter of business growth. Our ongoing focus on fostering a supportive and innovative culture will continue to drive our success and set us apart in the automotive industry.
HOW DO YOU STAY COMPETITIVE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE SHAPING ITS FUTURE?
First and foremost, we prioritize customer experience. We believe that by providing exceptional service at every touchpoint, from sales to service, we can differentiate ourselves from the competition.
Second, we invest heavily in our team. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure that our employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Third, we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. Currently, we’re implementing the latest digital marketing tools to enhance the customer’s online buying experience; we're committed to leveraging technology to improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience.
As for future trends, we see several shaping the industry. One major trend is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the need for sustainable mobility solutions. We prepared for this shift by expanding our EV inventory and investing in charging stations.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A BUSINESS LEADER WITH YOUR ROLE AS A MOTHER?
Balancing my responsibilities as a business leader and a mother is certainly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. I’ve found that the key to managing both roles effectively lies in a combination of intention, strategic planning and setting priorities.
Firstly, I prioritize and organize my time meticulously. I plan my schedule, making sure to allocate dedicated time for both my business commitments and family activities. It’s essential to have a clear separation between work and home life to ensure that I can be fully present in each role.
“I want my children to grow up understanding the significance of helping those in need and being compassionate towards others.”
Secondly, I’m fortunate to have an incredible team at TommyCar Auto Group who share my vision and values. Delegating responsibilities and trusting my team allows me to balance my workload effectively. It’s important to surround yourself with people who are capable and share your commitment to the business. This way, I can step away when needed without compromising the company's operations.
Maintaining my well-being through activities like running, helps me stay energized and focused, allowing me to be the best leader and mother I can be.
Ultimately, I embrace the fact that sometimes there will be overlap between my roles. I make it a point to involve my children in community events or business activities where appropriate, which not only helps them understand what I do but also allows us to spend quality time together.
WHAT VALUES OR LESSONS DO YOU HOPE TO INSTILL IN YOUR CHILDREN THROUGH YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCES?
Firstly, the importance of hard work and perseverance. I want my children to understand that success comes from dedication, resilience, and hard work.
Secondly, the power of empathy and kindness. My work with Carla Cares and our community initiatives reflect the importance of giving back and supporting others. I want my children to grow up understanding the significance of helping those in need and being compassionate towards others.
Moreover, resilience in the face of adversity is a lesson I hope to impart. Life and business are full of ups and downs, and I want my children to learn how to navigate these with strength and grace. By sharing my experiences and how I overcome challenges, I aim to teach them that setbacks are part of the journey and can be valuable learning opportunities.
WHAT
INSPIRED YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN CHARITABLE WORK, AND HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE THAT INTO YOUR BUSINESS?
After my father's passing, my brother and I were determined to honor his legacy by not only continuing to grow our business but also by deepening our connection to the community. This commitment inspired us to rebrand as a women-owned and operated business and introduce Carla Cares—an initiative that embodies our dedication to giving back and supporting causes close to our hearts and the community's.
Two initiatives at the heart of Carla Cares:
The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament: This annual event, established in memory of my father, raises funds for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Over the years, we have proudly raised over $1.6 million for Dana-Farber, contributing significantly to the fight against cancer and continuing my father's legacy of resilience and generosity.
The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship: This scholarship program, created to honor my father's dedication to education and community, provides
“We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders through mentorship and leadership development programs tailored specifically for women.”
financial assistance to deserving students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. By supporting their academic goals and dreams, we are investing in the future and continuing his legacy of giving and community support.
Carla Cares also places a strong emphasis on empowering women and fostering leadership. We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders through mentorship and leadership development programs tailored specifically for women. These initiatives are designed to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers and beyond.
We are committed to supporting small, women-owned businesses by providing them with the exposure they need to succeed. Recognizing the vital role of connection and growth, we regularly host networking events and workshops designed to bring women together. These gatherings not only facilitate professional development but also create valuable networking opportunities. By fostering a strong support system, we help women-owned businesses thrive and lead, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Our community-focused culture extends to our workplace, where we attract and retain employees who take pride in being part of an organization dedicated to giving back. Our team members are not just employees; they are integral partners in our mission to support the community.
Through Carla Cares, we continue to make a positive impact every day, both in our business operations and through our community-focused efforts.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW INITIATIVES OR PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE THAT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT?
We have some exciting new initiatives coming to the forefront that will enhance our customer experience and improve every touchpoint of the customer journey. As technology in our industry evolves, we are committed to evolving with it. By investing in new technology, we aim to provide a seamless Omni channel experience for our customers, whether they engage with us online, in-store, or through our mobile apps. This approach makes interacting with us easy and convenient.
We also have plans to expand and enhance our loyalty programs to reward our repeat customers and incentivize long-term engagement with our brand.
Looking ahead, we have some major projects in the pipeline set to be unveiled later this year and early next year. While we can’t disclose all the details yet, we can assure you that these initiatives will bring significant enhancements to our operations.
In addition, we are also embarking on several expansion efforts aimed at better serving our customers and the community. These expansions will enhance our capabilities, improve our services, and
ensure we continue to meet our customers' needs. We can't wait to share these exciting developments with you!
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR ROLE EVOLVING IN BOTH YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE IN THE NEXT FIVE TO TEN YEARS?
As I continue my journey of personal and professional growth, my focus remains on achieving organizational success. I am always working on a “balance” between work and my family life. I strive to be strategic in my approach, ensuring that my long-term goals align with the broader vision of the company.
I plan to be more intentional with my time management, focusing on prioritizing tasks and activities that align with my goals. When I am at work, I remain fully focused, which allows me to enjoy more quality time at home with my family. A key component of this balance is my investment in our employees. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I aim to foster a more collaborative and innovative work environment. This commitment to my team supports their growth and contributes to a more dynamic and successful organization.
At home, my goal is to be present and fully engaged. Being available and attentive to my family is as important to me as being effective and focused at work.
I am continually seeking opportunities for growth by acquiring new skills that enable me to contribute more effectively. I have been taking on more leadership responsibilities to guide and mentor other women in our organization and community. I look forward to dedicating more time to this mentorship in the future, helping others navigate their paths to success.
Lastly, my focus is on fostering healthy, sustainable growth for our company. As we explore new opportunities for expansion, it is equally important to sustain and enhance our existing operations. This ensures we maintain the high standards that our customers and employees expect from us.
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
ARTICLE
BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA
BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it , but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm— those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
HOW
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TAKE A PAGE FROM CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FOR CLASSIC BIRTHDAY PARTY THEMES
let the WILD RUMPUS begin
ARTICLE BY CHERYL PARTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Whether seeking philosophical guidance or deciding what’s for dinner, recipes for life can be found in literature. We learn from great minds that came before us, and that’s true when planning a birthday party. Take a page from classical children’s books to find themes that combine playfulness, colorful illustration and words to inspire food, décor and games that will tickle the fancy of youthful guests, with a central activity of reading aloud. Published in 1963, “Where the Wild Things Are” is one of the most recognizable children’s picture books of all time. Writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak created a universal story about mastering fears. Dressed in his wolf costume, and sent to his room for creating havoc at home, young Max travels to an island of Wild Things where he becomes king. It’s a story about childhood resilience and mastery of fears, but simply observed, the fantastical book provides a colorful segue to an afternoon birthday romp in the park. When it comes to wild things, enjoy inspiration from our own party, plus we’ve compiled some ideas for ways to help the rumpus begin based on other beloved titles:
“ We learn from great minds that came before us, and that’s true when planning a birthday party.”
“Regardless of the theme, be sure to leave time to read a favorite passage from the central book of choice.”
“WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE” BY MAURICE SENDAK
As a costume party, have guests dress as their favorite wild thing. A crown-making activity allows everyone to be King (or Queen) for a day.
GAME: Wild Rumpus Dance Party. A twist on the Freeze Dance, guests dance and prance freely until the music stops. An extra step means that player is out. A winner is the last “beast” to stand still after multiple rounds of play.
“CURIOUS GEORGE” BY MARGRET AND H. A. REY
Gather a barrel of monkeys, plus your favorite Man in the Yellow Hat, for a party where guests can go bananas. George always seems to wander, so try a scavenger hunt that meanders from clue to clue. Banana cupcakes, banana bread, and a tower of bananas add a healthy touch to the dessert table.
GAME: Monkey in the Middle. Create a circle with one guest in the middle. Toss a ball, or soft monkey toy, across the circle without the monkey in the middle catching it.
“DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!” BY MO WILLEMS
Though an unlikely party host, pigeon—with his wide-eyed enthusiasm—sets a party tone. Eat “bird seed” trail mix and hot dogs (inspired by another Willems title, “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!”). Printable images of Pigeon lend themselves to thematic and whimsical decorations.
GAME: Red Light, Green Light. With guests as “bus drivers,” they make their way to the station/finish line with a twist on this classic party game.
Regardless of the theme, be sure to leave time to read a favorite passage from the central book of choice. Give books as party favors or add a layer of philanthropy by having guests bring their favorite book to donate to a local nonprofit.
Costumes by Sarah Lodge and styled by Sarah, Lodge, Janie Jones and Angela Broockerd.
Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
And don’t get me wrong — I love a PB&J. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.
I was actually inspired by a sandwich at one of my favorite places to eat. All the restaurant’s sandwiches feature cheese. So color me surprised when I found that they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the menu — with the addition of sheep’s cheese. And cue more surprise when I discovered that it was absolutely delicious.
IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME
CHANGE UP YOUR PB&J GAME BY DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE OL’ STANDBY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
All summer, I was craving this sandwich, a fresh PB&J sandwich on sourdough. I decided to try my own at home with what I had on hand, which was goat cheese. And it opened up a whole new world for me.
The PB&J with goat cheese started being my standard poolside sandwich this summer, and then I started talking to other people about it, spreading the gospel of the PB&J with cheese, and they would share their PB&J innovations with me. You could toast them! Put chips on them! Add bacon! The possibilities were endless.
The PB&J is so nostalgic and, yeah, sometimes, you just want a really basic one on white bread with grape jelly and creamy Jif like you had when you were a kid. But it’s also fun to be playful about it, which is nostalgic in its own way, too — being innovative and doing something a little weird or against the rules, just like when you were a kid.
“YOU COULD TOAST THEM! PUT CHIPS ON THEM! ADD BACON! THE POSSIBILITIES WERE ENDLESS. “
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:
Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.
Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.
Toast it: One of my favorite ways to make an “elevated” PB&J is to simply toast it. It’s really similar to grilled cheese — make your PB&J, and then spread some butter on the outside on both sides. Melt some butter in a pan and add your sandwich, flipping once browned. If you want to get really fancy, sprinkle some powdered sugar on before you cut into it. I promise it will be your new late-night craving.
New spreads: You probably already have a go-to jelly for your PB&J (mine is strawberry), but change it up a bit and try raspberry or apricot. Honey is a great addition, too! I’ve also heard ginger or lemon preserves are great, or you could try swapping the peanut butter out for something different nut butter, or even something worldly like tahini, which is a ground sesame seed paste with a similar flavor to peanut butter.
Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your PB&J game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!
Add some spice: Putting some spice on your PB&J can add some interest. Sambal, an Indonesian chili paste, is a good option because it lends itself to sweetness, or Sriracha is an easy one since it’s a common fridge staple. I’m also a big fan of gochujang, a mildly spicy Korean paste with a hint of sweetness. It’s best to mix your spice in with your peanut butter before spreading it — it’ll remind you of satay!
Chip in: Probably the wackier idea you’ll see here, and one a toddler would either love or abhor, but chips on sandwiches are a great way to add crunchiness and saltiness to any sandwich — especially the PB&J. Apparently, Channing Tatum loves to eat Cheetos on his PB&J, though I’ve had others tell me they love to add Doritos — both the Nacho and Cool Ranch variety — to theirs, too.
Say cheese: As I said earlier, you’ve gotta try cheese on your PB&J. I’m a fan of goat cheese, specifically the honey variety, but plain versions or those with dried fruit are great, too. The trick is to set it out for 15-20 minutes before making your sandwich to soften it a bit, so it’s easier to spread on delicate bread.
It’s bacon!: Bacon lends itself well to peanut butter because it’s also both sweet and salty. If you’re opposed to adding straight-up strips of bacon to your sandwich, a bacon jam, which you can buy or make at home, is a good stepping stone to getting out of your comfort zone.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kid-friendly activity.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
