West Hartford, CT December 2022

Welcome to December!

We say it every year, but it's true: Hard to believe it's December already and the New Year is upon us. The holiday season is in full swing, Chanukah is Dec. 18 this year, and then it's on to Christmas and New Year's.

This is our Holiday & Giving Issue and with that in mind, we've got several stories to get you in the spirit of the season.

Here in West Hartford, folks know how to ring in the holidays! Back again this year are the annual Holiday Stroll in West Hartford Center, hosted by the local chamber and Blue Back Square, and the Fire on Ice celebration, hosted by the Chabad House of Greater Hartford, at Town Hall. Both fami ly-friendly events feature entertainment, food, beverages, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as candy giveaways.

If you're looking for other types of entertainment to get you in the spirit of the season, Ballet Hartford has kicked off its series of performances of The Nutcracker. The ballet company shares with us the history of the com pany and how it's grown over the years.

This month is the season of gift-giving and shopping so we paid a visit to Coco Lily, a women's and gift boutique in Avon Village that prides itself on its timeless fashion choices.

And in line with holiday giving we have a story about City Lifestyle’s Giving Campaign, which is donating $300,000 this year to help people in need.

We also visited with an icon in the West Hartford community, Philip Lazowski, Rabbi Emeritus at The Emanuel Synagogu. He shares with us his inspirational story of fleeing the Nazis and his continuing efforts to keep alive the history of the Holocaust.

We hope you enjoy our Holiday edition of West Hartford Lifestyle maga zine and that your holidays and New Year are the happiest yet!

PERRELLI, PUBLISHER

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Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Lobstercraft Reopens

Lobstercraft, the eatery that serves up fresh, hot lobster rolls and other goodies, held a ribbon cutting recently with the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the restaurant's reopening at 981-a Farmington Ave. Founded in 2012, by a Coast Guard captain and licensed lobster fisherman based in Connecticut, Lobstercraft today has restaurants in Greenwich, Fairfield, West Hartford, Block Island and Sarasota, Fl. Visit Lobstercraft.com for more information. On Facebook: @LobsterCraft .

Iron Works by Superb Steel Opens Local Shop

Iron Works by Superb Steel, an architectural metal fabrication company that makes and erects structural metal for buildings, decorative exteriors, cus tom railing, and custom jobs with metal, recently opened at 2575 Albany Ave. Visit Superb-Steel.com for more information.

West Hartford Apothecary Joins Chamber

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for the  West Hartford Apothecary, a new, locally-owned pharmacy and wellness business at 994 Farmington Ave. The Apothecary provides a "curated selection of health and wellness products featuring local purveyors who provide unique and high-quality products. While our convenient location in the heart of West Hartford Center is a huge plus for our clients, additional services including pre scription delivery, truly set us apart." Westhartfordapothecary.com.

Photography Ira Nozick

Photography Ira Nozick

Photography Ira Nozick

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestHartford

Performance Lab Opens New Location

The Performance Lab and the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce recently cel ebrated the physical therapy business's new location here at 635 New Park Ave., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Performance Lab is an all-inclusive model that brings the latest technologies for pain relief, wellness, and mobility together under one roof. We specialize in assessing your limitations and cre ating a custom treatment approach to restore your well-being. They also have offices in Prospect. Performancelabct.com.

Noah Webster House

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is delighted to pres ent an exhibit titled “Persistence,” featuring original works by West Hartford artist Mary Cottle Smeallie. The exhibit will be on display at the museum through December. Entrance to the exhibit after the reception is included with museum admission. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for information.

Greenwich Medical Spa Opens

Hello, West Hartford! Greenwich Medical Spa is thrilled to announce that we’ve opened our sixth Greenwich Medical Spa location, formerly The MedSpa, at 65 Raymond Road. This is a sister location to our Glastonbury medical spa, allow ing us to provide award-winning service and results to all of Hartford County! Visit Greenwichmedicalspa.com for more information.

Scan to read more.

Photography Ira Nozick

Photography submitted by Mary Smeallie

Photography Melanie Lust

Ballet Hartford

BALLET IS BACK WHERE IT BELONGS

ARTICLE BY HANNAH BUSH | LEYNA DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL RUSSELL, IAN CHRISTMANN

October 18, 2022: Nestled away from the busy morning traffic, dancers grab their bags, pointe shoes and stride toward the doors of their studio, 224 EcoSpace, sore muscles reminding them of yester day’s rehearsal.

Early risers are mid-stretch, while the remaining dancers trickle in slowly, find ing their barre spot, finishing coffee and perfecting hair.

Every dancer’s preparation for the day is different; individualized routines and rituals have been crafted over time to best prepare the body and mind for the day ahead. Promptly, at 9:30 a.m. class begins and bodies start to move in unison through patterns that have withstood the test of time.

In many ways, ballet is timeless; for centuries, dancers have practiced a series of movements, codified in French, which stretch, strengthen and align the body. When the first ballet school opened in France in 1661, the codified vocabulary spread throughout the world. Just over 270 years after its established birth, ballet as we know it would change forever, with Hartford playing a pivotal role.

October 18, 1933: The man later known as the Father of American Ballet sets foot on American soil. The Wadsworth Museum in Hartford secures the needed funding and

paperwork to bring George Balanchine, Russian-born ballet genius and choreog rapher, to America.

The mastermind behind Balanchine’s arrival in Hartford is the director of the Wadsworth, Chick Austin. Young, innova tive, and desiring broadened art exposure, alongside balletomane, Lincoln Kirstein, work in tandem to bring Russian ballet to America. Their shared vision and financial backing land Balanchine in Hartford, ush ering in a new era of the art form with the birth of neoclassical ballet.

Although a series of events would later place Balanchine in New York City as the founder of New York City Ballet, it is imperative to acknowledge Austin, Kirstein and Hartford as the catalyst of this momentous advent.

With Balanchine’s influence sending neoclassical ballet racing across America, prestigious companies begin to surface among the states; a notable one being the former Hartford Ballet. With its excep tional reputation and dedicated audience, Hartford Ballet performed for decades before its closure in the mid-1990s.

In 2016, Ballet Hartford was established. Its mission is to bring and to be art for the city through high-caliber excellence and professionalism in technique and artistry.

Currently led by Artistic Director, Leyna Doran, and Company Manager, Hannah Bush, the organization is devoted to honoring the rich history of ballet here in Hartford from the times of Balanchine’s presence until now.

Much like the young, ambitious, and arts-minded friendship between Chick Austin and Lincoln Kirstein, both Doran and Bush are committed to seeing the arts flourish, transform the community, and bring revital ization to the Greater Hartford area.

With Doran stepping into her role as Artistic Director just prior to the onslaught of COVID-19, and Bush a few months after, the global pause paved the way for ample time to build relationships within the community.

The 224 EcoSpace at 224 Farmington Ave., is an expansive center once home to the Hartford Ballet. It graciously houses Ballet Hartford and its accom panying school. Classical music, once again, fills the grand studios, as dancers jump, spin, and suspend time with ethereal grace and control.

Amidst the classes, demonstrations, and rehears als, an overwhelming sense of gratitude fills the space. Echoes of the great ballets created in the past ring from the special Marley flooring to the sky-light, vaulted ceilings. The past is honored and in Hartford, ballet is back where it belongs.

BALLET HARTFORD

244 Farmington Ave., Hartford Ballethartford.com

On Facebook and Instagram: @ballethartford

Bring on the

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLUE BACK SQUARE, CHABAD HOUSE OF GREATER HARTFORD

‘Tis the season to make merry and that means it’s time for the annual Holiday Stroll and Fire on Ice celebra tions that commemorate the season’s two major holi days; Christmas and Chanukah.

This Holiday Stroll is a town-wide celebration coor dinated by Blue Back Square, the West Hartford Center Business Association, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the Town of West Hartford. It will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5-8 p.m., come “Snow, rain or shine!”

Fire on Ice is a festive event intended to “spread the light” of the Chanukah message and is organized by Chabad House of Greater Hartford. It will be held on

the first day of Chanukah, which this year is Sunday, Dec. 18, in West Hartford Center.

This marks the 35th year for the Holiday Stroll, an event that draws thousands to West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square.

“We are so excited to bring the people, businesses, and organizations together for multicultural festiv ities,” said Kate Kolb, of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. “It’s wonderful to see our community celebrate the winter holidays.”

The Center and Blue Back merchants will be fully decked out in holiday style, with beautiful and creative window displays. There will also be live entertainment on

Santa watches the Snowflake Waltz dancers at last year's stroll.

The Holiday Stroll horse-drawn carriage

A huge crowd turns out each year for the Holiday Stroll

Above: Lighting the menorah at Fire on Ice

Below: Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance again at this year's stroll.

two stages, one at Webster Walk in Blue Back Square, and the other at the Showmobile at the corner of Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road. Isham Road in Blue Back Square will be closed off to vehicles during the stroll, which runs from 5-8 p.m.

From 5-6:30 p.m., St. James’s Episcopal Church, at 1018 Farmington Ave., will offer a four-scene nativity walk, telling the original Christmas story. It will take place around the outside of the church in small groups.  Each group will have its own tour guide who will tell the story.

Businesses in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square will offer special treats and goodies to strollers. Blue Back will also offer complimentary balloon animals, pho tos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers and numerous beverages, treats and giveaways.

For a comprehensive list of businesses and what they’ll offer visit whchamber.com.

“Chabad’s Fire on Ice celebration is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encour ages the central theme of the holiday— publicizing the story of the Chanukah mir acle and the victory of light over darkness, a message of hope greatly needed today,” says Chabad’s current rabbi, Shaya Gopin.

Fire on Ice, which drew about 1,200 participants last year, is attended by both Jewish and non-Jewish celebrants and is intended to spread the message and faith of Chanukah.

“Chanukah has a universal message and the dominant theme is that of light over darkness, not just the physical light, but the idea of the light each of us has and that we can spread; the light of our souls and our goodness,” Rabbi Gopin says. “We don’t understand how important that can be.”

“Fire on Ice makes people feel con nected with this community. It’s a really

welcoming event, it’s open to all and you don’t have to be Jewish. It’s an opportu nity for people to learn new traditions and maybe even bring some of that into their own traditions.

Fire on Ice includes a variety of fami ly-friendly entertainment starting at 4 p.m., including music, gifts and candy giveaways. The band 8th Day, which plays a mix of alter native rock, world music, reggae and Jewish music, will headline the entertainment this year, Rabbi Gopin said.

The event will feature a Chanukah Gift Drop by the West Hartford Fire Department, sprinkling Chanukah gifts and chocolate from atop a ladder extended from a firetruck.

There will be hot drinks, food for sale, free raffles and prizes, and arts and crafts. The event is free.

For more information visit Chabadhartford.com.

“Chabad’s Fire on Ice celebration is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righ teous memory, in 1973.”

Coco Lily

THE LOCAL BOUTIQUE IS A BEACON OF TIMELESS STYLE

ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GWEN O'DONNELL

A mainstay of Farmington Valley shopping, Coco Lily, is a chic boutique housed in a classic brick building.

The bright and airy space in Avon has a relaxed, elegant vibe. Everywhere you look there’s something to covet and the collections are expertly curated, leaving plenty of space to browse. We spoke with owner Liz Zieky and her staff about her shop, collections, suggestions for holiday gifting and winter must-haves.

“It all began in my basement,” Liz told us. “I started out doing home parties, then in 2007 moved to where E&D Pizza was. My husband bought this building years ago, and I finally decided to move here in 2017.”

The shop carries a bit of everything delightful and is known for its beautiful assortment of apparel, baby, home décor, and giftables. Their largest collection, wom en’s apparel, leans toward timeless investment pieces that transcend seasonality.

“We specialize in good staples that meet the test of time, longevity pieces that can layer or mix and match, along with those great transitional items that meet all climates all year, clothing that can be worn everywhere.”

Liz and store manager Carter Margison shared a few favorites for the coming cold season and ideas for the holidays. They showed several gorgeous overcoats, one

an enticing creamy gray wrap, the other a soft blue with a charcoal windowpane plaid.

Other favorites include a luscious whisper-weight cash mere blanket scarf that is a great travel accessory and just right for keeping the chill at bay all year long, some sump tuous cashmere BrochuWalker sweaters (ideal for gifting!), plus their staple—wish-worthy, beautifully tailored Avenue Montaigne black neoprene pants.

Asked about holiday giving, Liz told us, “We have great little gifty items, something for everyone you need a gift for. Sweaters always go fast, and my nieces are jewelry design ers, so we carry their pieces as well. Also, happy-message artwork from Westport’s Kerri Rosenthal is fun.”

Personal shopping is a definite forte for Coco Lily. The store has a special gift for finding just the right gift or apparel piece for their clients and either ship or deliver to their homes. Liz told us, “With customers like ours, peo ple we know well, it’s easy to know what they like.”

Their bridal registry is another service they are espe cially excited about. For brides-to-be with upcoming weddings, Coco Lily offers an unparalleled registry with lovely home décor, mix-and-match table settings, and items newly married couples might need to host their first holiday gatherings.

From L-R, Coco Lily's buyer/manager Carter Margison and its owner, Liz Zieky

Philip and Ruth Lazowski at their wedding.

Photo courtesy of The Emanuel Synagogue.

Inspired By: Rabbi Philip Lazowski

As an eleven-year-old Philip Lazowski found himself in the mar ketplace of his small Polish town, herded there by Nazis. He’d been captured after being separated from his family and joined thousands of Jews in a grim march toward death.

The Nazis formed their captives into two groups, the “use ful” (doctors, nurses, tailors, etc.) and the doomed (elderly, children, disabled).

Philip was among the doomed. Recognizing his fate, he began asking those in the other group to claim him as their child. He came upon a kind woman, Miriam Rabinowitz, a nurse with two young daughters. She agreed to claim him, sparing him certain death.

Philip and his new family returned to the ghetto, but they were soon captured in another Nazi raid and taken to a movie theatre.

ARTICLE BY GWEN O'DONNELL

THE RABBI EMERITUS OF THE EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE REMAINS A STRONG PROPONENT OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

Philip Lazowski, Rabbi Emeritus of The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford.

Photo by Gwen O'Donnell

At Miriam’s encouragement, Philip escaped.  “I want you to live,” she told him. “My son, may God show you the way. The world will someday need you.”

He lived in the forest for two years, hiding from the Nazis with his father and brother, until the end of the war and then came to America.

He graduated high school in New York and graduated from Yeshiva University. At a friend’s wedding, he heard that the family who’d saved him in Poland lived in nearby Hartford. Soon, the woman who once pretended to be his mother – Miriam Rabinowitz - became his real-life motherin-law. Philip married Ruth Rabinowitz –one of the two little girls with whom he’d stood in line in the marketplace.

Rabbi Lazowski, now 92, began his rabbinic career in 1954 at Hartford’s Congregation Beth Sholom Synagogue, then served at Bloomfield’s Beth Hillel Synagogue until 2000. He’s a retired Chaplain for Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living, the Hartford Police and the Connecticut State Senate. He now serves as Rabbi Emeritus of The Emanuel Synagogue, both in West Hartford.

Rabbi Lazowski has authored and pub lished 14 books. He remains happily mar ried to Ruth and has three sons and seven grandchildren. The last words from his mother set Philip Lazowski on his life’s mis sion – a mission that continues to this day.

When asked what aspect of his life he’d most like to discuss, he doesn’t hesitate. “Education.”

He was a vocal proponent of a 2018 bill, which later became law, which requires the teaching of the Holocaust in Connecticut public schools. Rabbi Lazowski and his wife Ruth have spent decades telling their story and educating people about the Holocaust.

“Some say accounts of The Holocaust are simply stories of fictitious tales from a self-serving minority…Since many of those who could tell their story has long since died and taken their testimony to the grave, I feel compelled to speak. My story is, of course, the story about how Nazis, unfortunately, brutalized, mur dered and oppressed a civilization. And the tragedy of the Holocaust is almost too great to grasp.

The darkest chapter in the history of humankind and what happened? The world stood by and didn’t care. So, my thrust is to educate people. There are so many people that say now that the Holocaust never existed. People must learn about genocide.  So, as a survivor, I feel that teaching about genocide as part of the curriculum in schools is of the utmost importance. Things can only be improved by education.”

For more information about Holocaust education in Connecticut that Rabbi Lazowski’s family has helped develop visit ctvoicesofhope.org.

“My son, may God show you the way. The world will someday need you.”

— Miriam Rabinowitz

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign

Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent strug gling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a finan cial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does.

To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely con fidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.)

Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amounts up to $3,000 each.) With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communi ties where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue.

“We believe God has blessed our company with contin ued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.”

City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving pro gram whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Where has the campaign gifted?

To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

First Thursday Happy Hour

TURNKEY PROCESSING LLC, 546 S BROAD ST., MERIDEN | 5:00 PM

Sponsored by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce this event brings local business leaders and entre preneurs together to socialize and network from 5-7 p.m. Small business owners, leaders in finance, banking, marketing, and many forms of business are invited to join in a casual social format. Visit Whchamber.com/ events for more information.

35th Annual Holiday Stroll

BLUE BACK SQUARE | 5:00 PM

Coordinated by Blue Back Square, West Hartford Center Business Association, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the town, this popular holiday event runs from 5-8 p.m. and includes a ballet performance of The Snowflake Waltz, a visit from Santa, a tree lighting and a menorah lighting to celebrate Chanukah. Vis it Whchamber.com/events for more information.

Holidays on Main

MAIN STREET, WETHERSFIELD | 5:00 PM

Join us for the Annual Holidays on Main Celebration. Santa will visit, and there will be a silent auction and beer garden at Webb Barn. There will also be vendors, a tree lighting event and carol singers will perform. Vis it wethersfieldchamber.com for more information.

Holiday Market

NOAH WEBSTER HOUSE & WEST HARTFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 227 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 5:00 PM

Come shop for that special holiday gift at the Noah Webster House & Museum's Holiday Market. Featuring more than 20 local vendors, the market runs Friday, Dec. 2, from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for more information.

Blue Back Mitten Run

BLUE BACK SQUARE, ISHAM ROAD | 10:00 AM

Sponsored by the Hartford Marathon Association this family 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all ages to celebrate the season. The 3.1-mile road race winds through neighborhoods and businesses decorated for the holidays. Bring the kids to participate in the FitKids run - a half-mile or one-mile dash to Blue Back Square. Visit hartfordmarathon.com for registration information.

Holidays & Horses

FARMINGTON POLO CLUB, 162 TOWN FARM ROAD, FARMINGTON | 11:00 AM

Join us from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a festive holiday event! There will be photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides, food trucks, a DJ and a toy drive by the New England Super Car Club and The Hometown Foundation, Inc. Admission is $10 Per car. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Visit Farmingtonpoloclub.com.

A Charles Dickens Christmas

PLAYHOUSE ON PARK, 244 PARK ROAD | 2:00 PM

This highly original and humorous take on A Christmas Carol follows a young Charles Dickens, unable to find much joy in life, struggling to write the Christmas story that will become the most famous holiday tale of all time. The play runs from Dec. 10 through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased at  playhousetheatergroup.org.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties by local agents in West Hartford

168 Woodpond Road 850,000 1,000,000 118 4 3 2.1

19 Porter Drive 775,000 895,000 115 4 5 2.1

82 High Wood Road 850,000 850,000 100 2 6 3.1

19 Timrod Road 629,900 737,000 117 4 4 3.1

111 Westmont 699,000 730,000 104 1 4 2.1

47 Woodpond Road 599,900 700,000 117 1 3 2.1

19 Ridgemont Drive 649,900 685,000 105 3 5 3.1

25 Northfield 570,000 621,000 109 4 4 2.1

126 Montclair Drive 499,000 580,000 116 4 3 2.1

78 Park Place Circle 499,900 525,000 105 3 3 3.1

1872 Boulevard 439,900 502,400 114 3 4 1.1

28 Mountain Road 449,900 502,000 112 3 3 2.1

94 Sylvan Ave 449,000 475,000 106 4 3 2

110 Ledgewood Road 425,000 465,000 109 3 4 2.1

296 Fern St 429,900 432,000 101 2 4 1.1

10 Bramley Road 389,900 400,000 103 5 3 1.1

10 Chaffee Road 369,000 383,000 104 3 4 2.1

56 Woodmere Road 329,900 363,000 110 5 3 2

62 Fairlawn Street 339,900 350,000 103 3 3 1.1

14 Echo Lane 289,900 335,000 116 4 4 2

115 Selden Hill Drive 299,900 315,000 105 3 2 1.1

29 Dartmouth Ave 269,900 294,000 109 3 2 1

100 Layton St 264,900 267,000 101 6 3 1

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DECEMBER 10TH

Word House Poetry

NOAH WEBSTER HOUSE & WEST HARTFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 227 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 2:00 PM

The museum's free Word House Poetry includes presentations by contributors to the antholo gy, Imagining Vesalius: An Ekphrastic, Scholarly and Literary Celebration of the 1543 De Humani Corporis Fabrica of Andreas Vesalius, edited by Rich ard Ratzan. Reading or presenting will be Dennis Barone, Terry Donsen Feder, Rosalyn Driscoll, Jack Cou lehan, Jim Finnegan, and Richard Ratzan. For more information visit Wordhousereadings.blogspot.com.

DECEMBER 11TH Holiday

Wreath Decorating

FARMINGTON POLO CLUB, 162 TOWN FARM ROAD, FARMINGTON | 1:00 PM

Join us in the barn! Get in the holiday spirit with Farmington Polo Club's Decorate a Wreath event, while en joying refreshments and light fare amongst our beautiful horses. Reg istration includes one live wreath, decorating materials, light holiday fare and refreshments. "This event  takes place in our barn aisle so please dress appropriately." General admission is $75. Visit farmington poloclub.com for information.

DECEMBER 18TH

Chanukah Fire on Ice

WEST HARTFORD TOWN HALL, 50 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 4:00 PM

Chanukah Fire on Ice is an annual free event that kicks off Chanukah and is hosted by Chabad House of Greater Hartford. The event is at tended by both Jewish and non-Jew ish celebrants and is intended to spread the message and faith of Cha nukah. The family-friendly event in cludes food, fun, and musical enter tainment. Visit Chabadhartford.com for information.

West Hartford Center, 65 Lasalle Rd Ste 203, West Hartford, CT 06107 (860) 521-3202

105 Elm St, Old Saybrook, CT, 06475 (860) 391-8281