West Hartford, CT May 2023

Happy Mother’s Day!

Welcome to May, the month of flowers and Mother’s Day. In recognition of all the moms out there, May is our Ladies Issue here at West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and this month we have several stories that recognize the accomplishments, hard work and inspirational stories of women in our community.

Our cover subject this month is Yvonne Alston, owner and CEO of Indelible Impressions Consulting. In 2020, Yvonne left her corporate career and started Indelible Impressions to support organizations as they seek to better understand the role culture and cultural differences play in their workplaces and what barriers might exist for workplace diversity and equity.

We also have a story about Marria Pooya, the visionary owner and CEO of Greenwich Medical Spa , which has several medical aesthetics operations around the state, including one here in West Hartford that opened last year. Marria is a passionate advocate for women and girls and she supports, both financially and with her time, many nonprofits that represent female wellness, independence and education.

In our “Inspired By” feature this month we spoke with Joyce Bray, the longtime leader and a founding member of the CT Breast Initiative Inc., about the group’s work raising millions of dollars for breast cancer research. Its signature event, Race in the Park, celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is scheduled for May 13 in New Britain’s Stanley Park.

If you’re looking for inspiration of the design kind, we have a story about Kathryn Hunt, who operates Kathryn Hunt Studio, a firm that provides comprehensive, whole-home design strategies for those building a new house or renovating an existing one. Check out her photos of a whole-home makeover she completed at a Long Island property recently.

Want an extra special Mother’s Day gift idea? We have a feature on Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry. This family-owned jewelry store has been in West Hartford for 45 years and specializes in diamonds, including “lab diamonds,” and heirloom jewelry.

If you’re looking for ideas on what to do on Mother’s Day for the Mom in your life, we have a story this month on memorable ways to celebrate, including making Mom a high tea lunch.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of West Hartford Lifestyle and that you have a happy Mother’s Day!

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lucinda Jamison

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Danielle Hunter, Conor Harrigan Photography, David Benthal, Melanie Lust, Jacklyn Greenburg, Nadine Zuchorski, Kate Kobs, Sheena Meekins, Ira Nozik Photographers

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE

1:

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Mayor Shari Cantor is joined by several local business leaders and municipal officials. 2: A large crowd turned out for the State of The Town Address this year. 3: Mayor Shari Cantor's recently held her annual State of the Town Address. 4: Representatives from the Police and Fire Departments, including Police Chief Riddick and Fire Chief Priest. 5: The ribbon cutting for Perkatory Coffee Roasters' location at 625 New Park Ave. 6: The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce's Minority Business Network meeting was held recently. 7: Patrice Taffe – representing sponsor Westfield Bank - speaks at the Minority Business Network meeting. Photography by Ira Nozik Photographers

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

New Season’s Owner Joins Alzheimer's of CT

Liz Cornish, owner of New Season In Life attended the Alzheimer’s breakfast and is a new member of the Alzheimer's of CT Walk to End Alzheimer's. Liz is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is passionate about helping people and families with dementia live their best lives. For more information visit Newseasoninlife.com.

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Greenwich Medical Spa Holds Grand Opening, Announces New Hire

Greenwich Medical Spa recently celebrated its Grand Opening at its new 65 Raymond Road location and announced the recent hiring of the spa's newest esthetician and skincare expert, Carmen Nagy. Greenwich Medical Spa, which opened earlier this year, also has a location in Glastonbury. Visit Greenwichmedicalspa.com for more information.

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Wolfworks Transitions to Worker Cooperative

The design/build architectural firm Wolfworks is now a Worker Cooperative, meaning employees have the opportunity to own a share of the company. Jamie Wolf, Janet Downey, and Kyle Cruz are now the shared owners of Wolfworks. Wolfworks is a mission-driven company of architects and builders working together as one to design, build, and remodel environmentally responsible homes powered by the sun. Visit Homesthatfit.com.

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Local Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Adds New Inductees

Junior Achievement of Southwest New England has added new inductees to their Business Hall of Fame, including three with local connections.Bank of America Greater Hartford President Joe Gianni, (pictured) a lifelong West Hartford resident; University of Saint Joseph President Rhona Free, and Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut CEO Karraine Moody were honored at an in-person awards event. To learn about Junior Achievement’s student programs in financial literacy, visit Jaconn.org

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Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry

ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NADINE ZUCHORSKI

THE FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS HAS BEEN A STAPLE IN WEST HARTFORD'S BUSINESS SCENE FOR 45 YEARS

For 45 years Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry has been a significant presence in West Hartford Center’s high-end retail scene. The family-owned jewelers has been the trusted source for engagement, bridal and legacy pieces.

We recently chatted with Becker’s President Peter Mouawad about how the business has changed over the years and what’s trending now in fine jewelry. “This time of year, weddings are the primary business drivers. Things have changed somewhat in recent years, and now newer-style diamond eternity bands are very current. Couples are looking for matching wedding bands as their wedding dates near. We are seeing a younger, more modern demographic coming in for their bands, joining our generational clientele who may be seeking an addition or upgrade to their classic wedding set,” Peter told us.

The store offers a substantial selection of fashion-forward jewelry in their biggest wedding brands, Gabriel, A. JAFFE and Shy Creations. A bit daintier and more delicate, these pieces are getting lots of attention from both younger, first-time buyers and more established clientele. Another area seeing significant increases in interest and sales are lab-grown diamonds. Virtually undetectable from a mined diamond, lab-grown diamonds share the same elemental chemical composition and have the same hardness as a mined diamond.

“Lab-grown diamonds now make up 70 percent of our bridal business, particularly with our younger buyers,” Peter explained. “We’ve had lots of positive feedback on the collection;

it’s environmentally conscious and allows people to maximize their budget; it opens doors for clients to choose from a wider range of styles and showcase settings.”

Some of the major trends that the jewelry business is focused on now include contemporary paper clip chains, and layering pieces continue to be a big look. The store has seen more pendant and earring sales over the last few years.

“The diamond necklace is very popular, with diamond accents or full diamonds like the iconic tennis bracelet/ necklace of years past. Daintier fashion pieces are making a comeback, particularly lightweight omega necklaces, especially with younger customers.”

Peter is especially proud of Becker’s varied and unique collection of antique and vintage estate jewelry, along with pre-owned Swiss watches for men. “

Customers are coming in for heirloom jewelry to add to their collections, especially pieces designed in the 60s and 70s,” Peter added.

Another primary service that sets Becker’s apart is their Custom Design Department which works with customers to create signature jewelry and who also help with jewelry repair, such as restringing, combining or updating vintage pearl strands.

Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry is committed to giving customers that “wow” experience they want in their jewelry purchase journey. Its mission is to “make it perfect” for every client.

Becker’s Fine Jewelry and Diamonds

65 LaSalle Road

860-521-3202

Beckers.com

“Lab-grown diamonds now make up 70 percent of our bridal business, particularly with our younger buyers. We’ve had lots of positive feedback on the collection.”

Peter Mouawad.

Becker’s President Peter Mouawad

Yvonne Alston

The founder and CEO of Indelible Impressions Consulting is an Advocate For Improving Workplace Cultures

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHEENA MEEKINS

Yvonne Alston has long been an impassioned advocate for exploring cultural influences in organizations and workplaces. But the change in social justice awareness in recent years lit a brighter spark in her to do more to affect how people and organizations view their employees and diversity, equity, and inclusion, known as DEI.

In 2020, Yvonne left her corporate career and launched Indelible Impressions Consulting, a DEI firm that supports organizations as they seek to better understand the role culture and cultural differences play in their systems and everyday engagements. In her corporate life, she was a resounding voice on workplace culture, but the convergence of the pandemic, social injustices, and the deaths of loved ones, made her change course.

“I had spent so many years in corporate, wondering why I didn’t feel completely fulfilled. I was doing really well. But there was a part of me that felt ‘I want to do more, I need to do more.’ “

Her business, she says, isn’t work, it’s a way of living and seeing the world through the lens of equity and inclusion. She makes “indelible impressions” by embracing difference and helping to heal polarization and barriers with information, compassion and empathy.

Yvonne and her team work with a broad spectrum of organizations, both public and private, to help them advance important conversations, education and training so they can better understand the importance of culture and its impact on the human experience. Doing so can lead to finding the “hidden figures” within workplace systems, those people who might be overlooked by leadership, even marginalized by the culture of the workplace, but who have untapped potential and experience to share. It can also help put an end to emotional harm committed by toxic leaders, and eliminate marginalizing behaviors; some that fly under the radar and others that are simply not addressed.

“Indelible Impressions is very much focused on having conversations that expand peoples’ heads and

hearts—even if uncomfortable, to get to a better place of understanding and wider acceptance. The relationship between employees and leaders has historically been a transactional engagement. But everyone has inherent value as a human being, well beyond what they do within their workplace role, and organizations have a responsibility to acknowledge that they should do their best to do no harm.”

While there’s a culture in every organization, there’s also a subculture, she adds.

“These are the things people don’t talk about out loud, likely because they’re fearful of retaliation of some sort. That’s why we really get under the hood of all that and get to what’s really going on so we can tell organizations where their greatest gaps and opportunities are, and help them get to work closing them.

“This includes championing what they’re doing really well and highlighting what needs work. It’s never to blame or shame. Our goal is to elicit productive emotions and encourage folks to learn more about themselves and their fellow humans.”

The company harnesses the personal and professional experiences of its nine consultants, who work across the country, in California, Colorado, and states along the Eastern seaboard.

Named a Top 25 Women in Business in 2022 by the Hartford Business Journal, Yvonne is a member of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce’s Minority Business Network, where she champions the successes and needs of minority and women-owned businesses. She was also named the chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022.

Indelible-consulting.com

860-316-6699

Email: Yvonne.alston@indelible-consulting.com

On Linkedin: @in/yvonnealston

On Instagram: @indelible_impressions_cons

“Indelible Impressions is very much focused on having conversations that expand peoples’ heads and hearts—even if uncomfortable, to get to a better place of understanding and wider acceptance.” Yvonne Alston

Marria Pooya

As a young girl, Marria Pooya learned an important life lesson.

“I realized as a teenager that as a woman, being financially independent and educated is empowering and often intertwined. Life can take away a lot from you but not your knowledge.  When you’re financially independent you’re more empowered to do more of what you want to do and you’re in greater control of your outcomes. It also makes you more confident.”

That epiphany, born from her upbringing as a girl in a male-dominated culture in Afghanistan, is what still guides Marria today in both her personal and professional life. A former Wall Street analyst, she’s the owner and CEO of Greenwich Medical Spa, one the most successful chains of medical aesthetic spas in the nation. With six current retail operations in Connecticut, including Greenwich, Westport, Ridgefield, Glastonbury, and West Hartford, the firm

THE VISIONARY CEO OF GREENWICH MEDICAL SPA IS WORKING TO EMPOWER WOMEN

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE LUST, JACKLYN GREENBURG

also has locations in Scarsdale, New York and is opening this summer in Closter, New Jersey.

Marria is also a passionate advocate for women and girls and has leveraged her successes in business to support, both financially and with her time, a myriad of organizations that represent female health, wellness, independence and education.

Some of those organizations include Pink Aid, The Olive Branch, The Breast Friends Fund, Dress for Success, Blossom Hill, Girls With Impact, and the Fund for Women and Girls, to name a few.

“Since launching GMS, she and her company have actively participated in and donated more than $300,000 to various charitable organizations and events with an emphasis on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable populations,” the group Pink Aid said. “Marria has been a committed supporter and an active member of Pink Aid since 2018 in various roles, including Board member, Co-Chair of Corporate Sponsorship and Co-Chair of Invitations and the 2021 Pink Aid Luncheon and Fashion Show.”

Marria was born in Afghanistan and came to the U.S. with her mother and other family members when she was nine. During that time civil war broke out in Afghanistan and Marria’s father, who was home operating the family business, asked his family to remain in the U.S. while he figured out how things would play out in Afghanistan.

“That turned out to be five years,” Marria says. She returned to Afghanistan as a teenager but, due to increasing violence, within a few years, the entire family moved back to the U.S.

She finished school here, graduating from New York University’s Stern School of Business with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Business. She lives in Westport with her husband, Babak Pooya, general counsel for a global investment bank. The couple has two children, their daughter Arianna, a student at NYU, and their son Omeed, a senior in high school.

She started Greenwich Med Spa in 2005. She says she’d always been fascinated by the beauty industry (she previously founded Traffic Jam Cosmetics, a global line of branded cosmetics) and was also looking for a way to make an impact in her community by helping women become more confident in how they look and feel.

GMS’s vision and overall mission, she says, aligns well with her own personal goals of helping and empowering women and minorities.

From its patients, to its employees and the broader communities where it operates its stores, GMS provides women (and men) of all ages and ethnicities the tools to improve how they look and feel -  a proven confidence booster that empowers them in many different ways, Marria says.

“For our patients we impact them by making them feel better every day. They’re more confident and we’re helping to create that wonderful impact. Some people say looks don’t matter or is vanity, but that ignores the idea that how we perceive ourselves, including our appearances, can influence how we feel about ourselves and thus our confidence and mindset. There’s always been a connection there for many people across cultures and geography.”

GMS also seeks to empower its employees, most of whom are women and from many diverse backgrounds, with significant annual investments in them, including through continuing education, training and employment opportunities and advancement, Marria says.

“My goal is that all of our employees are ultimately financially independent and successful, so that they are able to do more of what they want to do, for themselves and their communities.”

For information visit: Greenwich Medical Spa 65 Raymond Road Greenwichmedicalspa.com 860-426-6366

“My goal is that all of our employees are ultimately financially independent and successful, so that they are able to do more of what they want to do, for themselves and their communities.”

Marria and Babak Pooya

Marria Pooya, right, with Sandy Cassanelli, left, at a Breast Friends Fund event.

Front to back, Marria, Arianna, Babak and Omeed Pooya

CT Breast Health Initiative

20 YEARS OF ADVANCING BREAST CANCER RESEARCH IN CONNECTICUT

ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON

One of the most unique and vital assets that Connecticut women have in the fight against breast cancer is the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Inc. This statewide non-profit has significantly impacted the search for a breast cancer cure since 2004.

Each year the organization strives to surpass its financial milestones with the help of supporters, sponsors, and fundraising efforts.

One of its signature fundraising events, the Race in the Park, is celebrating its 20th anniversary on May 13th in New Britain’s Walnut Hill Park. It takes place on the Saturday before Mother’s Day and includes a 5K race and walk, as well as 4K and 1 mile walks, and a Kids’ Challenge. The family day also features live music, food trucks, a beer garden and silent auction. Admission is $36 for adults, $20 for youths.

Last year organizers raised more than $500,000 for breast cancer research and thousands take part in the race day events.

“It’s a family tradition and a celebration of life,” says Joyce Bray, president of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, a founding member of the group and member of its board of directors.

The nonprofit raises funds for grants that support breast cancer education and research and has awarded $4.3 million in more than 100 grants in Connecticut. Some of the recipients have included Saint Francis Comprehensive Women’s Health Center Breast Health Outreach Program; Lymphedema Clinical Program at Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network/The Hospital of Central CT Rehabilitation for Breast Health; and Novel Therapeutic Targeting of Metastatic Breast Cancer.

One of the most compelling projects is a women-based group with the Biomedical Engineering Department at UConn Health Center to create personalized 3D-printed breast forms for women who opt not to undergo reconstruction surgeries.

Joyce says all donations are raised in Connecticut, “and 100 percent stays in Connecticut. Every person who participates, every dollar donated, brings us closer to the next breakthrough and ultimately a cure. There is groundbreaking research underway right here in Connecticut that we are proud to support, thanks to our dedicated donors, participants, and volunteers.”

“The entire community really comes together to support this wonderful day,” Joyce adds. “Volunteers are the backbone of the event. Because of everyone’s extraordinary efforts, we can fund forward-thinking programs, and we’re doing it where it matters most – right here at home. Our vision is a world without breast cancer, and we know that research is the answer to cancer.”

For more information on the initiative visit Ctbhi.org

For additional information on Race in the Park visit Ctbhi.org/the-race.

KATHRYN HUNT STUDIO

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONOR HARRIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY, DAVID BENTHAL

With more than 16 years of experience in the design industry and dozens of turnkey projects under her belt, Kathryn Hunt recently turned her focus to new projects in the Hartford region.

The principal and founder of Kathryn Hunt Studio, the West Hartford-based designer specializes in high-end new home construction and renovation. We sat down with Kathryn recently to talk about her services, her design philosophy and how important it is to work with a designer when building a new home or renovating an existing one.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE?

A. I’ve always loved art, even as a child, and I was introduced to the world of interior design by my father, who is a custom home builder. I studied history and architecture in Florence, Italy after graduating college and I worked for a few designers in New York City. I launched my own business in 2015. We’ve worked on dozens of residential and boutique commercial projects throughout New England, NYC, the Hamptons, Catskills, Nassau County, Fairfield County, and Litchfield.

Q. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

A. We provide interior design and project management services, and we specialize in working with clients who are

building a new home or undertaking a total renovation of a home.  We listen to our client’s needs and provide vision and organization to make the process easier. I work directly with architects, builders, and the home owner from the beginning stages. We then help plan the interior details, materials selection, lighting, etc and we also furnish the home. Delivering Turn Key projects is one of our main services that we offer.

Q. WHAT’S A TYPICAL PROJECT FOR YOU?

A. Our clients are typically residential homeowners who are looking to redo their interiors or are in the beginning stages of planning their construction projects.  Alternatively, we are often referred by the builder or architect because we organize the project and that helps everyone involved, and we also have some experience in boutique commercial spaces and wedding event spaces.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?

A. Our philosophy is to deliver the highest quality and functional design to help make our clients lead a more effortless lifestyle.  We collaborate with our clients and team and provide our organizational processes, beautiful and realistic visuals, and our relationships with our trade vendors to execute our design plan.

The designer specializes in high-end new home construction and renovation

We really enjoy what we do, we love creating beautiful spaces that make people happy. Our clients often come to us and say “I don’t even know where to start.’”  We’re very good at knowing how to guide our clients with their designs and decorating projects, regardless of whether they’re looking for input on where to start or they have a specific design in mind and want help in executing it. By the time we complete a project, we have gotten to know the client and their families very well!

Q. WHAT GOES INTO GOOD DESIGN?

A.  Lots of planning. We listen to what our client’s needs are and set realistic plans and goals for the project.  We believe good design can be achieved at any budget with the right amount of planning. We provide a variety of services for both clients and assisting other trades.  We can help clients through smaller renovation projects such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, renovations or additions, or delivering a full home from architectural plan to a “turn key” walk in ready furnished home. And we can assist the trade (builders, developers, architects) through a variety of services such as project estimating, procurement, specifications, and general project organization.

Kathryn Hunt Studio

631-240-3871

Kathrynhuntstudio.com

On Instagram: @Kathrynhuntstudio

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

events

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

New Seasons in Life Hosts Information Sessions This Month

RAYMOND LIBRARY, 832 RAYMOND HILL ROAD, OAKDALE | 6:30 PM

New Seasons in Life hosts four information sessions this month, each at 6:30 p.m. There will be two sessions on Caregiving Guilt and Duty,  May 4 at Raymond Library, Oakdale, the other May 23, at Southington Public Library;  the Truth About Assisted Living, May 11, Beacon Falls Public Library; and Dementia vs Normal Aging, Raymond Library, May 23. Visit Newseasoninlife.com.

All About Hydrangeas

SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 679 FARMINGTON AVE. | 12:00 PM

Presented by the West Hartford Garden Club and led by Lorraine Ballato, instructor at the New York Botanical Garden, this talk will teach us everything we need to know about hydrangeas, including when and how to prune. The Garden Club meeting and light buffet lunch precedes the speaker presentation. Tickets are $10 apiece. For registration and information visit WestHartfordGardenClub.org.

Watkinson School Hosts Information Session

WATKINSON SCHOOL, 180 BLOOMFIELD AVE., HARTFORD | 9:00 AM

Watkinson will host an info session beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and refreshments. Meet with faculty and school leaders, tour our 40-acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students. For additional information session dates visit the school's admissions page at  Watkinson.org/visit. Info sessions are held monthly.

Israel At 75

THE EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE, 160 MOHEGAN DRIVE | 5:00 PM

In recognition of the State of Israel turning 75 years old, Kabbalat Shabbat services will be held, followed by an Israel BBQ-style community Shabbat dinner. Tickets are $25-$75. For more information visit EmanuelSynagogue.org.

Learn to Podcast

NOAH WEBSTER LIBRARY, 20 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 11:00 AM

Have you ever wanted to start a podcast? Attend a workshop where you can learn every step of the process from conceptualization to recording, from post-production to publishing. All equipment will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. The workshop will be hosted by filmmaker, musician, and podcaster Benson Thai. Visit Westhartford.librarymarket.com.

Walk Like MADD

WEST HARTFORD TOWN HALL, 50 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 9:00 AM

This event is a non-competitive 5K walk that raises money for educational awareness programs for youth and their parents, provide advocacy programs at no cost to victims of alcohol-related crashes and their families, and to continue educating the community about the dangers of drinking and driving and underage drinking. Admission is $25, kids ages 5-17, $20. Visit Walklikemadd.org for information.

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

MAY 6TH

"Dandelion"

PLAYHOUSE ON PARK THEATRE, 244 PARK ROAD | 1:00 PM

This musical tells the story of Dandelion, a shy, awkward lion. Filled with middle school angst when he's invited to Jennifer Giraffe’s impromptu party, Dandelion decides to reinvent himself, but ultimately discovers it's better to just be yourself. Additional performance dates are May 7,10,13 and 14. Tickets are $22-$25. Visit Playhouseonpark.org.

MAY 12TH

Ballet Hartford Schedules Spring Performances and Events

ECOSPACE, 224 FARMINGTON AVE., HARTFORD | 6:30 PM

Ballet Hartford hosts its spring performance of Peter and the Wolf on May 12. On Sunday, May 14, the ballet hosts a Mother's Day Brunch and Ballet at Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown. On Friday, May 19, the company again presents Peter and the Wolf, at the University of St. Joseph, Autorino Center, Hartford, at 6 p.m. Visit Ballethartford.com.

MAY 13TH

The Unique Journey of of Janibeth Johnson

QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, 144 SOUTH QUAKER LANE | 1:00 PM

Presented by the Estate of Janibeth Johnson this free program examines her pioneering techniques in live show shadow puppet animation from 1968 into the 1980s, Janibeth taught puppet workshops and coordinated puppet exhibits. In celebrating her life, the estate wishes to bring deserved attention and recognition to this unique artist. Seating is limited, email Estateofjanibethjohnson@proton.me for more information.

MAY 23RD

Money Talk For Couples

NOAH WEBSTER LIBRARY, 20 SOUTH MAIN ST. | 6:30 PM

This workshop focuses on how couples can organize strategies, goals, and waypoints for a happy and successful financial life. It follows four financial safety rules of Teamwork, Simplicity, OPA and Trust, and how to enact change will be explored in each. We encourage couples to come and share their methods, what's worked and how they communicate. Visit Westhartford.librarymarket.com.

MAY 27TH

WordHouse Poetry

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

A series of poetry readings, WordHouse, has been organized by James Finnegan, West Hartford’s third Poet Laureate. All readings take place at the Noah Webster House and begin with an open mic. No registration is required. This program is free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated. Visit  Wordhousereadings.blogspot.com for information.

MAY 31ST

Playhouse on Park Presents Performance on Webster's Dictionary

PLAYHOUSE ON PARK THEATRE, 244 PARK ROAD | 7:30 PM

When their editor-in-chief gets caught using profanity, the employees of Webster's Dictionary find themselves at the center of an internet uprising over gender and obscenity. Office politics collide with ambition, morality, and lexicography and the future of the English language hangs in the balance. A play about vulgar words and those who define them. Tickets are $25-$55. Visit Playhouseonpark.org.

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