West Hartford, CT July 2023

THE SUMMER FUN ISSUE

FROM WATER PARKS TO MUSEUMS THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO HAVE A BLAST THIS SUMMER

It's summer, time to have fun!

July is our Summer Fun issue and this month we have a story on all the great places to visit in our very own state, from seashore getaways to museum tours. And in our Must See segment we spoke with the organizers of the yearly Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival, which takes place in July. The group this year will perform MacBeth under the stars on the campus of St. Joseph's University from July 13-30.

Still working on that summer beach body? We spoke with the trainers at West Hartford's newest gym, Studio 310, about its unique collaborative approach to fitness.

In our Healthy Lifestyle segment we have a story about the Wholeness Acupuncture Center and how acupuncture, as well as ancient Chinese medicine in general, has become an integral part of overall health and wellness options.

Looking for a cool drink to beat the heat? Our recipe this month is for a fresh margarita you can make at home.

We hope you enjoy this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a happy, healthy summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Alt, Lucinda Jamison

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ira Novik, Nadine Zuchorsky, Nicole Battistone, Melani Lust, Dave Blodgett, Alicia Ann Daw

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

It’s 1945. American soldiers return home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, and Private First Class Donny Novitski returns with the hope of rebuilding his life. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next swing band sensation, Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans to form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. However, victory will require every ounce of talent, stamina, and raw nerve that these musicians can muster.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @westhartford_lifestyle

1-7: Greenwich Medical Spa recently held a grand opening of its new 65 Raymond Road location. Photography by Melani Lust

business monthly

Watkinson Hosts Golf Classic

Want to help a Hartford area student have an experience of a lifetime? Consider supporting Watkinson School's Golf Classic  at Tumble Brook Country Club Sept. 18.  All proceeds benefit the City Scholars Program at Watkinson, a one-year program providing a post-graduate experience at The Academy at Watkinson for deserving Hartford-area public high school graduates. The Academy is a bridge year for college-bound students who are not yet college-ready. To learn more visit Watkinson.org/golf-classic .

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Local Author Publishes Book

With her debut publication, “Hurt, Healing, and Hope: Thriving Beyond Sexual Assault,” Connecticut author Melissa B. Lombardo of West Hartford reveals rare insights into healing from one survivor’s perspective, accompanied by thought-provoking stories inspired by other survivors. The dynamic volume delivers a collection of interwoven monologues detailing true stories of hurt and healing post-sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and the after effects. Visit Melissablombardo.com for more information.

Renbrook School Honors Alumni Yun G. Lee

Renbrook School, a private elementary day school, awarded its 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Yun G. Lee, Class of 1983. Lee, managing director for AIG Investments, was honored in a ceremony at Renbrook School as part of its Alumni Night celebration. William Tong, Class of 1988, and Connecticut’s attorney general, introduced Lee and presented the award, a brass armillary sphere, which has long been a symbol of the school. Visit Renbrook.org for more information.

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Want to be featured?

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

Photography Provided

Photography Alicia Ann Daw

Photography Dave Blodgett

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

This Year's Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival Runs July 13-30

A performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor by Capital Classics actors.

CAPITAL CLASSICS THEATRE COMPANY'S SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE BATTISTONE

Looking for some outdoor entertainment to enjoy with friends and family? Who isn’t this time of year, right? Whether you’re new to town or are looking for something different to do, immersing yourself in the local arts is always a good idea.

Enter Capital Classics Theater Company, a unique performance art group with the simple and straightforward mission to “deliver quality, classical entertainment that is affordable and accessible for all.” The group in July is once again hosting its annual Shakespeare Festival. Founded in 1991 by Geoffrey and Laura Sheehan to “enrich the cultural environment of Greater Hartford through the theater arts,” the non-equity professional organization has continued to pour its love and passion for theater through their numerous productions and programs.

Capital Classics this year will perform The Tragedy of Macbeth, which runs from July 13-30.

In case you need a refresher on the Shakespearian classic, The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s finest and well-known plays, portraying the theme of “the tragedy of political ambition.”

Thought to have been first performed in 1606, a brave Scottish general (Macbeth) receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. From this, Macbeth becomes consumed by ambition and ultimately murders King Duncan (an action spurred by his wife, Lady Macbeth), and becomes a tyrannical ruler.

On a deeper level, Macbeth represents the conflict of a man’s conscience, showcasing the effect that guilt has on one’s mind. Exploring themes of reality and illusion, witchcraft and the supernatural, and ambition and kingship, this is a classic reenactment you don’t want to miss.

Set on the gorgeous grounds of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, patrons pack up their lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets to enjoy an evening of Shakespeare with strangers and friends alike who share a love and appreciation for not only Shakespearian plays, but the beautiful charm and drama of theater in general.

Pre-show entertainment is included in this special series of showings, including the return of The Elizabethan Consort, an a capella quartet “who CONTINUED >

A performance of MacBeth.

An Elizabethan concert before one of Capital Classics' performances.

will bring the special blend of humor and harmony to Friday and Saturday nights.” Additional entertainment will be revealed as the date gets closer.

According to the theater company, last year the Festival attracted the largest crowd in its 31-year history, and promises to be “just as exciting” this year with the unveiling of Macbeth. As Connecticut’s oldest continuously running outdoor Shakespeare festival, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about putting on an excellent show.

Past productions of the Capital Classics Theater Company have included Romeo & Juliet, Othello, Twelfth Night, All’s Well That Ends Well, and many more. The organization also offers community programs where those interested in classical theater can be a part of projects like the Shakespeare Book Club, Contemporary Classics Conversations, and more.

Also happening this summer is a series titled Shakespeare on The Sound, held at Pinkney Park in Rowayton, CT. This summer’s production is As You Like It, a comedy that “subverts the traditional rules of romance,” portraying the confusing nature of gender roles and politics, reflecting on “how bewildering yet utterly pleasurable life can be.”

The Shakespeare Festival is held at 1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford — you can grab tickets online at capitalclassics. org, where you can also keep up with the theater organization and the many wonderful entertainment options it provides to art lovers.

Keep tabs on their social media for future productions and events online, Capitalclassics.org, or on their social media,@calptialclassics.

WHOLENESS ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

The Health Center Uses Ancient Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture to Treat a Variety of Illnesses

The art and science of acupuncture dates back nearly 3,000 years in China, but here in the West acupuncture began to gain mainstream popularity about 40 years ago.

Since then, the benefits of acupuncture have become so well-known that colleges now offer degrees in it and major health insurance companies cover the costs of acupuncture treatments.

At the Wholeness Acupuncture Center, owner Guljan Nurmuradova says acupuncture is a highly effective way to treat a variety of chronic and acute medical conditions, including pain management, gastro-intestinal issues, depression and anxiety, migraines and infertility, to name just a few of the myriad of conditions acupuncture can address.

“There are many reasons why people seek out acupuncture, but one of the main reasons is that acupuncture is a natural and holistic health care treatment and has no side effects after treatments, unlike surgical or pharmaceutical health treatment options. When  a person comes in for treatment we treat the unity of the entire body, both the body and the spirit,” Guljan says.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the central nervous system, which in turn releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

“Acupuncture has been shown to restore balance and create healthy outcomes for a myriad of conditions.”  Guljan Nurmuradova

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NADINE ZUCHORSKY

Wholeness Acupuncture center recently opened in Farmington.

“The main concept in Chinese medicine is the delicate balance of hemostasis, the balance of yin and yang in the body and the flow of Qi through the body,” Guljan says. “Acupuncture has been shown to restore balance and create healthy outcomes for a myriad of conditions.”

Until a few years ago Guljan worked as a human resources specialist in a corporate setting. But after a bout of anxiety she sought out acupuncture treatment and then decided to become an acupuncturist herself.

“After researching treatment options for myself I decided acupuncture was my first choice and the results of it were immediate for me.”

She earned her Master’s Degree from the New England School Of Acupuncture at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and earlier this year opened her acupuncture clinic in Farmington. Joining her in the new health center is Jacqueline Fusari. Like Guljan, Jacqueline is also a licensed acupuncturist.

While patients seek out her services for illnesses or pain, she says regular acupuncture treatments can help people maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“You should look at it as a wellness program, like diet and exercise. It’s an investment in your health.”

Wholeness Acupuncture Center

10 Forest Park Drive, 10-2-LF, Farmington

Online:

Wholenessacupuncturecenter.com

Phone: 860-404-2197

Email:

Wholenessacupuncturecenter@gmail.com

On Facebook and Instagram:

@Wholeness_Acupuncture_Center

Jacqueline Fusari, standing, with Guljan Nurmuradova, demonstrates a treatment in the new Wholeness Acupuncture Center.

ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IRA NOZIK

Studio 310: Building a Collaborative Community

West Hartford's Newest Gym Takes a Unique Approach to Fitness

In the heart of West Hartford, a new fitness studio is revolutionizing how trainers and clients interact. The area’s first fitness collective, Studio 310 offers an innovative workout concept that creates a shared environment where trainers and instructors thrive. At the same time, clients receive personalized attention not provided in a typical gym environment.

By empowering trainers to establish their own businesses in a supportive environment, the studio is fostering personal connections, nurturing client-trainer relationships, and inspiring individuals to achieve their fitness goals.

“It’s a place where fitness dreams become a reality, and everyone can find the guidance and support they need on their health and wellness journey,” Sara Kennedy, Studio 310’s manager says.

The studio opened recently at 310 Newington Road and is rapidly growing and gaining popularity. Founded by Pranav Dave, the studio’s unique concept and dedication to empowering trainers makes it an attractive destination for individuals seeking a personalized fitness experience.

By working as a team, the trainers of Studio 310 leverage each other’s strengths and create a supportive network that benefits trainers and clients.

“We’re hoping that it becomes more and more of a collaborative environment where each trainer finds a partner and builds their business together,” Sara says.

The studio currently has eight experienced instructors, including two dynamic trainers who have recently joined forces to offer joint classes on the first Sunday of every month. This collaboration is just one example of the studio’s vision to create a sense of community among trainers, where they can share ideas, provide support, and inspire each other’s growth.

“Studio 310’s goal is to offer a personalized fitness experience beyond what is typically found in big-box gyms. Instead of clients investing in their own gym equipment or hiring a personal trainer for home visits, they can access a fully outfitted facility with experienced trainers, on their own schedule,” Sara says.

The studio also offers various group classes, including Zumba, Turn Up (a dance cardio class), Pound (using drumsticks for a rhythmic workout), and strength circuit training. In the future, they plan to introduce yoga classes as well.

Group classes are intentionally kept small, typically accommodating only up to 12 people, to ensure personalized attention from the instructor. Each trainer at the studio has their specialty and niche. Some focus on powerlifting, others on general well-being, functional training, weight loss, or mobility training. This diversity allows clients to find trainers who align with their fitness goals and preferences.

Clients can expect more than just a workout session when visiting the studio, Sara says. Trainers strive to establish a deeper connection, checking in with clients and offering guidance beyond the class. This approach sets the studio apart from more traditional gyms and creates an environment where clients feel supported and nurtured.

“Our emphasis is on building relationships between trainers and clients, fostering a sense of community, and providing ongoing support on their health and fitness journeys,” says Sara.

Studio 310

310 Newington Road

Phone: 860.402.0234

Email: info@studio310ct.com

Online: Studio310CT.com

On Facebook & Instagram: @Studio310ct

“We're hoping that it becomes more and more of a collaborative environment where each trainer finds a partner and builds their business together.” Sara Kennedy

Pranav Dave, the owner of Studio 310.

Sara Kennedy, Studio 310's manager.

The interior of Studio 310

The team of Studio 310

FIND THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN YOUR OWN STATE!

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

SUMMER FUN IN CONNECTICUT

Looking for something fun to do this summer that doesn’t require a lot of travel? Connecticut has a myriad of places where you can play, eat, swim or just relax on a daytrip! Here are just a few ideas, as provided by Connecticut’s tourism office, Visit CT.

1. Get out on the water. Try paddle boarding or kayaking with rentals from Branford River Paddlesports, Kayaks and Tours, Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook, or Collinsville Canoe & Kayak.

2. Climb to the top. Take guided rock climbing lessons and explore the heights of Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Pinnacle Rock in Plainville, West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven, and more.

3. Make a splash. Ditch the chlorinated pool and get out into nature! Enjoy the natural swimming hole at Gay City State Park in Hebron or Glastonbury’s own Eastbury Pond or Cotton Hollow Preserve. Kick up your water fun even more with a visit to the Brownstone Quarry Adventure Park in Portland.

4. Get golfing. Grab your clubs and take a swing at Rockledge Golf Club here in West Hartford, Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, and Tunxis Country Club in Farmington.

5. Go fish. Whether you’re reeling in big stripers, blackfish, fluke or something else, take a captain-lead fishing trip aboard Island Sport Fishing Charters, Sea Sprite, North Coast Charters, FlyingConnie Fishing Charters, or Nightjack Sportfishing.

6. Paddle around. In the town of Lyme, explore Hamburg Cove, a quiet spot known for its calm waters and being the ideal place to paddleboard. Cove Landing Marine’s rentals will give you an amazing day of paddling opportunities in the Lower Connecticut River.

7. Connect with animals. A little time with a furry friend can do a lot for the soul. Detox with a rejuvenating llama walk at Rowanwood Farm in Newtown, meet rescue animals at Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, or visit gentle alpacas at Lavender Hill Farm in Voluntown.

8. Plan a girls’ weekend by the water. Gather the girlfriends and book a night (or two, or three) at Insta-worthy beach town hotels such as The Surfside in Stratford, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook,  Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, or the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic.

9. Find a sanctuary. Try peaceful activities such as yoga classes and beekeeping demonstrations on the vast and beautiful grounds of Catharine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

10. Tour architecture. From historic and artistic structures to celebrated works by well-known architects, explore Connecticut’s diverse architectural masterpieces throughout the state.

Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland is a fun summer hot spot.

11. Find vintage treasures. Go on the hunt for antiques at Nathan Liverant and Son Antiques in Colchester, Tongue in Chique in Bridgeport, Old Saybrook Antiques Center, and other antique shops and centers throughout Connecticut.

12. Take an art walk. Discover a 234-acre tree farm and landscape sculpture park at Hogpen Hill Farms, explore work from local Woodbury artists at Arts Alliance of Woodbury Art Walk, admire murals walking in downtown New London, stroll by the river and see award-winning sculpture reflecting the life of Abraham Lincoln in Hartford, or pack a picnic to enjoy large star sculptures by Frank Stella on the grounds of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield.

13. Enrich your mind. From historic sites to art galleries and even some one-of-a-kind displays, visit a few of Connecticut’s many museums for a truly fascinating experience. Stay local and visit the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society on South Main Street.

14. Admire Impressionist art. Connecticut was an important creative seedbed of American Impressionism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore Impressionist exhibitions at museums across the state, such as the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington and the Wadsworth Antheneum

Visit a local park, such as Blackledge Falls in Glastonbury.

Museum in Hartford.

Check out the cool beers this summer at WeHa Brewing and New Park Brewing, both in West Hartford.

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is a Connecticut icon.

15. Attend summer concerts. Enjoy the beat of the music at the free West Hartford Summer Concert series in Elizabeth Park.

16. Explore the works of Norman Rockwell. See all 323 of the legendary covers created for The Saturday Evening Post by the renowned American painter and illustrator, Norman Rockwell at the Mystic Museum of Art’s exhibit, Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post Covers: Tell Me a Story.

17. Savor seafood. From clams to lobster, taste all your favorites with a visit to some of the dozens of fish stores, restaurants and clam shacks along the Connecticut coast.

18. Take a hot dog tour. Whether you like them topped with bacon or a famous hot relish, you’ll find savory flavors at every turn on Connecticut’s hot dog tour, a listing of great hot dog stands in the state sponsored by the state’s tourism office (Ctvisit.com), including Augie & Rays in East Hartford.

19. Check out a brewery. Raise a glass and devour good food at breweries like WeHa Brewing and New Park Brewing, both in West Hartford.

20. Eat the “coolest” ice cream. The only thing better than cooling down with an ice cream cone, when the treat looks as good as it tastes. Plan a trip to some Insta-worthy ice cream shops on a hot summer day, including Kilwins ice cream and candy shop in Blue Back Square and Arethusa Farm Dairy and Cafe in West Hartford Center.

21. Sing with Sea Chanteys. Grab dinner and drinks at the Griswold Inn on Sea Chantey night to experience The Jovial Crew leading the Tap Room in fun sing-alongs, laughs, and an allaround memorable evening.

22. Go out to the ballgame. Take the family to enjoy peanuts, cracker jacks, and home runs hit by Connecticut’s baseball teams, including the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Park.

23. Spend “Summer at the Museum.” Some of the great museums you can visit include the Hill-Stead in Farmington and the Wadsworth Antheneum in Hartford and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

24. Pick your own blueberries. July is the beginning of the blueberry season! Pick your own at local farms, including Lyman Orchards in Middlefield.

25. See fireworks. Nothing says summer like a fireworks show! Find one near you and light up the night.

Take a charter fishing trip on Long Island Sound

26. Visit a state park. Connecticut has some incredible state parks, from the sprawling Pachaug State Forest in the Quiet Corner of Eastern Connecticut to the Connecticut River Valley parks of Gillette Castle State Park and Devil’s Hopyard to Harkness State Park along the shoreline in Waterford.

27. Try the state’s first water coaster. Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury just opened Rocket Rapids, Connecticut’s first-ever water coaster. Ride a raft propelled uphill by water jets along more than 600 feet of H2O fun!

For more information on places to go and things to do here in our state visit CTvisit.com.

Mystic Seaport is a fun and educational day trip for Connecticut families.

Swing away at one of our state's many golf courses.

Take the kids berry picking at one of many local farms.

Influential Women Shining Star ‘23

Congratulations,

This award honors women who are agents of change, mentors, leaders, and inspirations. They are professionals, volunteers and Scouters. They are women who have resolved to make a difference today, tomorrow, and for years to come by challenging us all, motivating us, and setting an example for those to follow.

Awarded by The Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Rivers Council. ctscouting.com

events

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

JULY

Make a Patriotic Wreath

BISHOPS CORNER SENIOR CENTER, 15 STARKEL ROAD | 11:00 AM

Embrace your creativity and patriotism! Create a wreath you can take home. All supplies included in the $10 fee. Call 860-561-7583 Bishops Corner Senior Center, or 860-561-8180 Elmwood Senior Center to register. Visit westhartford.recdesk.com for information.

6TH

Weekly Hikers Group

RESERVOIR 6, 1420 FARMINGTON AVE. | 9:00 AM

Join our new weekly hiking group, Thursdays, for a walk of the 3.6 mile walk at Reservoir #6. Weekly email reminders will be sent.  For information or to join our email list please contact 860-561-8180 or email Westhartfordct.gov.

8TH

Mark Twain's Companions & Cohorts

CEDAR HILL CEMETERY, 453 FAIRFIELD AVE., HARTFORD | 10:00 AM

While Mark Twain was laid to rest in Elmira, NY, many of his companions are interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn about Twain's life and his Nook Farm friends, neighbors, and colleagues during this tour led by Steve Courtney. Admission is free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation and Mark Twain Museum members $10 for others. Visit Cedarhillfoundation.org for information.

10TH

Summer Paint

Party

ELMWOOD SENIOR CENTER, 1106 NEW BRITAIN AVE. | 1:30 PM

Come paint a beautiful lighthouse painting! We will use acrylic paints to create this nautical scene. No experience necessary. All supplies are included in the fee, which is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Call 860-561-8180 or register at: westhartford.recdesk.com.

11TH

Gazebo Concert Series

ELMWOOD SENIOR CENTER, 1106 NEW BRITAIN AVE. | 6:00 PM

Come celebrate the summer at our concert series!  Bring your lawn chair to our beautiful gazebo and enjoy wonderful music with a treat.All shows are held rain or shine on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm. Elmwood Senior Center Gazebo. No registration required. Visit Westhartfordct.gov for more information.

Watkinson School Hosts Information Session & Barbecue

WATKINSON SCHOOL, 180 BLOOMFIELD AVE., HARTFORD | 5:30 PM

EVENTS JULY 2023 CONTINUED > 34

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

This data is a sampling of sold properties from April 2023. Source: MLS system.

JULY 13TH

Greater Hartford Jazz Festival

BUSHNELL PARK, 10 COLUMBUS BLVD., HARTFORD | 12:00 PM

This year's Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz will run from July 13-16. The event, which celebrates all things jazz, draws thousands of music lovers to Hartford’s Bushnell Park for picnics and world-class entertainment. For information on the musical lineup, tickets, vendors and schedules, visit Hartfordjazz.com.

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH, 1678 ASYLUM AVE. | 7:30 PM

The Capital Classics Theatre Company is once again hosting its Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival on the grounds of the University of Saint Joseph. This year the group is staging Macbeth. The open air performances will run July 13-30, Thurs-Sat., at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for students and seniors. Visit Capitalclassics.org for information.

JULY 14TH

Bandstand, A Play

PLAYHOUSE ON PARK, 244 PARK ROAD | 8:00 PM

It’s 1945, and Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, returns from war hoping to rebuild his life. When NBC announces a competition to find the nation’s next swing band sensation, Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, and together they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Tickets start at $25. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for information.

JULY 17TH

Bagel Breakfast

ELMWOOD SENIOR CENTER, 1106 NEW BRITAIN AVE. | 10:00 AM

Come meet West Hartford 's Equity Coordinator, Adrienne Billings-Smith, and learn how the Office of Equity Advancement serves to influence a more welcoming, inclusive and responsive community. Presented by West Hartford's Office of Equity Advancement, reservations are required. Call 860-561-7583 or 860-561-8180. You can also email, Westhartfordct.gov.

JULY 22ND

Ballet Under the Stars

ELIZABETH PARK, 1561 ASYLUM AVE., HARTFORD | 6:30 PM

Connecticut Ballet’s "Ballet Under the Stars, Marge Wilder Tribute Performance," returns to Elizabeth ParkBring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the magic of classical and contemporary ballet at its finest. Visit  Connecticutballet.org for show times and tickets

JULY 27TH

West Hartford Summer Arts Festival

HALL HIGH SCHOOL, 975 NORTH MAIN ST. | 7:00 PM

Hall High School's annual Summer Arts Festival is back! This year festival players will perform Into the Woods. Performances at the school will take place, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Visit Westhartfordsaf.com for updated information and tickets.

Want to be featured?

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

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.