West Hartford, CT August 2023

Kids & Pets Issue

August is upon us!

Welcome to our August Issue. Our theme this month is Kids & Pets and we have several stories that focus on both!

Looking for something to do with the kids in these waning days of summer? The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Cultural Center is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and part of its celebration includes a new exhibit called 13 Moons, which teaches about the native calendar and how each month focuses on a different aspect of nature.

We also spoke with the leaders of the First Tee - Connecticut , a nonprofit that uses golf instruction to bring the game into the lives of kids that might not otherwise have access to it and to teach them valuable lessons about life.

Looking for a money manager?  We talked to Sullivan & Russillo Wealth Advisors about their newly formed team and the decades of experience among their financial advisors.

Did you know that parents in the greater Hartford area have a choice about what schools their kids attend? We took a look at a state program for students entering Pre-K through Grade 12, whose parents can apply for free public schools outside of their home district that fit their child's unique interests and passions.

Lastly, we have a story about raising chickens as pets and for their eggs! Backyard chicken farming became a huge trend during the pandemic and its popularity continues.

We hope you enjoy this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and that you enjoy these last few weeks of summer!

GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE

August 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 PHOTOGRAPHERS

Melanie Lust, Nadine Zuchorski

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

West Hartford

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Celebrate West Hartford recently took place over two days on the grounds of Town Hall.

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

West Hartford Co-Working recently held a "Furry Friends" fundraiser to benefit small business growth. 5-7: Greenwich Medical Spa recently held a grand reopening of the chain's flagship spa in Greenwich.

1-4:

MELANI LUST

MELANI LUST

MELANI LUST

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Renbrook School Celebrates "Flight School"

Renbrook School’s recent “Flight Day” celebrated its deep connection with the family of Frederick B. Rentschler, who founded Pratt & Whitney and donated to the school his estate atop Avon Mountain. Students flew drones and kites, launched rockets, engineered balsa gliders, enjoyed campus flyovers by a Pratt & Whitney pilot, and learned about the huge engines Pratt & Whitney brought in. For more information on Renbrook, which “brings learning to life” for children, visit Renbrook.org .

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Greenwich Med Spa Wins Best Of Award

Greenwich Medical Spa, which operates at 65 Raymond Road, recent won the Best Medical Spa category from Connecticut Magazine's Readers Choice contest. "We are beyond grateful to announce that Greenwich Medical Spa has been awarded Best Med Spa in 2023! We'd like to thank our loyal patients and the entire Hartford County community for your continued support, this award wouldn’t be possible without you," said Marria Pooya, CEO of Greenwich Medical Spa. Visit Greenwichmedicalspa.com.

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Lion's Share Family Services Earns Advanced Certification

Steve Lamantini, owner of Lion's Share Family Services, has attained his Certified Dementia Practiioner certification. "I'm proud to announce that I have obtained my  CDP certification. The CDP recognizes the highest standard in Alzheimer's and dementia care education. As a CDP my goal is to enhance the use of new methods, theories and tools related to dementia care practices for my clients." Lion's Share provides personalized "concierge" home care services. Visit Lionssharefamilyservices.com for more information.

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Photography Melanie Lust

Balance Massage & Wellness Expands

Balance Massage & Wellness Center is celebrating 20 years in business …. by expanding! “We have been passionate about supporting our clients’ health and wellness needs for the past two decades. As people realize the benefits of WELLness care VS SICKness care, we are meeting those needs by adding additional staff, treatment rooms and new modalities to our service menu.”  The center, located at 135 Day St., Newington is open daily. For information visit Balancemassagect.com

New Season in Life Marks Brain Health Awareness Month

June was National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and New Season In Life, as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, was out and about using our knowledge, experience and passion for seniors to host seminars. We provided free information sessions at libraries and senior centers around the state, including educational presentations on brain health and dementia. To learn more visit Newseasoninlife.com

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Hoffman Auto Group Breaks Ground on New Porsche Showroom

Hoffman Auto Group is breaking ground on a new facility at the company's headquarters at 630 Connecticut Blvd., in East Hartford. “The next 100 years of Hoffman starts now," said Bradley Hoffman, Hoffman Auto Group co-chairman. “We’re leading with a totally new, ‘next generation’ Porsche facility, making it one of the first of its kind in the world. Our clients will get the pure expression of the Porsche experience."  Visit Hoffmanauto.com for information.

Want to be featured?

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

The Nonprofit Seeks to Empower and Guide Kids Through Golf

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

When you think about it, most of the rules of sports can pretty much be applied to life in general.

At First Tee – Connecticut, that simple concept spawned a network of national and international nonprofit groups, called First Tee, that teaches and empowers kids to navigate life through the game of golf.

Started in the late 1990’s, the founding principle of the organization was to make golf more accessible to kids who normally wouldn’t have access to it.

“The leadership of the various governing bodies in golf all got together and sort of said ‘We should try to make golf more accessible and more diverse, bring golf to kids of diverse backgrounds,” said Mark Moriarty, First Tee’s executive director and a golf coach with the organization. “And then they realized very quickly that while they were having a round of golf with kids they could teach them some core values about life, to

teach them it’s more than just a game and to teach them how to apply some of the values of golf to their lives.”

The First Tee grew out of that and was adopted by the PGA tour. Today there are 150 chapters nationally, including First Tee – Connecticut, headquartered at the Tournament Players Club in Cromwell.

The nonprofit organization runs dozens of programs throughout the state, partnering with cities, towns and other organizations to operate golf camps year-round, including summer camps, group lessons, family play and winter programs.

First Tee relies on corporate sponsors and individual donors, as well as a cadre of volunteers to help coach and administer its programs. First Tee – Connecticut enrolls about 75,000 children in its programs each year.

“We welcome all kids from all backgrounds. By seamlessly integrating the

game of golf with character-building, we create learning experiences that help kids uncover their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do.

“For instance, while we’re teaching them about putting, we’re also talking to them about perseverance, how to develop patience, how to listen and receive feedback. While they’re active and having fun we’re exposing them to the nine core values that First Tee seeks to impart to all its participants: Respect, responsibility, confidence, courtesy, integrity, judgment, sportsmanship, honesty and perseverance.”

To become a donor or volunteer contact: First Tee – Connecticut

55 Golf Club Road, Cromwell

Phone: 860-882-1660

Email: info@firstteect.org

Online: Firstteect.org

On Social: First Tee Connecticut

Choosing the Right School

THE GREATER HARTFORD REGIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE OFFICE

The Connecticut State Department of Education created the Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office 15 years ago as a single source of information and support for families interested in school choice.

“At RSCO, we’re all about helping families in Greater Hartford explore their school choice options and access those opportunities that best fit their family,” said the program’s director, Robin Cecere. We spoke with her about the history and goals of RSCO.

Q. WHAT IS SCHOOL CHOICE?

A. School choice is the power to choose where your child attends school! Here in Greater Hartford, families with students entering Pre-K3 through Grade 12 can apply to attend free public schools outside of their home district that fit their child’s unique interests and passions. These public school options are unique to Connecticut and generally not available on an interdistrict basis in other states.

Q. WHAT TYPES OF SCHOOL CHOICES ARE AVAILABLE IN GREATER HARTFORD?

A. Families may apply to three different types of free public schools through one online application, available through the RSCO website at ChooseYourSchool.org. First, there’s 43 magnet schools incorporating specialized themes, such as STEM, visual and performing arts, computer science and Montessori.

We have three new school opportunities for the 2023-2024 school year:

• CREC Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 program

• First-ever dual-language program for Pre-K4 and Kindergarten students

• Early college advanced manufacturing program for Grade 12

Second, we have Open Choice public schools in high performing school districts outside of their hometown, which is primarily for Hartford residents. And lastly, there are three regional technical high schools specializing in career and technical education.

Q. WHY WOULD FAMILIES CHOOSE A RSCO SCHOOL? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

A. Students receive tailored academic programming aligned with their interests and passions, plus have access to sports, clubs and extracurricular activities at all of our schools. Students also get to go to school with kids from different backgrounds from almost every city and town in Greater Hartford, which is a great way to learn about the real world around them and access the benefit of learning through different perspectives and viewpoints.

Q. DO STUDENTS RECEIVE TRANSPORTATION TO THESE SCHOOLS?

A. Yes, RSCO provides transportation to and from school for students in grades K through 12 living in 43 towns.  RSCO also transports CONTINUED >

prekindergarten Hartford resident students to schools outside of Hartford and provides a transportation stipend as a reimbursement for prekindergarten families who live outside of Hartford.  If a student lives in the same town as the school they’re attending, they just take the local school district’s bus.

Q. IS THERE STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR?

A. Yes, applications are accepted through September 15. There are still great opportunities available. In fact, now families can see waitlist information in real-time, which can help them make informed decisions about their selections.

Q. WHEN WILL APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR?

A. The application will open in early December and close midMarch, with the first round of placements sent in early April. An extended application period will run from mid-April to mid-September. There will be several in-person and virtual informational events throughout the entire application period for families to learn about their options and get help applying.

For more information visit Chooseyourschool.org. On Facebook @RSCOGH.

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.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

CELEBRATING THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF NATIVE PEOPLES

The more than 300,000 square foot Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center was created to help bring to life the tribe’s story and history. It has become a major resource on the history and culture of not only the Mashantucket tribe, but of all the Native American tribes of the northeast.

THE MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR

Established in 1998 The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center will mark its 25th Anniversary this year with a grand gala celebration on Aug. 11 at the museum.

The celebration will coincide with the museum’s unveiling of its new 13 Moons Exhibit, said Josh Carter, a tribal member and the museum’s executive director.

The 13 Moons is the traditional Mashantucket Pequot calendar that “provides resources and direction throughout the 13 lunar cycles and guides us in what we should be doing throughout those cycles.”

The exhibit, he added, will include educational and artistic representations of each of the 13 teachings in the Pequot lunar calendar.

For instance, Josh said, during the Strawberry Moon lunar cycle the tribe each June hosts a Strawberry Thanksgiving. August represents the Green Corn Harvest Moon and is the tribe’s largest celebration of the year - Schemitzun - a three-day event to mark the transition from summer into fall “and give us the opportunity to be thankful for the harvest.”

It consists of permanent exhibits, a gallery of temporary exhibits, classrooms, a 320-seat auditorium, a restaurant, and a museum shop. It houses collections, archives, and archaeology and conservation laboratories where ongoing work continues on the study of Native cultures in the region.

There are multi-sensory dioramas and exhibits throughout the museum, along with videos, interactive programs, archival materials, ethnographic and archaeological collections, commissioned art, and traditional crafts by Native artisans.

Each year the research center and museum hosts thousands of school children who visit the museum as part of their school’s curriculum on Native cultures.

The building itself was designed to meld organically with the surrounding woodlands on the reservation while being mindful of maintaining the area’s ecological integrity.

“It embraces the tree line and is nestled into the landscape; two of the five levels of the facility are below ground,” the tribe says on the museum’s website. ”The 185-foot stone-and-glass tower provides visitors with sweeping views of the (Great Cedar) swamp and region. The large, circular, glass-and-steel Gathering Space serves as an arrival and event area.”

Josh says the Aug. 11 gala will center around the last 25 years of celebrating Native culture. The theme of the museum’s 25th anniversary,

An aerial view of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

he added, is Meesumôk Neetôp, which translates as “giving friend.” The Meesumôk Neetôp initiative, he added, is intended as a tribal outreach to promote community-building through a variety of services and social support.

“We do this by acquiring funding and donations to support various projects designed to enhance the sustainability of our public programs as well as the mission of the Mashantucket Pequot. Our Meesumôk Neetôp initiative envisions the realization of interdependence by bringing communities together in the spirit of supporting and learning from one another.

Community support and donations are powerful commitments that support our efforts to share the Pequot Story and its significance to American history. We’re proud of this initiative and our ability to use those ancient teachings to meet the needs of our communities today.”

The anniversary gala is open to the public and will include a cocktail hour on the museum terrace, traditional music and singing, wampum demonstrations and tours of the facility. For tickets and more information visit Pequotmuseum.org and click on the drop down menu titled 25th Anniversary Gala.

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket Phone: 860-396-6910

Email: Museumfeedback@pequotmuseum.org

Online: Pequotmuseum.org

On Social: @Pequot

A diorama inside the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

A diorama inside the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

The main lobby inside the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

Sullivan & Russillo Wealth Advisors

We are excited to announce that the Sullivan Investment Group and Russillo Wealth Management of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC have combined their expertise and skill sets to become Sullivan & Russillo Wealth Advisors.

The West Hartford-based team is led by Timothy Sullivan and Nicholas Russillo. The team is comprised of seven experienced financial professionals who have excellent and varying skills in financial planning, private wealth advisory, and corporate retirement plan management.

“Our industry and the financial markets are more complex and evolving faster than ever before and we believe that joining our teams and combining our separate areas of knowledge will enable us to offer our clients an experience rarely seen in our fast-changing industry,” said Nick Russillo.

“Our team of financial planners and investment advisors are highly skilled professionals who provide exceptional service to clients in West Hartford and beyond. With a combined 150 years of experience in the financial industry, our team has the

THE NEWLY FORMED TEAM IS COMPRISED OF FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS WITH YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

BY

NADINE ZUCHORSKI

From L-R, Troy Russillo, Emily Derikito, Nicholas Russillo

knowledge and capabilities necessary to guide clients through even the most complex financial situations,” said Chris Peters.

The conjoining of our teams as Sullivan & Russillo Wealth Advisors will provide our current clients - and those looking for financial guidance - additional capabilities and specialization, more expansive experience, and intellectual capital as we work to exceed expectations for the highest levels of advice and service in all areas of your financial life.

The five wealth professionals of Sullivan & Russillo Wealth Advisors - Timothy Sullivan, Nicholas Russillo, Paul E. Sullivan, Christopher M. Peters, and Troy Russillo - bring together a deep bench of experience in the areas of financial planning, portfolio management, tax efficient investing, 401k plan design and oversight, retirement income, trust and estate planning, along with many others.

Some of our more complex concentrations as of late have been; unwinding highly concentrated stock positions that have large unrealized gains in a tax efficient manner, and helping defer taxable gains on the sale of real estate.

Our two highly experienced Private Client Associates, Emily Derikito and Janice G. Kycia, will continue to manage all aspects of our client service administration.

“As a team, we take immense pride in serving our local community, and we approach each client with a deep sense of compassion and understanding. Whether a client is just starting to build their financial portfolio or looking to make a major investment decision, our team takes a personalized approach, collaborating closely with each client to understand their unique needs and goals,” said Paul Sullivan.

TIMOTHY J. SULLIVAN

Timothy J. Sullivan is a Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President/Wealth Management. Tim’s career began in 1967 as a stockbroker with Paine Webber (now U.B.S.), and has focused heavily on assisting local organizations and individuals manage their pension funds, endowments, IRAs, 401(k), and 403(b) retirement plans.

Sullivan & Russillo Wealth Advisors currently work directly with over 25 retirement plans, many of whom have been clients for 15 or more year. Tim’s business model for these relationships include in-depth investment research, comprehensive cost analysis and extensive servicing.

Tim understands that ongoing communication, service and frequent investment reviews are paramount to the success of his clients’ wealth and his team. Tim is a board member of Hartford Boys and Girls Club and lifelong resident of Hartford.

Contact:

Tjsullivan@janney.com 860-509-4384

NICHOLAS RUSSILLO

With more than 37 years of industry experience, Nick serves as a Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President/ Investments. Prior to joining Janney in 2007, Nick was a Senior Portfolio Manager with Advest and Merrill Lynch.

Nick is a graduate of Roger Williams University. He also holds the professional designation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist SM (AAMS®) through the College for Financial Planning. Nick also holds securities and insurance licenses in various states.

“We complete the task and strive to go above and beyond our client’s expectations, not just 100 percent of the time but 115 percent of the time.  We pay close attention to our client’s requirements, offer them wise counsel, and treat them in a way that we would like to be treated. We frequently meet with our clients, and often go above and beyond to sit down with them through trying times, listen to what they have to say, and treat them as people — not just clients.”

In his spare time, Nick enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid fly fisherman and enjoys golf. He is active in the community, serving as a volunteer with several community service and charitable organizations.

Contact: Nrussillo@janney.com 860-561-6362

“Our industry and the financial markets are more complex and evolving faster than ever before and we believe that by joining our teams and combining our separate areas of expertise we will be able to offer our clients an experience rarely seen in our fast changing industry.” Nicholas Russillo.

PAUL E. SULLIVAN

Paul E. Sullivan is a Financial Advisor/First Vice President and has worked in investments for over 20 years. Paul holds a B.A. from Providence College and has his Series 7, 63, and 65. His proficiency is in monitoring the array of investment vehicles for our clients, both institutional and individual, and locating and communicating market trends and superior management styles within this universe.

Contact: Psullivan@janney.com

860-509-4386

CHRISTOPHER M. PETERS

Christopher M. Peters is a Financial Advisor/ Vice President and has been part of the Sullivan Investment Group for over

a decade. Chris holds a B.A. from Roger Williams University and has his Series 7 and 66. Chris understands the needs of his clients and enjoys working with individual participants “one on one” in an effort to create a unique strategy for each personal situation.

The son of the former and popular Hartford Mayor Mike Peters, Chris In 2009, along with his siblings, cousins and friends, founded the Mayor Mike’s Foundation for kids in memory of his  father. “Our mission is to hold fundraising events 3 or 4 times a year to raise money for Hartford youth sports programs. We are extremely proud of the work we do and the impact we have been able to make for Hartford youth sports.”

Contact Cpeters@janney.com

860-509-4385

Troy Russillo, Emily Derikito, Nicholas Russillo

TROY RUSSILLO

As an Account Executive, Troy is an essential team member with a wealth of knowledge directly applicable to financial planning. He is Series 7, Series 6, and Series 63 registered, and in 2022, Troy earned the Certified Financial Planner® designation and he can design fully comprehensive plans for his clients.

Prior to joining Janney, he spent six years at MFS Investment Management. During his tenure at MFS, he gained experience as a Defined Contribution Specialist and honed his skills in serving 401(k) sponsors and participants. In 2016, he graduated from Keene State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics.

Troy currently resides in West Hartford. He enjoys playing golf and enjoys traveling to destinations far and wide for unique golfing experiences. In addition, Troy can be found fishing, enjoying concerts, and cheering on his favorite Boston teams.

Contact: turssillo@janney.com

860-509-4396

EMILY DERIKITO

Emily is a Registered Private Client Associate, she joined the Janney team in 2021 and holds a SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 license. As a graduate of The Ohio State University, she obtained her Bachelor of Art in journalism in 2020. A native of Ohio, Emily

recently moved to Connecticut to begin her career in financial services. She is an avid hiker and enjoys traveling, baking, and exploring the New England area. On Saturdays, you can find her cheering on her alma mater – go Buckeyes!

Contact:

Ederikito@janney.com

860-509-4387

JANICE G. KYCIA

Janice G. Kycia is a Senior Registered Private Client Assistant and has worked in the industry for over 30 years. Janice holds a B.S. from Central Connecticut State University and has a Series 7 and 66. Janice’s primary role is to assist in all aspects of client services.

Contact:

Jkycia@janney.com

860.509.4383

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC

15 North Main St., Suite 300, West Hartford

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC Advisor.janney.com/sullivanandrussillo

For more information about Janney, please see Janney’s Relationship Summary (Form CRS) at www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest.

From L-R, Christopher Peters, Tim Sullivan, Janice Kycia, Paul Sullivan.

Caso/Briggs

If You Needed Assisted Living, Could You Afford It?

Long Term Care Insurance can protect you from the high cost of a Nursing Home or Assisted Living and help keep retirement on track.

Can You Afford These ANNUAL Out-Of-Pocket Costs?

Assisted Living Private Room

$54,000

Nursing Home Semi Private Room

$94,900

Nursing Home Private Room

$108,405

Assisted Living and Nursing home, Both Semi Private and Private, Are National Median Costs.

OVER HALF of people who turned age 65 between 2015 and 2019 will have a need for LTC services.

The average length of time they will need LTC is 2 YEARS (1.5 years for men/ 2.5 years for women)

Among those who will need care, 28% are expected to incur LTC costs of more than $250,000.

For A Complimentary Quote, Call Us at 860-997-8010 or visit citylifestyle.com/hartford-ct/businesses/finance-and-legal-services/post-game-financial-2594572

PAULA FAHY OSTOP & ELLYN MARSHALL

events

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

AUGUST 1ST

Bandstand

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

It’s 1945, American soldiers return home to parades and overjoyed families, and Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, 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 compete. Shows run throughout August. Visit Playhouseonpark.org.

AUGUST 8TH

Summer Concert Series

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

Celebrate the summer at our free concert series. Bring your lawn chair to the Elmwood Senior Center Gazebo for a concert by Airborne Jazz. All shows are held rain or shine on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. No registration required. Visit Westhartfordct.gov for information.

AUGUST 9TH

Watkinson School Hosts Information Session

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

Watkinson, a private day school, will host an information session and barbecue for parents of prospective students. You will have the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour our 40-acre campus, and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner prepared by our in-house dining staff. Visit Watkinson.org for other info session dates and times.

AUGUST 15TH

New Season in Life Hosts Caregivers Seminar

PLAINVILLE SENIOR CENTER, 200 EAST ST., PLAINVILLE | 11:00 AM

LIz Cornish, owner of New Season in Life, a caregiver service for seniors, will host the seminar Caregiving Guilt & Duty, It’s Complicated Isn’t It?  "Join us for a discussion of the guilt surrounding caregiving and ways to manage it and manage your own health while caring for others." For more information Newseasoninlife.com.

AUGUST 20TH

Battle of

the

Bands for Friends of Feeney

WEBSTER WALK, BLUE BACK SQUARE | 12:00 PM

Battle of the Bands for Friends of Feeney will be featured at Webster Walk in Blue Back Square from noon to 6 p.m. The mission of Friends of Feeney is to help children and families who need assistance after heartbreak and tragedy. Visit Friendsoffeeney.com for information.

AUGUST 28TH

Summer Pooch Plunge

BEACHLAND PARK POOL, 847 SOUTH QUAKER LANE | 3:30 PM

The annual Pooch Plunge, hosted by the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition, returns again this year. The cost is $15. All dogs must be licensed, with tags. Venmo and cash are accepted.  For more information visit the coaltion's facebook page, @westhartforddogpark.

Want to be featured?

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

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

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

Backyard Chickens

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages.

There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.