West Hartford, CT March 2024

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CRAFTING TIMELESS HOMES WITH KATHRYN HUNT STUDIO

Tui Na

CERTIFICATION

WORKSHOP with Dr. Wu, PH.D

June 29-30, 2024

10am - 6pm

Wu Healing Center: 45 S. Main St. Suite 100 West Hartford

Support for a healthy life.

FOR MORE INFO:

FENGYANGTCM.COM

Learn how to:

• Use 9 easy acupressure lines to treat any condition.

• Use the 1,730 year old “Instant Pain Elimination Technique” to instantly eliminate aches, pains, and other conditions.

• Use 10 simple points to find instant relief from 10 every-day problems (knee pain, shoulder pain, headaches, hip pain, low back pain, etc.)

• Easily find Qi blockages along the 9 acupressure lines and restore Qi flow.

Home

March, with its promise of spring, is our Home issue here at West Hartford Lifestyle. Spring is a time of renewal and of renewing, updating or renovating our homes.

We have several stories this month's related to the idea of home. Looking to refresh your interiors? We spoke with Kathryn Hunt, of Kathryn Hunt Studio, a home design consultant, about her design aesthetic and philosophies.

Want to know what's happening this year in real estate?

We have a Q&A with Sherri Kagan Schwartz,  a licensed Realtor who works with Coldwell Banker, about what's likely to happen in 2024 in the local real estate market.

In our Home Update feature this month, the experts at JWM Architects explain the concept of "intelligent design" in new home building or renovations.

We also have a feature this month on so-called “Blue Zones,” communities around the globe where people live longer, healthier lives and how you can adopt some of their healthy habits.

Finally, if you're looking for a change from the usual corned-beef and cabbage dinner on St. Patrick's Day, check out our Culinary Creation this month, a recipe for Shephard's Pie, which is an authentic Irish dish that dates back generations in Ireland.

We hope you enjoy this month's "Home" issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and you have a happy St. Patrick's Day!

GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE

March 2024

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 WRITER

Lucinda Jamison

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Connecticut Headshots, Hanna Schwartz, Naesan Ponnudurai, Kelly Mays

Corporate Team

Perry

Robinson

“Paula

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: West Hartford officials recently recognized town employees with tenures ranging from 5-15 years.

1-7: West Hartford’s MLK Day celebration included student speakers, and local and state officials.

with

Make your next gathering truly magical at the stunning Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.

Reserve your date today!

Contact Shantal Lapid at facilityrental@pequotmuseum.org.

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 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 citylifestyle.com/hartford-ct/businesses/finance-and-legal-services/post-game-financial-2594572

business monthly

Watkinson School Announces New Partnership With University of St. Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph and Watkinson School have launched a  partnership that will include a new USJ scholarship for Watkinson seniors, a USJ tuition discount for Watkinson employees and a reduced tuition rate at Watkinson for the children of USJ employees, beginning this fall. For more information about USJ visit USJ.edu. For information about Watkinson School, visit Watkinson.org.

Scan to read more

Ron Foley Foundation Announces 15th Annual Run For the Roses

The Ron Foley Foundation, founded in memory of Ron Foley, who lost his fight with pancreatic cancer in 2005, has announced it will host its 15th Annual Run For the Roses on Saturday, May 4. Ron’s Run for the Roses is a Kentucky Derby-style charity gala that raises awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer medical research, education and patient care. For event and sponsorship information email Nancy.W@Ronsrun.org.

Connecticut Foodshare Gets Multi-Year Funding

Westfield Bank has announced a multi-year donation to Connecticut Foodshare. Westfield Bank’s donation will help increase accessibility and distribution frequency to Foodshare's “pantry on wheels” program, which helps deliver fresh, healthy, and nutritious food to underserved neighborhoods at no cost. Visit CTFoodshare.org for information.

West Hartford Rotary Donates $7,500 to Local Food Pantry

The Rotary Club of West Hartford, in partnership with Liberty Bank, recently donated $7,500 to the Town That Cares (West Hartford's food pantry). "As food insecurity is an issue in almost every community, including West Hartford, The Rotary Club is committed to using our resources each year to contribute," Rotary officials said. "In the spring we will be making bulk food donations as we have done for the past few years." Visit WestHartfordrotary.org for information.

Watkinson School Announces New Summer Camp

Steve & Kate’s Camp is opening a new summer camp on the Watkinson School campus in Hartford. From June 17 - Aug 16, children ages 4 to 12 can participate in the activities they love – from moviemaking to sports, coding and sewing. “It’s a perfect fit as Watkinson and Steve & Kate’s Camp are very aligned philosophically," said ead of School Teri Schrader says. Visit Watkinson.org for more information.

Connecticut Spelling Bee Returns to West Hartford

As Connecticut’s only official regional partner for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society will once again present the Connecticut Spelling Bee. The spelling be will be held at the Bruyette Athenaeum’s Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph, March 3. The bee is for students in grades 2-8  Email  events@noahwebsterhouse.org or call 860-502-3247 for more information.

Photography by Kelly Mays

Shephard’s Pie

TRY SKIPPING THE USUAL CORNED BEEF THIS YEAR FOR A MORE SUBLIME, AUTHENTIC IRISH MEAL

Shephard's Pie

Looking for an alternative to the typical corned beef dinner on St Patrick’s Day? Corned beef is Irish-American, immigrants came up with it when they came to this country. So here’s a recipe for an

authentic Irish meal, one you would easily encounter any day in Ireland. Traditionally the Irish used ground lamb in Shepard’s Pie, but you can substitute ground beef, chicken or turkey instead.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 pounds ground meat

• 1 onion, diced

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 2 ½ cups water, or as needed

• 1 (12 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed

• 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and mashed

• 2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS

Combine olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in ground meat and onion; cook until meat is brown and crumbly, about 10 minutes.Stir in flour until incorporated. Mix in garlic, ketchup, rosemary, salt, and pepper and worcestershire; cook until garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in water, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Reduce to medium-low and simmer until thick, 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vegetables. Spread mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mash potatoes with milk and 1 tablespoon butter. Spread on top of meat mixture. Bake at 375 degrees until the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

“Corned beef is Irish-American, immigrants came up with it when they came to this country.”

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON

CRAFTING TIMELESS HOMES

Finding the perfect balance between style and function when you’re building a home or renovating can be a daunting task.

The key to success lies in making

so important that they’re comfortable in their own home. As a designer, I’m not dictating what their personal style is going to be—I help them tailor it. The biggest thing that I can tell clients is

“ESSENTIALLY, WE'RE WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD CREATING ART WITHIN A HOME SPACE.”

informed decisions with the help of a design professional. A full-service interior decoration and design firm in West Hartford, The Kathryn Hunt Studio works in an array of visual styles to assist clients through the design process and create livable spaces to call home. Interior Designer Kathryn Hunt offers expert advice focused on creating spaces that stand the test of time.

“Hire an interior designer,” she recommends. “It saves time and money. Designers have a wealth of experience—we understand how products are going to wear and how you’re going to live in these products.”

She takes time to become acquainted with her client’s wants and needs before beginning a project.

“I’m not one to dive into trends. I like to sit with my clients and understand who they are as individuals. It’s

don’t be afraid of going towards what you love. Essentially, we’re working together toward creating art within a home space.”

Kathryn starts by working with architectural blueprints to create the right flow and address essential design features intrinsic to the project.

“Generally, I try to make every room happy. Moody can be happy, white can be happy, everything can be happy, it’s just a matter of playing with the right textures, colors, and accents.” One of Kathryn’s favorite areas of design is incorporating texture. Her work with patterns and wallcoverings extends to natural fibers, such as grasscloth and linens. “Linen is a wonderful durable, organic, sustainable fabric that we use often. Linens in a thicker textural weave are great for upholstery taking into account

CONTINUED >

pets, taking into account wine spills and life spills. We want to make sure that all these products are going to last.”

Pattern is another feature that is so essential for home design. Kathryn and her design team are experts at pulling together pattern mixes to balance out a room, taking one bold pattern and layering in smaller-scale motifs like block prints to create the perfect ebb-and-flow energy in a room. ”Block prints are absolutely beautiful in their use of colors and intricate detail. Many are hand-done, which is amazing, and again, create art in your spaces.”

In kitchens and baths, she believes a designer is essential in helping the homeowner with the search for tile and hard finishes that produce the right look and add warmth and style continuity. She also stresses that it is very important to work with a quality cabinetry company and an experienced designer to ensure that these spaces are the perfect combination of style and functionality.

Each room should tell its unique story while maintaining a cohesive design language. “I want to walk into a space that is a little bit different and evokes a new feeling. They need to all talk to each other and have the same feeling but when you walk into each space it’s

“I'M NOT ONE TO DIVE INTO TRENDS.”

going to have its own unique story and you’re going to have a different feeling in each room.”

Creating a timeless home involves a thoughtful blend of personal style, functionality, and trust in experienced professionals. The guidance of an experienced interior designer and the insights the designer offers will provide a roadmap for homeowners to navigate the challenges and embrace the joys of creating a beautifully personalized living space.

Kathryn notes, “every project offers new opportunities to play with things like beautiful wallpaper and different textures and different fabrics and different patterns. I love helping clients create their dream spaces.”

KATHRYN HUNT STUDIO

KathrynHuntStudio.com

Phone: 631-240-3871

Email: kh@kathrynhuntstudio.com

On Social: @Kathrynhuntstudio

Kathryn Hunt

Real Estate Trends - 2024

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHWARTZ, NAESAN PONNUDURAI

A CONVERSATION WITH SHERRI KAGAN SCHWARTZ, OF COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Sherri Kagan Schwartz

““I feel a strong sense of gratitude toward military personnel and their families for their service. Helping them find a new home is a way to express that gratefulness.”

With nearly 20 years of experience in real estate, Sherri Kagan Schwartz is a licensed Realtor who works with Coldwell Banker Realty in West Hartford.

She serves residential and commercial clients in the Greater Hartford area and beyond and is also licensed in Massachusetts.

“I frequently assist buyers who are looking in towns close to the state borders and who also are considering Massachusetts, so it made sense to become dual-licensed to serve my client’s needs in both states.

“For instance, I work with a lot of lake house buyers and because there are so many beautiful lake communities in both states , I have had the pleasure of learning about and visiting many of them as a result!”

Sherri’s sales volume is over $15 million annually and she has earned membership in the Coldwell Banker® International President’s Elite, an honor reserved for the top three percent of agents globally. She’s also been consistently named one of America’s Best Agents by RealTrends, a news site for the real estate industry.

She holds numerous real estate industry credentials. She’s a certified Relocation Agent, a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS™) and a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) where she has achieved GUILD™ status,  having closed on properties worth $1 million and above. She’s also a Zillow and Trulia 5-Star Agent whose clients often cite how knowledgeable, professional and attentive she is.

She serves a wide array of buyers, sellers and investors, including commercial, military, corporate relocations, single-family, condos, new construction, first-time buyers,

downsizers, rental property clients, as well as horse property and multi-family buyers.

She is on Coldwell Banker’s Corporate Relocation Services Team, which assists relocating transferees and their families. She particularly enjoys her work helping our service members relocate and find new homes.

She gives back to her local community through her association with the Greater Hartford Association of Realtors Community Involvement Committee.  “I have also worked with Journey Home CT (Journeyhomect.com) over many years, facilitating teams from our office and assisting with coordinating donations of furniture and household goods and then taking part in home makeovers, one of the most rewarding experiences we as a team have had the pleasure of participating in.”

A member of the West Hartford Historic District Commission, Sherri has a particular interest in the region’s older and historic homes.

“I’ve always had a fondness and fascination for antique homes. Their character and craftsmanship evoke a by-gone era of attention to detail that’s not seen today and I find it intriguing to imagine the lives of those homes’ previous occupants, the events that transpired within the walls, and the evolution of the home over time.”

Sherri lives in West Hartford with her family and two rescue dogs. She has worked with two dog rescue groups in recent years, Labs4Rescue and DogStar Rescue, and is a strong advocate for them.

She has worked for Coldwell Banker, which led the market in sales in Hartford County in 2022 and 2023 ( with over $1 billion in sales in 2022 alone) since 2005.

Sherri Kagan Schwartz

Sherri Kagan Schwartz, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in West Hartford, serves residential and commercial clients in Greater Hartford and throughout Connecticut.

““I’ve always had a fondness and fascination for antique homes. Their character and craftsmanship evoke a by-gone era of attention to detail that’s not seen today.”

“I love my job because it’s never the same. I’m always meeting amazing people and traveling widely throughout the area. And it’s always exciting because I get to explore our entire state. You’ll often find me going off the beaten path wherever I am!”

We spoke with Sherri about the housing market and trends she’s seeing for 2024.

Q. WHAT’S THE LOCAL MARKET LIKE RIGHT NOW? ARE HOMES STILL SELLING FOR ABOVE ASKING?

A. The average sale price this past December was up almost 20 percent from last December, its highest level compared to 2022 and 2021. Homes are selling at an average of $224 a square foot , which is about 8 percent higher than in 2022, and about 106 percent of asking price. Inventory is also still historically low, low, low.

Q. WHAT SHOULD I BE CONSIDERING IF I’M THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME NOW?

A. It’s so important to have a professional by your side every step of the way to guide you, whether buying or selling. Having a reputable lender if necessary, is the first step, and I am proud to partner with some of the finest in the area. You will need to be ready to make a decision quickly, so having a lender already onboard is key. While it’s easy to hop online and home search, you’ll want a Realtor on your side to get the most up to date market information, one who will move quickly to get you into properties. With the quick pace we are seeing, it’s important to get in sooner than later. I will frequently do virtual, live showings with my out of town clients. They’re very thorough and so inclusive of every aspect of the house, the neighborhood, topography, etc., that clients have made decisions to purchase based on these.

Q. WHAT’S THE BENEFIT FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS TO WORK WITH A LOCAL AGENT?

A. One of the most important things I bring to the table as a local agent is the many connections and relationships I have developed and nurtured with colleagues and providers who are key to a successful transaction, including area Realtors, lenders, inspectors, attorneys and other industry professionals and contractors. It takes a team; a small village, from start

to finish. And even after the key is handed over, the new friendships that have grown are the icing on the cake. A local Realtor can provide insights and be aware of the current dynamics of the area, the neighborhoods, the growth ... which in 2024 will be incredible!

Q. WHAT CHANGES DO YOU SEE COMING FOR LOCAL REAL ESTATE?

A.There’s lots of development in town. Last year was challenging for home buyers on many fronts, including surging prices, low inventory, and interest rate hikes. But it’s likely we’ll see mortgage rate cuts in 2024 and the housing market will begin to stabilize, promising a more productive market for buyers and sellers.”

Q. WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON CONCERN/QUESTION BUYERS AND SELLERS HAVE DURING THE HOME BUYING AND SELLING PROCESS.

A. Buyers have many questions; first-time buyers want to know about mortgage payment amounts and other costs, such as utilities& repair costs they might face. Transferees have a range of questions about their new area, from schools to taxes. Sellers’ biggest questions are what is their home worth and how to prepare it for sale and when to list. People relocating obviously have a lot more questions and as a longtime local resident I bring a breadth of unique knowledge since I’ve lived and worked as a Realtor here for so long.  One of my favorite things is giving them a tour of the region and showing them the highlights and  favorite spots. I tailor it to their needs, their preferences, including places that will be of interest to them depending on the family makeup. I’m like a West Hartford Docent, and pride myself on being an ambassador for our amazing town!”

Sherri Kagan Schwartz

Coldwell Banker Realty

992 Farmington Ave.

Online: Sherrischwartz-realestate.com

On Facebook: @sherrischwartzrealestate

On Instagram: @sherrikschwartzctrealtor

Email:Sherri.Schwartz@coldwellbankermoves.com

Phone:

860-883-0178 mobile

860-231-2600 office

JWM Architects Explains Intelligent Design

ARCHITECTS CAN HELP CONTROL BUILDING EXPENSES WITH THOUGHTFUL DESIGN

ARTICLE BY JOHN W. MACFARLANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELICIA PASCARELLA, JOHN W. MACFARLANE

An after photo of a home redesigned by JWM Architects

An after photo of a home redesigned by JWM Architects

The past few years have created significant price increases in the building trades and especially in new home construction.

Rising demand, fuel prices and the recent epidemic have driven up materials costs. Record highs in home equity values have spurred a boom in renovation and additions to existing properties, placing construction labor in high demand. These factors make 2024 one of the most expensive times to build or renovate in recent memory. If you are contemplating a building project, the following guidelines will help you get the most from your construction dollar.

DON’T OVERBUILD.

While there is some economy of scale in construction, ultimately a contractor bases the construction bid on the total square footage of the project. That means that an excessively large stairway, hall or similar nebulous area -- what architects call ‘circulation space’ -- really costs you. A compact and efficient floor plan tailored to the needs of your building program will deliver the most usable and economical space for the money.

MINIMIZE COMPLEXITY AND DETAIL.

Jigs, jogs, corners, cathedral ceilings and intersecting roof lines may lend a lot of excitement and drama to a space but they do so at a premium, and can really annihilate a construction budget. This does not mean that your home or addition need assume the shape of a shoebox, but it does mean that such elements should be chosen wisely and orchestrated to greatest effect relative to their elevated cost. A good solution will create a dynamic and interesting space without placing excessive demand, hence cost, on the builder.

EMPLOY ECONOMICAL MATERIALS.

Trim, mouldings and cabinetry are the most expensive aspects to finishing a room. Minimize the

application and simplify the configuration of these to make a positive affect on your bottom line. Evaluate alternatives to notoriously expensive materials like granite countertops.

Take advantage of scheduling. A project that must start tomorrow and be finished by the first major holiday generates a lot of extra costs. Your builder must scramble to assemble labor and obtain building materials. You are forced to take whatever and whoever is ready and available rather than items that comparatively shopped and services that are competitively bid. Scheduling your project within a generous window of time will allow you to entertain bids from a larger pool of builders that are seeking to fill gaps in their schedules to stay busy.

HOW DOES AN ARCHITECT HELP CONTROL BUILDING COSTS?

An architect’s drawings level the playing field between prospective contractors, positioning your project at best advantage against prevailing building costs. The architect produces a set of construction contract documents, commonly referred to as ‘plans’ or ‘blueprints’. The drawings are legal documents, and include a written specification that describes exactly what materials and building practices are to be used in the project. This allows you to compare bids “apples to apples” to determine the best price. There can be as much as a 30 percent difference between the high and low bidder, typically more than offsetting the cost of the architect’s services.

Architects are usually hired to create appealing designs for their clients, but when one considers the amount of money in flux during the design and bidding stages of a project, an architect makes good financial sense too.

John MacFarlane is principal of JWM Architects LLC in Glastonbury. He can be reached at 860-657-3020 or via the company website at Jwmarchitects.com

“An architect’s drawings level the playing field between prospective contractors, positioning your project at best advantage against prevailing building costs.”

“There can be as much as a 30 percent difference between the high and low bidder, typically more than offsetting the cost of the architect’s services.”

A

JWM Architects.

The kitchen after JWM’s redesign.

before photo of a kitchen redesigned by

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

“GET YOUR HANDS ON A PLANT-BASED COOKBOOK, PICK A DOZEN RECIPES, AND COOK THOSE WITH YOUR FAMILY ON SUNDAYS.”

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.

“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says.

“Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”

“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the longterm,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

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Why do West Hartford students succeed at Watkinson School?

“Watkinson provides space for me to explore, learn, and do what I am passionate about.”

— Current Upper School Student

77% of our West Hartford graduates were varsity athletes who also participated in our Global Studies or Creative Arts Programs, or took classes at the University of Hartford.

— data from 2008-2022

That’s why. watkinson.org

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Watkinson School Hosts Campus Tours

Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford | 9:00 AM

Watkinson School in Hartford is currently accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year. Prospective parents and students can learn more about the admissions process and tour the school's 40-acre campus with members of Watkinson's admissions team. To book a tour, please call 860-236-5618. Tours are ongoing throughout the month. Visit Watkinson.org for more information.

MARCH 2ND

The Vines of March

West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main St. | 7:00 PM

The Rotary Club of West Hartford will host its 12th Annual Vines of March Wine Tasting from 7-10:30 p.m. The Vines of March features wine, beer and spirit tastings from local and regional vendors, as well as unlimited sampling of food provided by local restaurants and a silent and live auction. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at Westhartfordrotary.org.

MARCH 9TH

Life on the Webster Farm

Noah Webster House & West Hartford Hisorical Society, 227 South Main St. | 1:30 PM

Visit the museum from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and enjoy a live demonstration of Work Days – Dancing the Time Away in Early America, from an experienced team of museum educators. Part of the museum's regular demonstrations of work and play life in early America, this program is included in museum admission. For more information, email events@noahwebsterhouse.org.

MARCH 13TH

Author Talk: Melissa Newman's "Head Over Heels"

Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St. | 6:30 PM

Melissa Newman. the daughter of Joanne and Paul Newman, discusses her illustrated book, Head over Heels: Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman: A Love Affair in Words and Pictures. Newman offers a fresh perspective on these storied Hollywood legends, putting them both front and center with 120-plus photos of the couple, many never published before. Email mbeaudreault@westhartfordct.gov for information.

MARCH 13TH

Unpacking - Stop Time Dance Theater

Playhouse on Park Theater, 244 Park Road | 7:30 PM

Now in its 21st year, stop/time dance theater, the resident dance company of Playhouse on Park, presents Unpacking. We all carry around baggage but when stop/time dance does it, it leads to some interesting adventures. See what they unpack as the music begins. Preview performances are March 13-14. The regular show runs through March 24. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for information.

MARCH 19TH

Your Family Tree

Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St. | 6:30 PM

Jennifer Zinck, a certified geneaologist, leads this presentation on how DNA is used to confirm family lineage or discover your family's roots. Learn about the most popular DNA tools and techniques available to researchers today. Join us to explore challenges and successes in the modern world of genealogy. Email mbeaudreault@westhartfordct.gov for more information.

realty report

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

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com