KIDS & PETS
CHILDREN ATTEND A RECENT OPENING DAY CEREMONY AT CAMP COURANT
AUGUST 2024
Tui Na CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
with Dr. Wu, PH.D
March 1-2, 2025
10am - 6pm
Wu Healing Center:
45 S. Main St. Suite 100 West Hartford
Support for a healthy life.
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.
August
This month is our Kids & Pets issue and we have several articles this month about kids and pets.
We have a story this month about a unique musical family whose mom, Coreyanne Armstrong is a former U.S. Navy officer. Coreyanne plays the bagpipes professionally and competitively along with some of her eight children.
We also have an article that takes a look at the history and importance of Camp Courant. Originally founded in West Hartford by local individuals who wanted to help kids experience the great outdoors, Camp Courant has provided a safe and fun summer camp experience for kids from underserved communities for nearly 130 years.
Do you have a student-athlete in the family? If you're looking to help them up their game you'll want to read our story about Dr. Peter Inserillo, who operates a sports training and therapy clinic called Relentless Performance. He works with a lot of high school and college athletes and spoke with us about the importance of helping talented athletes improve their game at a young age.
Lastly, we have a story this month for those with one of the most popular furry friends in our lives, with some tips and tricks on how to get your dog to be a better behaved pet. We also have two stories about some of the popular foods of summer, popsicles and fresh, local produce!
We hope you enjoy this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and reading about some of the inspiring people and families in our region!
GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE
August 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
INTERN
Alexis Demircan | alexis.demircan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brian Boyer, Lucinda Jamison
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jason Edwards, Michael Sisko, Connecticut Headshots, Dreamscapes Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Meet Our Pain Management Specialists
Michael J. Grille, MD
Pain Management Anesthesiologist
Dr. Michael Grille has established himself as one of the top Interventional Pain Management Specialists in the Northeast. With Fellowship training at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, he brings a wealth of clinical expertise in order to develop the best and most comprehensive pain management plan to address any chronic pain condition.
Michael J. Robbins, DO
Pain Management Anesthesiologist
Dr. Michael Robbins was recognized as one of the “Best Pain Management Physicians in New Haven”, and he has brought his clinical excellence and experience to the local community. Dr. Robbins is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist. He has extensive knowledge in spinal mechanics, and he provides treatment for a wide range of pain issues.
Bright J. Selvaraj, MD
Pain Management Anesthesiologist
Dr. Bright Jebaraj Selvaraj brings national pain management experience to the forefront of the IAA Pain Center. Having completed his Residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital and his Pain Management Fellowship with Oregon Health, Dr. Selvaraj has been a welcome addition to our growing Pain Management Team.
Pain Conditions We Treat
• Neck , mid-back and low back pain
• Joint pain and pain after joint replacement
• Chronic post-surgical pain
• Headache, head, and facial pain
• Cervical dystonia
• Sciatica and nerve pain
• Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Chest wall pain and thoracic outlet syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• and more!
1-7: Visitors attended the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society's recent Open House Day.
For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities. We serve as trusted advisors for multiple generations and provide sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of life.
Paul L. Bourdeau
Principal, Private Clients Group
860.313.4930 pbourdeau@cl-law.com
Caroline Demirs Calio
Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4936 ccalio@cl-law.com
Robert B. Fawber
Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4931 rfawber@cl-law.com
Marc T. Finer
Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4946 mfiner@cl-law.com
Kelley Galica Peck
Principal-in-Charge, West Hartford Office 860.313.4919 kpeck@cl-law.com
Heather J. Rhoades
Chairman, Private Clients Group 860.313.4933 hrhoades@cl-law.com
For a private consultation, please contact one of our attorneys.
Blue Back Square
75 Isham Road, Suite 400 West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: 860.313.4900
Fax: 860.313.4993
Our core services include:
■ Executor and trustee services
■ Business succession planning
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■ Residential and commercial real estate services
■ Generational wealth transfer
■ International estate and tax planning
■ Probate and estate settlement
■ Corporate and finance services
■ Business litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution
www.cl-law.com
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
West Hartford Resident Writes Book-Writing Guide
Former West Hartford teacher and long-time resident Diane Kruger Cohen's new how-to guide, "You Can Write a Book for Your Grandchild." The book demystifies the process of writing a personalized picture book, inviting adults to bond with children creatively. With step-by-step directions, fun exercises, practical tips, and authentic examples, it inspires all to write with confidence and love, creating lasting memories for children and adults alike. Available on Amazon.com
Netflix Film Chronicles West Hartford Woman's Life
Lhakpa Sherpa was once a record-breaking female mountain climber. Now, she works at a West Hartford Whole Foods store, raising two teenage daughters and recovering from an abusive marriage. When the opportunity arises to make one more ascent of Everest, she jumps at it, hoping it will reverse her family’s fortunes. This is the premise of a new documentary released in July on Netflix and details Lhakpa's passion, skill and perserverance. Visit Netflix.com.
West Hartford Rotary Provides Goods For Local Food Bank
The Rotary Club of West Hartford recently purchased $10,000 worth of food at Costco and had a "Food Caravan" to Town Hall to fill the local Food Pantry. Included in the delivery were beans, breakfast cereals, canned tuna and chicken, canned corn and green beans, spaghetti sauce, and many more staples. The foods were chosen by town staff for their long shelf life and balance of nutrition. Visit Westhartfordrotary.org
The RiverLane Attends High Hopes Gala
Team members from The RiverLane, along with many of their clients, recently attended the 50th anniversary gala for High Hopes, a therapeutic riding center for individuals with disabilities in Old Lyme. The RiverLane is a women's fashion and accessories boutique located on Main Street in Essex. TheRiverLane.com.
Photography by Dreamscapes Photography
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
A Family That Plays Together
Coreyanne Armstrong's Joy-filled Life Includes Eight Children and a Bagpiping Career
Coreyanne Armstrong
Coreyanne Armstrong first picked up a bagpipe at the age of 30. A former U.S. Navy officer who served on the carrier USS Eisenhower, she had just given birth to the third of what would be eight children.
An amateur musician who played the flute and piano, Coreyanne said she was hooked after her first few bagpipe practices.
“I was just blown away by it. It was the most challenging thing I’d ever done, and I’ve operated a nuclear reactor and driven a ship through the Suez Canal.”
Eighteen years later, Coreyanne now makes a full-time living playing the bagpipes. She plays in a band, The Rogues, and works gigs just about every weekend and throughout the week, either solo or with her band.
She and four of her children also compete at pipe and drum events with the group The Talcott Mountain Highlanders. Three of the children are drummers and one of them also plays bagpipes. They compete throughout New England, and have also competed in Canada and Scotland. Sometimes they also make up their own impromptu family pipe and drum band to play at events.
“Band is truly a big part of our lives and we travel to contests throughout the season together. We had our first contest at the end of June, one in July, and then we traveled to Canada to compete there in August. We also have a few more in September and October.”
Her children - , who range from 7 to 21 years old, and her husband Bob Hunter, live together in a charming and rambling Victorian home on Main Street in Portland. Inside the living room, where two couches and several sitting chairs vie for space with numerous side tables and other furniture, a glass-lined wooden hutch along one wall holds five of Coreyanne’s bagpipes.
On a table in a room on the other side of the home two other bagpipes are laid out where Coreyanne can work on them. There is always, she says, a rotating pair of bagpipes on this table because they must be maintained regularly and unlike most
Coreyanne’s children and husband, joined by the family dog and a few friends.
Coreyanne with two of her children, Claire, left and Gabriel, at a St. Patrick's Day parade.
other musical instruments bagpipes can be altered over time to make them better.
“You have to keep the reeds in shape, you have to maintain and improve the bags constantly to make them sound better. The bagpipe is a musical instrument that is constantly fighting you and it takes years to be skilled enough to make changes and improvements to them.” Sitting cross-legged on a couch, her relaxed and unflappable appearance belies her busy lifestyle. It was harder, she says, when the kids - Patience, 21; Gabriel,19; Leon, 17; Claire,16; Greer,12; Daniel,11; Grace,9; Joy, 7 - were younger and she was a newly divorced single mom with such a large brood.
She says she couldn’t have done it without the teamwork that a family of eight naturally develops. Older siblings for years have helped out with babysitting, running errands and making sure younger brothers and sisters get to and from school and extracurricular activities.
“I rely on them a lot and we work well together as a team.”
With that kind of help, and as the children have gotten older, Coreyanne says, she was able to devote more time to her bagpiping and turn it into a true career.
She acknowledges the bagpipes traditionally have been played by men, but says she meets lots of women bagpipers nowadays.
The instrument is much more popular than lay people realize, she adds. Her piping services are requested at a variety of events, including golf tournaments, funerals, weddings, graduations, and convocations, to name a few.
“Bagpipes are pretty much played in any situation where you have to lead a group of people on a small parade,” she jokes.
She and The Rogues, which includes another bagpiper and two drummers, play at a variety of festivals and events as well.
And then there are the occasional one-off gigs, like when she played during a burial at sea and the time the Harwinton High School senior class hired her for a prank to follow the principal around the school for an hour while playing the bagpipes wherever he went.
“That was a really fun one,” says Bob. “The principal was good natured about it. He even hired Coreyanne to come back and play at the graduation that year!”
To learn more and to find out where you can see The Rogues visit TheRogues.com. You can also visit Coreyanne’s Instagram, @coriandera , and her Facebook, Coreyanne.Armstrong
Coreyanne Armstrong
Coreyanne at a festival.
A LEGACY OF FUN FOR LOCAL KIDS FOR NEARLY 130 YEARS
Camp Courant
ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL SISKO AND JASON EDWARDS
Children arrive on opening day at Camp Courant
We were selected as one of the Entrepreneurial Eight, which is a huge honor.
For the past 130 years Camp Courant has served as a tribute to the power of community and the timeless joy of childhood.
The summer camp, originally located in West Hartford, is a sanctuary for underserved children and provides them with a safe space to learn, grow and just be kids.
Established in 1894 from a fund set up by the Hartford Courant and reorganized in 1985 as a separate nonprofit, Camp Courant is the oldest and largest free summer day camp in the United States.
“The history here is incredible,” says Corrianne Chipello, the camp’s executive director and CEO. “To have an organization thrive for 130 years speaks volumes about the dedication of our staff and the support of our community.”
The camp’s longevity is a testament to the commitment of its supporters and staff, many of whom return year after year, Chipello says.
“We have staff members who have been with us for decades. Most of them are full-time teachers who spend their summers with us, not for the pay, but for the kids and the mission we serve. That kind of dedication is truly remarkable.”
Despite its storied history, Camp Courant faces significant financial challenges.
“We rely entirely on donations to operate, and securing those funds has become increasingly difficult,”Corrianne explains. “Inflation has hit everyone hard, and our expenses continue to rise. We’ve had to get creative to sustain our mission.”
One innovative solution has been the introduction of a social enterprise in partnership with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
“We were selected as one of the Entrepreneurial Eight, which is a huge honor,” Corrianne says. “We’re
now renting out our beautiful 36-acre facility in Farmington for events like family gatherings, corporate retreats, weddings, and more. Every dollar from these rentals goes directly back into funding the camp.”
Another way the camp underwrites its budget is with its annual fundraiser, Buddy Bash, slated for Sept. 20 this year.
More than just a fundraising event, Buddy Bash celebrates community and the collective effort to support Hartford’s youth. Corrianne says.
“It’s a Garden Party theme combining the elegance of a high-end event with a laid-back, fun atmosphere. This year, to celebrate our 130th anniversary, the theme is ‘Hope Grows Here,’ and it will be a party like no other.” An event not to be missed, the gala will feature food and drink from area best restaurants, great entertainment, and a silent auction. More information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, or donating auction items can be found at campcourant.org
Corrianne’s vision for Camp Courant is clear: continued growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the children of Hartford.
“Support is crucial,” she emphasizes. “We’ve been here for 130 years and want to be here for 130 more. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. It costs $100 a day per camper, and we serve 750 kids daily for six weeks. That math adds up quickly, but so does the impact of every dollar.”
Camp Courant not only continues to thrive but also evolves to meet the community’s changing needs. For the children of Hartford, the camp is a place of joy, learning, and boundless possibilities—a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. To learn more, visit campcourant.org.
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Relentless Performance
Transforming High School and College Athletes Beyond the Basics
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS
Dr. Peter Inserillo, inside Relentless Physical Therapy
At Relentless Physical Therapy in Farmington Valley, Dr. Peter Inserillo, DPT, PT, CSCS, CFSC, is breaking the mold of traditional physical therapy.
His innovative clinic combines physical therapy with strength and conditioning, focusing not just on painfree basic function but on enhancing overall athletic performance. With a comprehensive approach, Dr. Inserillo and his team help clients, including high school athletes seeking greater performance for college play, reach new heights.
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This approach is a game-changer for athletes, particular high school and college-level athletes, in the Farmington Valley area.
“It’s not just about returning to basic function and being pain-free,” Dr. Inserillo explains. “Our version includes those things but also focuses on enhancing performance. We specialize in athletics, and our goal is to build a machine better than the original by incorporating the performance aspect.”
One of the standout features of Relentless Physical Therapy is its emphasis on mental fortitude and resilience.
“The biggest adjustment for athletes moving to a higher level is the mentality and mental toughness required,” Dr. Inserillo notes. “Athletes need to be subjected to adversity and placed in uncomfortable situations to progress, not just in sport but in life. We introduce controlled chaos to keep them safe while building them up, subjecting them to real resistance.”
This method has proven effective for many athletes, including a local high school basketball player who faced significant challenges.
“We had a player who barely played during his junior year of high school because his coach didn’t believe in him,” Dr. Inserillo shares. “From January 2023 to November 2023, he trained with us and eventually committed to playing at the University of Saint Joseph. The biggest thing we stressed was focusing on things within his control. Eventually, something positive came out of it.”
It’s becoming common for parents to seek out training programs and facilities for their kids to safely participate in strength and conditioning, he adds.
“Research suggests that proper training is paramount to preventing injuries and improving athletic performance. We have clients as young as 10 years old! Teaching kids early how to move well and emphasize proper form and technique is huge in their development.”
“The biggest adjustment for athletes moving to a higher level is the mentality and mental toughness required.”
His experiences shaped his philosophy.
“I didn’t play much in college, and I couldn’t control how coaches rated me, but I could control my effort and attitude,” he says. “Coaches want to test their athletes and put them in uncomfortable situations. Their response speaks volumes.”
His approach starts with a thorough athlete profile.
“When we get a new client, we do a full profile, including a protocol of testing to assess their strengths and weaknesses. We take all that data and put it into multiple equations to determine where they need the most assistance. We focus on their weaknesses and strong points and consider where they are in their training season.”
This data-driven approach has led to success stories, such as a professional soccer player and a golfer with his PGA Tour card. But the philosophy at Relentless goes beyond physical training.
“It’s about setting non-negotiables. Every day, list items that are non-negotiable, no matter how good or bad the day is. Take care of your body, study— frame it that way, and it becomes a habit.”
Relentless Physical Therapy is named after the book “Relentless,” embodying a transformation that transcends physical training.
“It’s a lifestyle,” Dr. Inserillo says. We aim to instill resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence in our athletes, both on and off the field.”
For more information visit Relentlesspt.com.
Al Fr es co STYLE
Spending time outdoors and enjoying friends and family over good food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. From the fresh flower arrangements, produce, and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wildflowers. We arranged a beautiful medley of Queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, feverfew, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms. We love a good home-cooked menu mixed with a signature drink, so we paired our meal with a delicious craft cocktail. Buttermilk brined fried chicken was a must for this outdoor party. A delicious peach bread pudding with salted vanilla caramel cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat. We wanted to share a few of our favorite recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
FARM-TO-TABLE ENTERTAINING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS
Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
Dried spice mix
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
Buttermilk Brine
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
Dredge
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Whole cut up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
To cook
• 4 cups shortening
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken. Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well. Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!
Peach Bread Pudding
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
El Ahumado
“Spanish for Smoky”
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce aperol
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup
• 1 spritz of Mezcal
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
ARTICLE
BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA
BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
AUGUST 1ST
The Prom at Playhouse on Park
Playhouse on Park Theatre, 244 Park Road | 7:30 PM
Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, a troupe of hilarious, self-absorbed and fading Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend. Runs through August 18. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for tickets and times.
AUGUST 1ST
West Hartford Public Library Family Storytime
Bishops Corner Branch, 15 Starkel Road | 10:15 AM
A storytime with stories and music for the whole family where children of all ages are welcome! No registration required. Visit westhartfordlibrary.org for more information.
AUGUST 1ST
New Britain Art Happy Hour
New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain | 5:30 PM
The New Britain Museum of America Art is hosting a live music event on Thursday nights all summer long, with a front-row seat to the best view of Walnut Hill Park. Cocktails, snacks, sandwiches, and salads are available for purchase in the Museum Café. Visit nbmaa.org for more information.
AUGUST 2ND
Brew Ha Ha Comedy Night
River Waterfront Restaurant, 100 Great Meadow Road, Wethersfield | 8:00 PM
The Comedy Craft Beer Tour brings the best of Northeast comedy to local breweries, wineries, and any other venue that serves alcohol throughout New England and beyond for an evening that keeps the drinks flowing, and the laughs coming. Visit riverontheriver.com for more information.
AUGUST 3RD
The Farmington Classic Polo Match
Farmington Polo Club, 152-162 Town Farm Road, Farmington | 5:00 PM
General Admission tickets are available for purchase online in advance or at the gate on the day of the match. Access the VIP tent and reserve season tables, private parties or tailgate spots for a single match or the full season. Visit tickets.farmingtonpolo.com to purchase tickets and find more information.
AUGUST 3RD
Waldo Search Party
River Bend Bookshop, 161 Park Road | 11:00 AM
There will be popsicles, games, crafts and tons of fun for everyone. Get in the spirit by wearing your Red & White finest. You do not need to be present to win the Grand Prize collection of Where's Waldo books. Many, many prizes are available for Search Party participants. Visit riverbendbookshop.com for more information.
realty report
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AUGUST 6TH
Gazebo Concert Series
Elmwood Community/Senior Center, 1106 New Britain Ave. | 6:00 PM
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic supper, or snacks to this all-ages concert at the Gazebo located on the lovely green space at the lower parking lot of the Elmwood Community/Senior Center. The rain location is in Ernest O. St. Jacques Auditorium inside the Elmwood Community Center. Another concert will be held on Aug. 20. Visit westhartfordct.gov for more information.
AUGUST 7TH
Watkinson School Hosts Information Session and Barbecue
Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford | 6:00 PM
Info Session begins at 6:00 pm. 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 dining staff. Please call 860-236-5618 to register or to schedule a private tour. Visit Watkinson.org.
AUGUST 10TH
Summer Farm Festival
The Farm Truck at Hein Farm, 303 Meadow Road., Farmington | 10:00 AM
A celebration of summer with local artisans, live music, Greenhouse Tavern Food Truck, The Dawg Tour Food Truck, and Happy Tails Coffee Truck. Also enjoy the grand opening of our cut your own flower garden, hayrides, face painting, plant sales and more! Runs through Aug. 11. Visit farmingtonfarmtruck.farm for more information.
AUGUST 15TH
Great American Stamp Show
Connecticut Convention Center, Hall AB, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 10:00 AM
The largest annual stamp event in the country this show features more than 100 booths,, 900 frames of stamp exhibits and rarities, stamp first day ceremonies, seminars & social gatherings, youth activities/Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshop, and more. The show runs through August 16. Visit stamps.org for more information.
Get Your Life BACK
Are you ready to say goodbye to back pain and hello to a life without limits? M. Ayodele Buraimoh, MD, a nationally-recognized leader in spine health is opening a private practice to bring you the latest advancements in spinal care. Whether you're sidelined by discomfort or seeking preventive care, it’s time to unlock a future free from pain and rediscover the activities you love most.
Office opening in September. Schedule your consultation today!
The Orthopedic Center of Connecticut 130 Birdseye Road Farmington, CT 06032
860.247.3279 ayospinemd.com
MD EVENTS
M. Ayodele Buraimoh,
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