Kids & Pets
Embracing Transition, Supporting Our Neighbors
As the late summer sun warms the brick walkways of Blue Back Square, August arrives in West Hartford with its familiar, vibrant rhythm. It is a beautiful month of transition—where we savor the final, precious days of long summer evenings while turning our attention to the active season directly ahead.
This time of year brings a distinct energy to our community. Whether you are catching the last outdoor patio dinners along LaSalle Road or spending a peaceful afternoon among the late-blooming roses at Elizabeth Park, August reminds us of the strength found in our local connections.
Yet, it also signals the back-to-school rush. To sharpen our local business outlook this autumn, I encourage our merchants to embrace collaborative strategy. Consider hyper-local co-marketing alliances: a Center boutique could partner with an Elmwood specialty shop, or a fitness studio could bundle perks with a nearby café. These creative, cross-promotional efforts keep shopping traffic thriving within our town borders.
When preparing your families for the classroom, look first to West Hartford’s independent storefronts. From clothing boutiques to fresh haircuts and morning café fuel, choosing to buy local directly reinvests in the neighbors who make our community exceptional. Let’s finish the summer strong and lift up our local storefronts together. SRIVATHSA
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Srivathsa (Sri) Ramachandran srivathsa.ramachandran@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jayashree (Jaye) Subramanian jayashree.subramanian@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Dave Claro | dave.claro@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chelsea Viola, Karen Gillis, Jenni French
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jeff DiCosimo, Lynn Damon, Sara Huber, Kaitlyn Casso, Kate Wark, Michele Wolff
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
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Photographer Jeff DiCosimo, owner of Premier Portraits in Glastonbury and Plainville, is
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Scenes from the Chabad House of Greater Hartford's Shabat 100 celebration recognizing local Jewish professionals.
business monthly
A
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Stepping Stone Wealth Celebrates Company Mascot
Stepping Stone Wealth in West Hartford welcomes Wilson as the company's unofficial mascot. Wilson is a Yorkshire Terrier and a very good boy. (He is also aware of this.) He has strong opinions about outdoor furniture, rainbow bow ties, and being taken seriously despite weighing approximately ten pounds. Wilson showed up to his photo shoot looking well dressed and sat down on the patio cushion like he owned it. Visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/stepping-stone-wealth.
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FemCare MedSpa Owner Julian Grant Takes Part in Community Event
Julian Grant, owner and founder of FemCare MedSpa in West Hartford, was a speaker at a recent community event held by I’Lann Realty. Julian spoke on the importance of women's health and specifically vaginal health. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to educate and empower women about caring for their intimate wellness.” FemCare MedSpa, located at 20 Jefferson Ave., is West Hartford’s only regenerative medspa helping women lead healthier, happier lives. Visit femcaremedspa.com.
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Dawn Gagliardi Recognized In Prestigious RealTrends Ranking
The Gagliardi Team at SERHANT.CT is proud to announce that Team Leader Dawn Gagliardi was officially recognized in the prestigious RealTrends rankings, placing her in the top 1.5 percent of real estate agents nationally. This honor highlights Dawn’s exceptional sales volume, market expertise, and unwavering dedication to her clients across Connecticut. She continues to raise the bar for luxury service and transaction compliance, setting a benchmark for excellence in the industry. Visit serhant.com/agents/dawn-gagliardi for information.
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Fuchs Financial, WFSB Announce New Streaming Program
Fuchs Financial and WFSB announce the launch of a new program focused on retirement financial planning that premiered on the station’s streaming service, WFSB+, on Wednesday, June 10, and is now available on the streaming service and on WFSB.com. The half-hour program – The Retirement Plan with Ben Fuchs – features Ben Fuchs, the founder of Fuchs Financial and a Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional. Visit Fuchsfinancial.com.
Cummings & Lockwood Expands West Hartford Staff
Cummings & Lockwood is pleased to announce that Sarah R. Gersten and Sydney S. Kislin have recently joined the firm’s West Hartford offices. Sarah (pictured below) is a Charitable Planning Counsel in the Firm’s Private Clients Group, counseling high-net-worth individuals on sophisticated charitable giving strategies. Sydney is an Associate in the Firm’s Private Clients Group, focused on advising clients in estate planning, as well as trust and estate administration. Visit cl-law.com/offices/west-hartford for information.
Watkinson School Hosts Annual Gala
Administrators at the Watkinson School recently hosted the school's annual gala, A Watkinson Affair. The event supports Watkinson’s annual fund, which helps provide resources for teachers, students, and programs across the school community. "Thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Watkinson community, Watkinson School held its the most successful gala in school history, raising record proceeds to support Watkinson's students and mission." Visit watkinson.org for more information.
Stepping Stone Staff Volunteers at 4H Camp
Staff of Stepping Stone Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, recently traded their desks for some fresh air at the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm. Alongside some of their clients, the Stepping Stone team spent the day refreshing spaces, working the grounds, and supporting a place that gives so much back to our community. Visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ stepping-stone-wealth.
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Seniors Job Bank Wins Polaris Award
The Seniors Job Bank (SJB), a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people over 50 with meaningful employment opportunities and employers with experienced workers, has been named the recipient of Leadership Greater Hartford’s 2026 Connections Polaris Award, recognizing individuals, organizations, or initiatives that exemplify the value of collaboration and partnership. SJB has built a reputation across Greater Hartford for helping employers tap into a highly skilled and experienced workers aged 50 and older. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org.
Crest Family Dental and Purple Dental Named Platinum Invisalign Provider
Purple Dental and Crest Family Dental are proud to be an Invisalign Platinum Provider, recognized for extensive experience with clear aligner treatment. We also specialize in Smile Design, combining artistry and expertise through cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers. Whether you want to close gaps, repair chipped teeth, or transform your smile, our personalized approach delivers natural-looking results. Discover how a customized smile makeover can boost confidence, enhance appearance, and support overall oral health. Visit purpledentalct.com.
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Capital Securities Management
A Q&A ON RETIREMENT PLANNING AND SAVING FOR YOUR
KIDS
Artificial intelligence, robo-advisors and online trading platforms have transformed the investment landscape. With markets moving rapidly many investors value something technology can’t replicate: a trusted local advisor who understands their family’s goals. At Capitol Securities Management, Inc., affiliated with the national firm Raymond James, local advisor Joseph Mauriello embraces new technologies while staying grounded in personal relationships. “Our business is still built on trust and knowing our clients. That personal touch extends beyond portfolio reviews to celebrating retirements, graduations and other milestones alongside the families we serve.”
We spoke with Joseph, Senior Vice President of Investments whose two sons attend the University of Connecticut, about retirement planning and helping investors plan for their children’s financial future.
Q: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL MISTAKE PARENTS MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN?
The biggest mistake is sacrificing their own retirement security. Parents naturally want to help with college tuition, buying a home or other major expenses, but there are loans available for education and mortgages for houses. There are no loans for retirement.
I compare it to the safety instructions on an airplane. If the oxygen masks come down, you put your own mask on first before helping others. It’s not selfish—it’s smart. The best gift parents can give their children is financial independence so they don’t become a burden later in life.
Q: HOW CAN FAMILIES BALANCE RETIREMENT SAVINGS WITH HELPING THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN?
Think in terms of priorities rather than tradeoffs. Retirement savings should generally come first; helping children should
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE
happen within reasonable limits. Open family conversations are important. Sometimes the best support isn’t simply writing a check but teaching financial responsibility and good decision-making.
I also encourage people to think of gifts as a bonus, not an obligation. Before giving money away, make sure your own retirement, healthcare and emergency needs are secure.
Q: WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START THINKING ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING AND PASSING WEALTH TO THE NEXT GENERATION?
Much earlier than most people realize. Estate planning isn’t just for retirees or wealthy families. Once you have children, own a home or begin accumulating assets, you should have a plan.
That includes a will, updated beneficiary designations, powers of attorney and conversations with family members about your wishes. Adult children don’t need to know every financial detail, but they should understand the overall plan and know where important documents are located. Transparency can prevent confusion and family conflict later.
Q: WHAT STRATEGIES CAN HELP RETIREES PRESERVE ASSETS WHILE ENJOYING RETIREMENT?
A thoughtful retirement income strategy is essential. That means coordinating withdrawals from different accounts, managing taxes efficiently and maintaining an investment portfolio designed for both income and long-term growth.
Healthcare planning is another major piece of the puzzle. Healthcare costs and longevity are two of the biggest unknowns in retirement, so families should plan for dedicated reserves and consider long-term care options. Protecting yourself against unexpected expenses also helps protect the legacy you hope to leave behind.
There are also valuable planning tools available, including retirement accounts, Roth conversions, 529 education plans, trusts and strategic gifting programs. The right combination depends on each family’s circumstances and goals.
Q: IF YOU COULD GIVE FAMILIES ONE PIECE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Focus on building a legacy of knowledge, not just a legacy of money.
“Retirement savings should generally come first; helping children should happen within reasonable limits. Sometimes the best support isn't simply writing a check but teaching financial responsibility and good decision-making.”
“Our business is still built on trust and knowing our clients. That personal touch extends beyond portfolio reviews to celebrating retirements, graduations and other milestones alongside the families we serve.”
An inheritance can create opportunities, but financial education creates lifelong good decisions. I encourage parents and grandparents to teach children the basics of saving consistently, living below their means, understanding compound growth and avoiding unnecessary debt.
The families that build wealth across generations often pass down values alongside financial assets. Money is important, but confidence, discipline and good habits may be the greatest inheritance of all.
As investment options continue to evolve, the role of a local advisor remains remarkably consistent. Markets will change, technology will advance and new tools will emerge, but successful financial planning still comes down to understanding people’s lives and helping them make decisions that align with their goals. In an increasingly digital world, that human connection may be one of the most valuable investments a family can make.
Joseph Mauriello Senior Vice President Investments
Capitol Securities Management, Inc. 11 Naubuc Ave.
Phone: Direct 860-430-6053 Cell: 203-233-5096
Online: josephmauriello.capitolsecurities.com
Experts Espresso Corner
ARTICLE BY DR. CHELSEA VIOLA, KAREN GILLIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN CASSO, KATE WARK
END-OF-SUMMER FOOT CARE TIPS
As summer winds down, back-to-school routines, weekend hikes, and transitioning shoes place new demands on your feet and ankles. Without proper support, this seasonal shift can bring heel pain, ankle sprains, and tendinitis. As a podiatrist, I see these injuries this time of year, and some are preventable.
Daily exercises make a real difference. Try towel scrunches (curling a towel with your toes), calf stretches, and resistance-band ankle circles, three sets of 15 each. These build the intrinsic muscles that protect joints on uneven ground and during increased activity.
Sandal season fades, so choose footwear wisely. Pack away unsupportive flip-flops in favor of stable walking shoes or sneakers with structured heel counters, midsoles, and ankle support, especially as you head into busier days.
For patients with flat feet, high arches, or chronic heel pain, custom orthotics redistribute pressure and improve biomechanical imbalances, providing relief no over-the-counter insert can match.
Your feet carry you through every season. Set them up for success.
valepodiatry.com | 203-941-6999
TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY WITH KIDS: A TRAVEL PRO’S CHECKLIST
Few things beat watching your children discover the world, though getting there tests any parent. After years of planning family trips abroad, here is what I make sure travelers handle before they fly:
1. Confirm each passport has six months’ validity beyond your dates, and note children’s passports expire in five years, not ten.
2. Enroll in TSA PreCheck, where kids under 12 come through with you, and use the free Mobile Passport app to speed home through U.S. customs.
3. Shift bedtimes toward your destination’s time zone early to soften jet lag.
4. If a child travels with just one parent or another adult, carry a notarized consent letter from the parent staying home, since some borders ask for it.
5. Arrange a private guide or driver so you can soak up the sights instead of wrestling with maps, parking, and unfamiliar roads.
hello@thepamperedtourist.com | 860-968-6040
Gillis: The Pampered Tou
elsea Viola: Vale Foot &A
CONNECTICUT HUMANE SOCIETY
A Legacy of Compassion for People and Pets
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
For nearly 150 years the Connecticut Humane Society has been a place of second chances. From rescuing abandoned animals to helping families keep beloved pets during difficult times, the organization has evolved into one of the state’s most important animal welfare resources while staying true to its founding mission of compassion.
“Today, the Connecticut Humane Society operates facilities in Newington, Waterford and Fairfield County, serving thousands of pets.”
The Connecticut Humane Society traces its roots to 1881, when Hartford teenager Gertrude O. Lewis founded the organization with a vision of preventing cruelty to both animals and people. In its early years, the society even provided protective services for children, serving as Connecticut’s only statewide agency for child protection until the state established its own system. Over time, its focus shifted primarily to companion animals, laying the groundwork for the organization that exists today.
Today, the Connecticut Humane Society operates facilities in Newington, Waterford and Fairfield County, serving thousands of pets and their owners each year. Its headquarters on Russell Road in Newington has been home to the organization since 1958 and underwent a major transformation with the opening of its state-of-the-art shelter and Fox Memorial Clinic in 1999.
While many people know the Humane Society as a place to adopt a dog or cat, its work extends far beyond adoptions. The nonprofit’s mission is to enrich the lives of families and communities through animal adoption, veterinary care, education and the prevention of cruelty.
Its reduced-cost veterinary services help pet owners facing financial hardship obtain vaccinations, wellness care, spay and neuter surgeries and emergency medical treatment that might otherwise be out of reach. Pet food pantries and community outreach programs provide support to families struggling to feed their animals, helping prevent unnecessary pet surrenders.
The organization’s philosophy has evolved alongside changing attitudes about animal welfare. Rather than simply finding homes for homeless pets, the Connecticut Humane Society increasingly works to keep animals with the
“Its reduced-cost veterinary services help pet owners facing financial hardship obtain vaccinations, wellness care, spay and neuter surgeries and emergency medical treatment that might otherwise be out of reach.”
families who already love them by addressing temporary financial or medical challenges.
Education also plays a central role in the organization’s mission. Humane education programs teach children and adults about responsible pet ownership, animal care and the importance of treating all living creatures with kindness and respect. Community events and volunteer opportunities allow residents to support the cause while building connections with fellow animal lovers.
In recent years, the Humane Society has continued to expand its services to meet growing community needs. New resource centers and mobile wellness clinics bring veterinary care
and support services directly into underserved communities across Connecticut.
The organization also plays an important role in broader public safety efforts. State officials have partnered with the Connecticut Humane Society to highlight the well-documented connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse, recognizing that protecting vulnerable animals often helps protect vulnerable people as well.
Despite challenges facing animal shelters nationwide, including rising veterinary costs and longer shelter stays for adoptable pets, the Connecticut Humane Society remains committed to its mission.
Right: A family adopts a pet at the Connecticut Humane Society
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
ALLEVIATING STUDENT ANXIETY
During College Search
Watkinson School Educators Have a Unique Approach To Helping Students During Their Critical Junior Year
ARTICLE BY JENNI FRENCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE WOLFF
Oftentimes, students rising to their junior year of high school do so with the statement echoing in their heads, “Junior year is the most important year of your life; your future depends on it.” The college application and admission process begins in earnest during the junior year, and is known for being intensely fraught, and objectively stressful.
For decades, Watkinson School has been working to make it less so. And succeeding in ways that are unique and striking. In fact, Watkinson’s approach to college counseling has received national accolades, as it centers on a potent and unique way of combining excellent professional guidance and clearly defined direction to parents, with the belief that students in the all important junior and senior years have developed the kind of self-knowledge and awareness that equips them with exactly the tools and skills they need to navigate this landscape.
A hallmark of the Watkinson School experience is the way in which student readiness manifests in the college application process. For years, both current and alumni parents report that their college process was remarkably free of the kind of parental anxiety they witnessed in friends and family. They consistently state that the school’s intentional process fully equipped their children to take ownership of this significant life decision. Head of School Teri Schrader says, “It is deeply gratifying when our intentional goal as a school, of fostering readiness aligns so perfectly with the positive results and experiences shared by our parents.”
WATKINSON SCHOOL
Founded in 1881, Watkinson School is Hartford's oldest independent coeducational day school, serving students in grades 6–12 and a postgraduate program. Known for its progressive, student-centered approach, the school emphasizes small classes, creative thinking, global citizenship, and personalized learning that prepares students for college and lifelong success.
A hallmark of the Watkinson School experience is the way in which student readiness manifests in the college application process.
Watkinson’s highly personalized, student-led, and “fit forward” college counseling approach begins as early as 8th-grade, when we aim to help families better understand the college process, including the financial aid process. Since Watkinson is a small school with a total enrollment of 220 students, this means that by the time the students are in the thick of it in their junior year, the college counselors know the students well.
Simultaneously, Watkinson’s educational program puts students at the center of their own learning, regularly asking them to make choices and decisions that require interrogation of and reflection on what they think and know, and who they are as people. By the time the college counselors ask them, “What are you passionate about? What do you want to study more in college? Where do you want to see yourself?,” these students know a great deal about themselves and have the ability to clearly respond to those questions confidently. And nothing speaks louder than results. Watkinson’s students receive an impressive array of college acceptances quite often with significant offers of merit money. The school reports that in the last four years, their graduating seniors have been offered more than $10 million in merit scholarships.
As is Watkinson’s tradition, each and every college acceptance is celebrated at the school’s All-School Meeting and by the entire community. It is a public acknowledgement of schools across the country recognizing that Watkinson School’s graduates are indeed ready to succeed in college.
Watkinson School
180 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford
Online: watkinson.org
Phone: 860-236-5618
Email: info@watkinson.org
Through the Lens
PORTRAITS
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF DICOSIMO
JEFF DICOSIMO KEEPS CONNECTICUT'S MEMORIES IN FOCUS WITH PREMIER
In an age when nearly everyone carries a camera in their pocket, Jeff DiCosimo believes professional photography still offers something a smartphone never can: the ability to turn life’s fleeting moments into lasting memories.
For more than 42 years, Jeff has built a career photographing everything from kindergarten class portraits and high school seniors to championship sports teams and family milestones. As owner of Premier Portraits and EB Taylor Premier Portraits in Glastonbury, he has combined artistic skill with evolving technology to serve communities across Connecticut.
Based in Plainville, Premier Portraits has grown into one of the state’s largest school and sports photography companies, serving 65 schools, including 12 high schools, and more than 30 youth sports organizations. The company also provides event photography and portrait services for families and businesses. A major milestone came five years ago when Jeff purchased the well-known EB Taylor studio in Glastonbury. Rather than replacing the respected local brand, he chose to build on its reputation, combining Premier’s expertise in school and sports photography with EB Taylor’s tradition of family, senior and business portraits.
“The average photographer needs personnel and software to create these kinds of images. Most cameras can do things automatically, but for special effects, you need to know what you're doing.”
“Basically, it made us go to a more specific field of photography where others can’t go,” Jeff said.
That specialty requires much more than owning a quality camera.
“The average photographer needs personnel and software to create these kinds of images,” he said. “Most cameras can do things automatically, but for special effects, you need to know what you’re doing.”
After four decades in the business, Jeff has witnessed photography’s transformation from film and darkrooms to digital editing and online ordering. Yet he believes a professional’s trained eye remains the difference. His passion for photography began long before digital cameras transformed the industry. What started as an interest in capturing everyday moments grew into a lifelong profession built on patience, creativity and a commitment to quality.
Over the years, Jeff has photographed thousands of Connecticut students, athletes and families, creating images that often become treasured keepsakes. Many of the children he photographed early in his career now return with families of their own, continuing a tradition that spans generations.
“A professional photographer has the edge because of what to look for in a picture, the quality of the cameras and the skills to create photos with lighting,” he said.
That expertise is especially important in school photography, where efficiency and creativity go hand in hand. Senior portraits, meanwhile, allow for more personalized sessions.
“We’ll go outside and do casual poses,” Jeff said. “We’ll shoot on a farm or even with a student’s horse.”
While traditional yearbook portraits remain popular, today’s families often want customized sessions that reflect a student’s interests and personality.
Operating from its Hebron Avenue studio, EB Taylor Premier Portraits also offers family portraits, business headshots and event photography. The business recently expanded its staff with the addition of photographer Tina Pelletier, whose expertise is helping broaden the studio’s offerings.
He recently expanded his staff with the hiring of a new photographer, Tina Pelletier. Tina’s expertise will help Premier Photography expand their photo services.
“I’m doing more pregnancy photos, moms-to-be photos and baby photos,” Jeff said, including milestone sessions during a baby’s first months. The studio is also seeing increased demand for pet photography.
“People love pictures of their pets,” he said.
The expansion reflects Jeff’s belief that professional photography should capture every stage of life, from newborn portraits to graduations and family celebrations.
Despite the rise of smartphones and social media, he believes there will always be a place for trained professionals who understand composition, lighting and storytelling. His photographs preserve moments that families return to for generations—a child’s first school picture, a championship season, a senior’s graduation or the arrival of a new baby.
For Jeff, photography has never been simply about taking pictures. It’s about preserving the milestones that become a family’s history, one frame at a time.
For
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN BUILD
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ARTICLE BY KRISTEN HAFNER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Beating the Dog Days of Summer with a Canine Treat
PUP -SICLE
As we all try to stay cool during the scorching dog days of summer, our furry friends need a break from the heat too. Pamper your pup with a refreshing “pup-sicle.” These dog-friendly frozen treats are sure to make your canine companion’s tail wag!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (or dogsafe yogurt alternative)
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened, plain applesauce
• 1/4 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mix the yogurt, applesauce, and water or chicken broth in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for several hours or until solid.
4. Serve the frozen treats to your dog to help them cool off!
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 3RD
35th Annual Golf Tournament
Tunxis Country Club, 87 Town Farm Road, Farmington | 10:30 AM
Sponsored by the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce the 35th Annual Golf Tournament will include two 18-hole tournaments for men and women. Registration is 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11 and a shotgun start at noon. Contests will include top teams, longest drive, closest to pin and putting. A steak dinner will follow the tournament. Visit centralctchambers.org.
AUGUST 3RD
Friday Afternoon Gaming
Tabletop Gaming Center, 741 New Britain Ave., Newington | 12:00 PM
This event is for kids age 8 and up who are interested in learning magic: We will go over how to play the game The Gathering, and demo some different “formats” - or rule sets of the game. Entry is $25 for the four hours. Kids are welcome to drop-in and drop-out as they want. Visit tabletopgamingcenter.com
AUGUST 6TH
Sunset Notables at Cedar Hill Cemetery
Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave.,Hartford | 6:30 PM
Discover the beauty of Cedar Hill Cemetery on this sunset tour showcasing some of its celebrated residents and renowned monuments. Learn about General Griffin Stedman, John Pierpont Morgan, Katharine Hepburn and more. Participants will enjoy watching the sun set during the walk. Admission is $10 for nonmembers, free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members. Advance reservations are recommended Visit cedarhillfoundation.org.
AUGUST 8TH
The Hue Gallery Grand Opening
The Hue Gallery, 100 Trumbull St., Hartford | 12:00 PM
Join us for the Grand Opening of The Hue Gallery, a new contemporary art space. Experience our inaugural exhibition featuring emerging and established artist, art collectors and fellow creatives. Guest will enjoy a day of art, music and community. Come help us celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for the arts in Hartford! Visit thehuegallery.com for information.
AUGUST 13TH
Ben & Jerry's Animal Rescue Ice Cream Event
Ben & Jerry's, 5 South Main St. | 6:00 PM
Join Ben & Jerry's for a sweet summer night supporting the animals of Animal Rescue Foundation at the Ben & Jerry’s Benefit Night. Volunteers will scoop ice cream to help raise funds for homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected cats and dogs. Every cone, sundae, pint, and ice cream cake purchased during the event helps save lives. Visit facebook.com/arfct for information.
AUGUST 15TH
The One Room Schoolhouse | Life on the Webster Farm
Noah Webster House, 227 South Main St. | 12:00 PM
Experience what school was like for young Noah Webster and his classmates in the 1770s. You will have the opportunity to write with quill & ink, use slates to practice lessons, and read from horn books & of course, Noah’s famous Blue Back Speller! Then, enjoy the same games students would play at recess. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for information.
·
· Arthroscopic Knee & Shoulder Surgery
· ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus & Cartilage
· Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Instability Treatment
· Trinity College Head Team Physician
· Conard, Hall, and Glastonbury High School Team Physician
Schedule an appointment: Rios.Team@oahctmd.com (860) 549-8295
Offices: Farmington, Glastonbury, South Windsor
CONTINUED
AUGUST 20TH
Stepping Stone Wealth Presents College Planning Essentials Webinar
Virtual | 1:00 PM
Presented by Matt Moslander, Client Advisor, J.P. Morgan Asset Management and hosted by Stepping Stone Wealth, this complimentary webinar session will explore why college matters, the rise of tuition costs and what you can expect to pay, utilizing financial aid, and the importance of saving and investing. Register online at ameripriseadvisors.com/team/stepping-stone-wealth.
AUGUST 21ST
CT Young Artists: The Experiment
Mandell Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave. | 7:00 PM
CT Young Artists: The Experiment is a three-day dance experience with a mission to provide a unique, challenging, and fulfilling experience for high school and college-aged dancers and choreographers, who have three days to create and set a dance work. Each work will be presented in a final showcase on Friday, Aug. 21. Visit instagram.com/ctyoungartists.
AUGUST 28TH
Outdoor
Movie Night
West Hartford Library, Faxon Branch, 1073 New Britain Ave. | 7:00 PM
Enjoy free popcorn and an outdoor screening of Goat, a movie about a small goat with big dreams who gets joins the pros and play roarball, a sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Bring your own lawn chairs and set up at 7. The movie starts at 7:45 p.m. Visit westhartfordlibrary.org.
AUGUST 31ST
RiverBarre Free Fitness Class
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 6:30 PM
Bring your mat (don't forget your water bottle!) and get ready to enjoy a beautiful evening by the water with a free Barre class. Barre is a total-body-toning workout based on a combination of ballet movement, yoga alignment, and Pilates core work. Taught by instructors from Hartford Sweat. Visit Hartfordsweat.net.
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