2017 Best of West Hartford, Terrific Teens

WEDDINGS • EVENTS • FOOD • FINANCE • GARDEN

Teens Meet the 2017 Terrific Teens

Town Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined

The Best

VOL. 7, NO. 2 2017 We-Ha.com

$4.95

Best of West Hartford Winners Announced

bluebacksquare.com Special distribution: Delamar West Hartford

60 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY

Vol. 7, No. 2

2017

DEPARTMENTS 8 FROM THE PUBLISHER Happy Fall!!

10 WEDDINGS Timmons & Gaultieri Oberst & Cantor

15

14 GARDEN Fall Gardening Myths

27 WE-HA STORIES Personal Growth

38 EVENTS

FEATURES 15 TERRIFIC TEENS

Story by Aaron Greene Photos by Todd Fairchild

Enjoy this annual spotlight on local teens!

Holiday Events

40 FOOD The Fernwood Artisan (at Delamar)

49 FINANCE Getting Ready to Retire

50 WELLNESS Massage Therapy

29

BEST OF WEST HARTFORD

44

JONATHAN’S DREAM

Winners and finalists are celebrated in this annual special section that spotlights the great businesses and services in town.

Story and photos by Ronni Newton

The dream of a playground for all children happened first in 1996, and it was “reimagined” in 2017!

44

ON THE COVER: Detail of the “Bob Ross Mural” at Jerry’s Artarama, 1109 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT. Courtesy photo

WHitNey F. Burr of Valerie E. Thomas & Associates, llC with more than 30 years’ experience specializing in: v401(k), 457 and 403(b) rollovers vRetirement planning vIncome Planning vEstate Planning Investment Advisory Services and Securities offered through LPL Financial.

A Registered Investment Advisor – Member FINRA/SIPC

4

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

v 10 North Main St. West Hartford 860-678-6260 valeriethomas.com

Teens: TODD FAIRCHILD. Women: RONNI NEWTON

v

Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation so we can help you and your family with your personal needs and goals.

JP Carroll roofing

CRACK... drip...drip...drip... the thunderstorms are here, are you ready?

For your free slate inspection or asphalt shingle roof quote, call us:

J.P. Carroll Construction, INC. Your Residential & Commercial Roofing Experts 310 R Newington Rd, West Hartford • Phone: 860-586-8857 Email:jpcarrollroofing@yahoo.com • www.jpcarrollroofing.com

Dedicated to Service for over 50 years Publisher Thomas P. Hickey, II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com Creative Services Joy B. Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com Sales & Marketing Jill Fletcher Contributing Writers & Columnists Brigit Clancy, Karla A. Dalley, Robert Laraia, Marina Luri-Clark Ronni Newton, Deby Van Ohlen Photography Director Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT Contributing Photographers Breck Macnab Photography, Paul Blackmore, Kelly Cronin, Amy Melvin, Ronni Newton, Ira Nozik, Jane Shauck

y t i n u m m o c r u Providing o possible service with the BESTtime of need . in their 1084 New Britain Ave. West Hartford • 860-561-3800 www.sheehanhilbornbreen.com

Videography David Chmielewski/DirectLine Media Interns Dylan Carneiro, Aaron Greene Proofreader Barbara Gordon Publishing Advisor Jonathan Moffly Print Advisor Bob Carr Website: We-Ha.com Mike Roy/Roy Web Design Principals Thomas P. Hickey, II, Joy B. Taylor, James H. Gould, III

PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 www.we-ha.com office 860-508-4032 West Hartford Magazine is published six times a year by WHMedia, Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year for $35. Newsstand $4.95 each. To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127; www.we-ha.com/subscribe.

EDITORIAL & LETTERS: editorial@we-ha.com – please include full name, town and phone number (for verification only, not for publication).

ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©2017 WHMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. West Hartford Magazine is a registered trademark owned by WHMedia, Inc. The opinions expressed by writers published by West Hartford Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.

6

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: West Hartford Magazine We-Ha.com Twitter: @westhartfordmag @wehartford Instagram: @westhartfordite #bestofweha. #westhartford. #weha

Thank You Sponsors!

3rd Annual!

BEST OF WE-HA! Visit We-Ha.com See results starting on page 29, and photos on We-Ha.com.

Thank you for voting!

S HB

SHEEHAN-HILBORN-BREEN Funeral Home

See winners and finalists listed in this issue! we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I

7

PUBLISHER HAPPY FALL! How about these new covers Joy is producing? First Edgar Allen Slothman’s Great Horned Owl and now a section of the Jerry’s Artarama Bob Moss mural graces our cover. We will continue to feature local art on every cover, so take this as an open call for entries. Please email your artwork, with your name, address and phone number to Joy for consideration: joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com

TERRIFIC TEENS! Fall means it is time for our Terrific Teens feature … it’s my favorite issue of the year (or wait do I say that about every issue?) By design, we select one male and one female graduate from Conard, Hall, KO and Northwest and feature them each fall.

This is now our seventh Terrific Teens feature so congratulations to each teen and their families because behind every great teen is a West Hartford family which has played an important role in making them who they are today. It’s important to note that these teens are selected by us because they are ‘good kids’ and best represent West Hartford, in our opinion. We have been keeping a watchful eye on some of these teens for years, hoping to feature them once they came of age.

I always suggest to family and friends to have your younger teens sit down and read all about these students … they are inspirational! (in print, or online at We-Ha.com) An extraordinary thing happened when picking the teens this year and I wanted to share this with you but I won’t use names so I don’t embarrass anyone, and you’ll see why our job of picking teens is so difficult when there are so many deserving kids! One teen we originally selected is not included here because that teen requested that the honor be given to a classmate since this teen (in the eyes of the teen we selected) was more deserving. It doesn’t get much better then that now does it?

One more teen needs attention. I want to give a shout out to my nephew, Fintan Bruce who graduated from Conard. To me he will always be a terrific teen but it wouldn’t be fair to select you Fintan. (You’ll recall, I didn’t select your brother Liam last year either). We wish you, and all the members of the class of 2017, the best always!

BEST OF WEST HARTFORD!

NEW COLUMNS! Marina Luri-Clark has joined us as a columnist featuring “Events” and helping us get ready for the holidays. We are also trying a new column called We-Ha Stories. Make sure you read the very personal piece of one woman’s outlook on life by Brigit Clancy.

VINEYARD VINES! Some of you have asked about the We-Ha Vineyard Vines line. For years I worked on getting a private label clothing line suitable for West Hartford and we are so proud that the Vineyard Vines We-Ha clothing line has come to life! Please check out our products (and sales) on We-Ha.com/store or stop in to Lux Bond and Green in The Center.

Remember the only way to guarantee delivery to your home or office is to SUBSCRIBE. You also get We-Ha.com news as well. GREAT GIFT idea this Holiday Season for only $35 annually.

Faces from the third annual BOWH awards show. See more photos and a video at We-Ha.com, search Best of West Hartford.

8

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Thomas P. Hickey II Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com

Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:

West Hartford Magazine, We-Ha.com @westhartfordmag, @wehartford @westhartfordite

Top four photos by CHEYNEY BARRIEAU. Bottom photo by SNAPSEAT PHOTO BOOTH

The center of this issue features our Third Annual Best of West Hartford winners as well as the two runners up in all 49 categories . This year our presenting sponsors for the awards show are Blue Back Square, Cinépolis and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Thank you to all who voted, and celebrate the finalists and winners with us, starting on page 29. Visit We-Ha.com and Flickr for photo gallery.

! y a d ibe to

r c S b Su

“My only two news sources are New york times and We-Ha.com!”

-West Hartford resident

We have it all in West Hartford... including: •A pulse on the developments in town with Business Buzz every Monday on we-ha.com •Breaking News, school news, town news that is all about West Hartford •Features, people, real estate, arts, fashions, gardening, health, shopping and finance.

•Annual spotlight on interesting teens, plus events, sports, happenings and more!

med! r o f n i y Sta

n Sign me up to be a Subscriber for $35. n this is a renewal n Please add $10 for out of state mailing. totaL eNcLoSed : $_____________ Circle One:

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO: WHMedia

check

Credit Card # ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Exp. Date: _______/_______Security Code: __________ Card Holder Name:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TOWN/STATE/ZIP ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MaiLiNG addreSS For SubScriPtioN: q same as billing address

Phone Number:__________________________________________________

ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TOWN/STATE/ZIP ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address required for digital version:

West Hartford Magazine is published 6 times per year. We-Ha.com e-news is sent three times weekly.

We-Ha.com E-news is sent on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Email address will not be shared or sold.

MAIL FORM TO: WHMedia, PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127

WEDDINGS

Joanna Timmons & Tyler Gualtieri photos by Kelly Cronin Photography, KellyCronin.com

The couple’s dog Brewster was rescued from Shultz’s Guest House in Dedham, MA, and “appeared” on the cake topper.

Center: Groomsmen with the happy couple are: John Scurlock, Michael Bourdon, Brett Wilzbach, Jonathan Timmons, (Joanna and Tyler), Michael Gualtieri, Jonathan LaRocque, and Anthony Mascolo.

Left: The women prepare for the big day: Front row: Manya Timmons, Suzanne Wilzbach, Joanna Gualtieri, Kerry Brunelle, and Brooke Baranzano. Back row: Emily Glynn, Sharon Gualtieri, Carolyn Timmons, Eleanor Hession, and Alyssa Gualtieri.

10

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Visit we-ha.com for more photos and otherWEDDINGS.

Joanna and Tyler have a special bond with Boston and Cape Cod, so it’s only natural that the Cape was the location for both the proposal and wedding. Tyler popped the question while he and Joanna strolled their seaport neighborhood, and to enhance that surprise, Tyler had organized an immediate engagement party with family members at a local restaurant.

The picture-perfect July 2017 wedding took place in magical Brewster, MA on Cape Cod. Tyler’s grandparents are parishioners at Our Lady of the Cape. The couple had a blast showing up for the reception at Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, MA via sailboat! The day unfolded to be the perfect combination of a nautical theme with a formal vibe.

The couple’s aptly-named rescue pup, Brewster had a role in the wedding day, including in lieu of favors, a donation was made to the shelter from which he came. (See more of Brewster on Instagram: @BrewsterTheBeaglador). He was even included on the cake topper.

Boston-based band Kahootz provided music for dancing after dinner.

Joanna’s parents Joseph and Carolyn Timmons live in Norwell, MA. Tyler’s parents Michael and Sharon Gualtieri live in West Hartford, CT. Locals may know Michael as the President/ Owner of ProCourier, and Sharon is the Co-founder of C&S Style, custom jewelry.

The couple honeymooned in Italy including sightseeing and beaches on the Amalfi coast in Capri, Positano and Sorrento.

Tyler is the director of business development at ProCourier Boston. Joanna is a school social worker at Newton North High School.

n

WEDDINGS brought to you by Oscars Tux and Argelia Novias

WEDDINGS

Theresa Oberst & Josh Cantor photos by Paul Blackmore, blackmorephoto.squarespace.com

Theresa Oberst and Josh Cantor met in 2012 while working for an AmeriCorps program called ‘City Year’ in Boston. City Year taught them about a responsibility to their community and continues to inspire them.

Josh proposed in Theresa’s hometown of Rochester, NY when walking their dogs.

The location of the July 2017 wedding ceremony overlooked Cape Cod’s beautiful Pleasant Bay, where so many of their favorite memories have been made.

They had an interfaith ceremony as Josh is Jewish and Theresa is Catholic. Josh’s aunt, Cindy Maher, and Theresa’s family’s priest from Rochester, Father Bob Werth, presided over the ceremony.

Theresa and Josh’s combined seven siblings read a Sheva Brachot, a Jewish wedding tradition that involved seven blessings for their marriage. Josh’s aunt Rabbi Debbie Cantor led Ha-Motzi, or the blessing over bread, at the reception.

Josh’s family introduced them to the Hora, or the Jewish “chair dance.” Josh accidently broke the chandelier with his head when being launched up by some enthusiastic groomsmen, but was having too much fun in the moment to even notice!

The couple honeymooned in France. They went to Paris and from there traveled south, visiting Lyon, Gordes, Aix en Provence, and Nice.

The couple resides in West Hartford and Theresa is a Social Studies teacher in West Hartford public schools.

Josh serves on Development & Fundraising for UConn, and is currently enrolled in the MBA Program there.

Theresa’s parents Margaret and Gene Oberst live in Rochester, NY. Josh’s parents Michael and Shari Cantor live in West Hartford, CT. Shari is the mayor of West Hartford and is a trustee at UConn. Michael is a co-managing partner of Cantor Colburn, Hartford.

n

WEDDINGS brought to you by Oscars Tux and Argelia Novias

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 13

GARDEN

Myths & Realities

Fall Gardening

by Karla A. Dalley

O

nce upon a time, fall was a time for raking leaves, picking apples and maybe planting a mum or two.

That has all changed. These days, particularly with social media, there are so many “it’s time to do this!” articles, tweets and posts that it’s really difficult to determine what, if anything, a gardener should do.

Clearly, if you listened to them all, you’d be out there working more feverishly than you did in the spring. Truly it’s still not more complicated than raking a few leaves— which gives you a lot more time for apple picking, or enjoying your favorite fall activity!

The first fall myth is that every leaf has to be raked, bagged, blown and shredded.

Nothing is further from the truth. As anyone who regularly takes hikes through the Reservoir knows, the forest floor is littered with leaves—it’s all a question of “right leaf, right place,” so to speak.

Whole leaves can’t remain on grass. They smother grass and cause disease. If, however, you have a powerful enough mower, or you mow often enough, you can turn those leaves into tiny bits of organic matter that will filter harmlessly back down between the blades of grass. That’s a wonderful thing to do.

The second myth is that whole leaves can’t remain in the garden. Don’t believe what you might hear about oak leaves being too acidic to stay in the garden or maple leaves being too large/getting too wet/squashing together/matting down/harming the plants. I have nothing but oaks and maples on my property. For decades, I have let the oak and maple leaves fall into my gardens and remain there. It’s a good ecological practice.

14

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Fall myth number three. Q: What holds the leaves there? A: The stems of the plants—because now we come to myth number three: every perennial has to be cut back to the ground in the fall. Again, no.

Again, there are exceptions. If you have perennials with disease—phlox with downy mildew, peonies with their inevitable host of leaf diseases—take those leaves away.

Everything else can be left standing. First, they will catch and hold all the leaves that you’ll let fall in the gardens. Next, they also provide cover for over-wintering insects— beneficials like mason bees, for example, and spiders, and ground beetles and other “good” garden insects that you want in the garden.

If you let the leaves stay in the garden, you don’t need to worry about paying for mulch and you don’t need to worry about a cover crop—you already have one: it’s leaves. It may not look quite as “neat” as a freshly mulched bed, but it will repay you in years to come by enriching your soil in a way that few mulches can.

Fall myth number four: Prune in the autumn. I am not sure where this disastrous myth came from but it’s the number one reason that hydrangeas don’t flower—people cut off the buds. Different plants need to be pruned at different times and there is almost nothing that I prune in the autumn.

With the warm temperatures, I don’t want to spike a growth spurt that won’t be hardened off before winter. The only thing I prune in the autumn is dead branches.

Now what? So as a gardener, if you don’t want to sit back, what can you do? There are lots of things! For one, fall is the only time that spring flowering bulbs can be

planted—go get those, if you like them— and put them in. If you are plagued by squirrels and chipmunks digging them up, try some they prefer not to eat—daffodils, of course, but also alliums, and camassia (a lovely native bulb), snowdrops, Siberian squill (scilla siberica) and glory of the snow (chionodoxa).

It’s not too late to get in a crop of leaf lettuce if you protect it from frost with a cover on those cold nights. You can also plant garlic and onions now for spring harvest.

Garden centers have fabulous sales on plants at the end of the season. Pick up some plants now that you have always wanted to add to your garden—but that you might have thought were a little too pricey— and plant them. Just make sure to keep them well watered in until the ground freezes.

And finally, although this is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time, do some judicious weeding. Pull out any perennial weeds and any annual weeds with seed heads. That will make gardening so much easier in the spring.

And between not doing the traditional fall clean-up, and planting only the things that you really want to plant, it will be a relaxing fall with lots of time for leaf peeping, apple picking or whatever you like to do best! n

Karla Dalley is a garden writer and speaker from West Hartford. kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com

2017 West Hartford

Terrific Teens To Watch

by AARON GREENE photos by TODD FAIRCHILD

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 15

Class of 2017: Conard: 378 Hall: 378 KO: 79 NWC: 161

Tanner Kriedel (Hall), José Echevarria (Conard), Maeve Kearns (NWC), Lani Davidoff (Hall), Sam Nanni (Conard), Faith Pease (KO), Benjamin Kriedel (Hall) and Nick Ravalese (KO).

We-Ha–West Hartford Magazine’s Seventh Annual Spotlight on Local Teens brought us to Westfarms for a change of scene!

16

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

ven though this is West Hartford Magazine’s seventh annual feature on local teens in West Hartford, the task of choosing the young adults to interview hasn’t gotten any easier! u Our goal has always been to find the kids who capture attention not just because they earned the best grades, or the highest points in a game, but because they are all around good kids. As you can imagine, there is no short supply of eligible students! And sometimes, like happened this year, one teen found us in a touching way (see Tom’s Publisher letter, p. 8) . u In this feature, we have 2017 graduates who hail from Conard, Hall, Kingswood Oxford and Northwest Catholic. Our tradition is to pick one male and one female from each school, and the male from Hall has a twin brother, so we had to be inclusive!

E

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 17

Benjamin Kriedel – “Future Pro Baseball Pitcher” 18

I we-ha.com

HALL Ben graduated from Hall High School, and said that being a pitcher for the school’s baseball team was one of his major accomplishments. He was constantly tested throughout his career as a reliever, but through it all embraced the role, kept his head held high and a smile on his face.

Late in his high school career he was recruited by Western New England College, where he is now a student and hopes to compete for a starting role in the pitching rotation.

Ben said he is a fan of the sciences, and will major in biology.

Ben has a twin brother, Tanner, who attends UConn. He said that his parents gave both “everything we needed to succeed and encouraged us to be the best we could be.”

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Andy Pettitte is Ben’s role model – “because of his toughness and perseverance and reserved personality.”

A quote that Ben lives by is “Why not?” It inspires him because he is willing to do anything despite how reserved he may appear to be.

When not playing baseball, Ben’s hobbies include playing pickup basketball, soccer, and swimming – which he said he does to stay in shape for baseball season. n

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Tanner graduated from Hall High School and is now majoring in criminal justice at UConn, with the goal of becoming a police officer.

One of his favorite hobbies is flying drones and using them to take unique photographs from varied perspectives. “You can get a lot of photos from different angles than if you were shooting from the ground. And [it gives you] more flexibility,” Tanner said.

Tanner is also a car fanatic – a fan of driving as well as admiring special vehicles. To Tanner and his friends, who often attended “Cars and Coffees” events in West Hartford, cars are pieces of art and not just functional vehicles.

At Hall, Tanner was a member of the Select Choir and also volunteered at Empty Bowls, a program that helps feed the homeless. He has also helped out with the Best of West Hartford and Taste of Blue Back Square – and some of his drone photographs have been published.

Tanner has a twin brother, Ben, and going to different colleges is the first time the two have really been separated. He said his biggest role models in his life are his parents – who gave him and his brother advice and tips on how to succeed.

Tanner said one of his favorite quotes is from the inventor Rabin Dranach Tagore: “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” n

Tanner Kriedel – “Future Police Officer”

HALL

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 19

Lani Davidoff – “Future Economist”

HALL Lani Davidoff is a 2017 graduate of Hall High School and now attends the College Of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. When asked about her favorite extracurricular activity, her immediate answer: “Relay for Life.” Lani was very involved in Relay for Life throughout her years at Hall, and served as captain of the team her senior year, taking an active role in raising a record level of funds as well as participating in the actual event. “It was very important to me and my favorite event to do in high school,” she said. One of the first things she did when arriving at William and Mary was join their Relay for Life team.

Lani also played tennis in high school where she played on the junior varsity team for two years and on the varsity team for her senior year. Lani said this hobby, an athletic pursuit that can be continued for years to come, helped shape her as an athlete and was an important part of her Hall High School experience.

Lani is currently undecided about her major but has interests in math and economics. In addition to Relay for Life, she has already gotten involved with several activities, including the ultimate frisbee team and the morale committee for the TribeThon event – a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Williamsburg.

Her favorite quote is a Danish Proverb: “She who is afraid to ask is ashamed of learning.” n

20

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Conard High School graduate Samuel (Sam) Nanni said that participating in the track program all four years was an important part of his high school experience and also gave him an appreciation for teamwork.

“It was an enriching experience. It brought me discipline – and the coaching staff was great,” said Sam. Running is not Sam’s only sport, and he said he is also interested in sailing, skiing, and swimming. At Conard, he was a member of the swim team, competed in the state championships three times, and was named captain his senior year.

Since he’s already a runner and a swimmer, Sam has plans to add cycling to his regimen and one day compete in a triathlon.

Sam said his role models are Bo Jackson and Muhammad Ali – Jackson for being a multi-sport athlete and Ali “for being very outspoken about what he believed in.” He looks to both as great examples of how he wants to maintain himself outside of sports.

He said he has also always admired the Wright brothers for their innovative spirit.

Sam is now a student at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. Although he is undecided about his major, he is considering international business. He said he has always been interested in his father’s work, and admired his skill at networking and brokering deals.

Sam’s favorite quote is by Mark Twain: “Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid, then to open it and remove all doubt.” n

Samuel (Sam) Nanni – “Future Businessman”

CONARD

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 21

Gwendolyn (Gwen) Geisler – “Future Dentist”

CONARD Gwen Geisler is a 2017 Conard High School graduate who now attends Colby College in Waterville, ME. She plans to major in biology, on the pre-med/pre-dental track with future plans including dental school.

Gwen could easily answer the question about her primary focus in high school with one word: “Sports.”

She enjoyed outstanding success in every sport she played, earning 12 varsity letters – the most anyone could possibly earn – during her high school career and captaining three teams as a senior. Her best sport was lacrosse, and she was a two-time All-American at Conard and Hartford Courant Player of the Year as a senior. She also earned Academic All-State Honors as a senior and plans to continue her lacrosse career at Colby.

Gwen played varsity field hockey as a freshman, but then switched to cross country where she twice earned All-State honors. She also earned AllConference honors for indoor track.

In addition to sports, Gwen was well accomplished academically in high school. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Latin National Honor Society as well, and received the President’s Academic Award. Combining her achievements in sports and academics, she was named Conard’s CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athlete and received the Lawrence R. Philippon Memorial Award in 2017.

Gwen’s favorite quote summarizes her approach to sports and life: “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” n Editor’s note: Tracking down this busy terrific teen was a challenge. Photo was supplied by her family.

22

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Faith is a young woman with talent in many sports, and during her years at Kingswood Oxford, she played tennis, squash, and basketball.

Tennis was her “primary favorite” and said it’s the sport she was best at, with squash a close second.

Faith said has been motivated by different people throughout her life – each of whom left a huge impact, one that did not go unnoticed or unheeded.

Her tennis coach became a major role model, making her believe in herself and let herself be coached, something that did not come naturally to Faith especially as a freshman.

She said tennis was challenging, but to her had the most reward, and her coach was one of the first people who saw her potential. He took a freshman who was unsure of her skills, and molded and coached her to help her win matches and a New England championship her freshman year at Kingswood Oxford.

Faith also excelled in squash, to which she was first exposed at Camp KO in West Hartford, where she volunteered as a first aid staffer the summer after her freshman year. After getting to know KO boys’ coach Robbie Lingassie, she fell in love with the sport and decided to play it the next year at Kingswood. As a senior, she was the captain of the squash team and came in third in her age bracket.

Throughout high school, sports were one of her biggest motivators, Faith said, but she was also involved in the select a capella group for all four years of high school. She led the group at several singing competitions, but one stood out to her in particular – the Wyvern International A Capella Festival. “At the WIAF I rallied the troops when they were nervous about performing and helped them do well,” she said.

Faith now attends UConn, where she is majoring in marketing. n

Faith Pease – “Future Sports Marketer”

K.O.

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 23

Nick Ravalese – “Future Engineer” 24

I we-ha.com

K.O. Nick Ravalese is a 2017 Kingswood Oxford graduate, now a student at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Although he has declared a major in engineering, he’s not sure what aspect of engineering will be his ultimate focus.

Nick was an athlete in high school and said it was an experience that profoundly shaped him.

“Playing sports was one of my favorite things to do in high school,” he said. His hobbies include the various sports he played throughout high school for the school team – basketball and soccer – or weightlifting and training which he said “helped me get stronger.” Nick not only likes to play soccer and basketball, but he enjoys watching the professionals in action. Cooking is also a hobby, he said.

Nick was a high achiever academically in high school, earning the AP Scholar distinction. He was also on the executive committee of KO’s tour guide association.

His favorite quote is by Manchester United forward and Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “Some things are made by destiny, yes, other things by hard work, but quality you don’t learn. Quality you are born with.” n

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

José Echeverria – “Future Police Officer” N.W.C. José, a graduate of Northwest Catholic High School, is majoring in criminal justice at Central Connecticut State University and plans to become a police officer. Ideally he would like to work in the North End of Hartford, where he grew up.

José attended Northwest Catholic for all four years of high school, but didn’t start off as a West Hartford resident. He had a difficult family situation during his childhood and was attending a Hartford Catholic Worker after school when he met Amanda Tremblay, at the time a Northwest Catholic student who was volunteering there. She encouraged him to apply to Northwest Catholic, and by his sophomore year her parents, Tom and Kathy, took him in.

José is an avid basketball player and the sport has played a major role in his life. He played in a “sixth man” role for Northwest Catholic’s varsity basketball team for all four years – going to the state tournament his sophomore through senior years.

José was captain his senior year.

While José does not play basketball at CCSU, it’s still one of his favorite things to do and he plays pickup ever day he can. José also loves to be outdoors as much as possible.

When asked about his role model, José immediately mentioned his basketball coach, who gave him advice and he also considers Tom and Kathy Tremblay, who taught him about life and how to be more open to other perspectives and outlooks, as role models. n

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 25

Maeve Kearns – “Future speech pathologist”

N.W.C. Maeve is a graduate of Northwest Catholic High School and is now a student at UConn.

When asked what activity has helped shape her life, volleyball was the answer. Maeve started playing volleyball at a young age, and continued the sport throughout high school. She was honored with the role of captain for several years, and twice named All-Conference.

Maeve has served as an assistant coach for the West Hartford Youth Volleyball Clinic and worked with special needs kids through Unified Volleyball, giving her a chance to combine other things that are important to her – volunteering and helping people.

Maeve has also volunteered at the St. Justin’s food pantry.

Maeve’s chosen major – speech pathology – fits her personality and life goals. “It gives me the opportunity to help others and work with children, which are two things that I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.”

Maeve’s role models? Her parents.

“They are good people and always stress kindness to everyone,” she said.

They have helped her prioritize what’s important in her life.

While at Northwest Catholic, Maeve was inducted into the National Honor Society. n

26

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

WE-HA STORIES limp or my facial asymmetry, but I move through it [mentally].

With all of this in mind, I don't have my condition as severely as some do. My life is an example of the physical and emotional difficulties that result from a growth disorder. Our lives are not just a special day or week or month, but every day, during which we must face various physical and emotional obstacles.

From this understanding, when you encounter someone different from you, be kind. I know personally, after almost 30

years of enduring these challenges, that your kindness can be a light for individuals with these conditions and can wipe out the shadows filled with hardship and hopelessness.

Check out @magicfoundation and @ccakids for more information and for stories of amazing individuals. n About the author: Brigit K. Clancy, M.A. is a West Hartford resident who loves books, yoga and food and is a Candidate in Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology; Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology, University of Hartford; and Candidate for Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies in Public Health, University of Connecticut. Follow Brigit on Instagram @brikel52.

This “We-Ha Stories” column is part of an occasional series of first person anecdotes for West Hartford Magazine and We-Ha.com.

Please send your ideas for consideration to: Editorial@we-ha.com

Brigit Clancy practicing yoga at last year’s Om Street on LaSalle Road, West Hartford.

Personal Growth

Photo courtesy of: BRECK MACNAB PHOTOGRAPHY.

by Brigit Clancy It was recently Growth Awareness Week and International Growth Awareness Day as well as Craniofacial Acceptance Month, so I'd like to break away my shy (and private) self and share a more personal post.

If you read all of this, thank you; I appreciate it. I write the following neither as a way of complaining nor as a means by which to get sympathy; at my core, I'm the farthest away one could be from these things.

Instead, I write the following to raise awareness of and to advocate for individuals with growth disorders, a small but mighty population that I am proud to be a member of. I have a very rare growth disorder that essentially causes my bones to be more susceptible to breaks than the normal bone and, in some areas of my body, to grow more than the normal bone.

It's unpredictable as to when or how I could break a bone, but I can't stop living my life.

The only way to handle my condition is with surgery. I've had a surgery for almost every year that I've been alive (I lost count after 20) and I have 25 scars (which I'm proud of and will happily show others).

There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not in pain somewhere in my body, but I move through it [physically]. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not stared at because of my

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 27

I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is Marketing and Technology with a connection to a great International Network Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!

Media Sposors:

28

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Third Annual Best of West Hartford!

by Joy Taylor and Ronni Newton

Some may say that to live in West Hartford, you ‘must’ be involved in the community events, join a club, or serve on a committee. Of course that is not a requirement, but take a look around, and you are likely one of those people or are surrounded by at least a couple of friends who are very involved and active in the schools, the charitable events, the politics and/or the music and arts.

Those people are what make West Hartford great! And when we asked for votes for ‘the best’ in town, you came out in full force!

Thanks to committee members: Barbara Lerner, Charlie Hilborn, Elizabeth Zigmont, Ronni Newton, Tom Hickey, Renée McCue, David Chmielewski, Ryan Keating, Joy Taylor, Donna Edelstein, Jill Fletcher, Mark Hatch, Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne, Kristen Fritz, Cheyney Barrieau, Todd Fairchild, Andrew Moran, and Dylan Carneiro.

Winners of this year’s Best of West Hartford contest were all smiles as their names were announced on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the annual awards show, with plenty of excitement throughout the evening for everyone else who attended the event at the Cinépolis Theater in Blue Back Square.

A big thank you to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for providing a generous array of heavy hors d’oeuvres for guests to enjoy.

The entire event offered plenty of opportunities for socializing and networking – as

well as eating, drinking, and celebrating West Hartford’s favorite businesses as decided by voters from the community.

The next few pages list the 147 finalists in the 6 categories (including Family; Food/ Drink/ Dining; Health & Beauty; Services; Nightlife, and Retail), with 49 sub-categories, and winners are noted with a H. The awards show included 36 color slides on the big screen, and all winners were unveiled on a 6 foot poster in the lobby!

Congratulations to all! It’s an honor to be a finalist in this people’s choice contest.

We’re not done with thank you’s: Sponsors make it all happen. Thank you to: JPCarroll Construction, Lux Bond and Green, The McCauley, Central Connecticut State University, Blue Back Square, Cinépolis, West Hartford Magazine, We-Ha.com, Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Northstar Wealth Partners, Oscars Tux-Argelias Bridal, Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, Kingswood Oxford School, Cruise Planners, Keating Agency, EDVF Attorneys, Valerie E. Thomas, Connecticut Jewish Ledger, Eat in CT, Turley CT, NBC Connecticut, Taylor Rental Party Plus, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and Town of West Hartford.

Best of West Hartford 2017 is proud to donate a portion of its proceeds to the Junior League of Hartford and Junior Achievement Southwest New England. n

Photo by CHEYNEY BARRIEAU

Ice scuplture by Ice Matters, LLC was donated by UberDog and made for a stunning centerpiece at the event.

The photo gallery is online: Visit We-Ha.com, search Best of West Hartford for photos and video. While you are there, look at our Flickr link for more. we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 29

Winners indicated with a:

H

H

H

H H

H H 30

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

H H

H H H

Winners indicated with a:

H

H we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 31

H

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

H Winners indicated with a:

H

H

H

H H 32

H

H

I 33

Winners indicated with a:

H

H

H

H

H

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

H Winners indicated with a:

H

H

H

H

H H 34

I we-ha.com

ISSUE VOL. 7,NON. O6,. 2,2016 2017west westhartford hartfordmagazine magazine

H

H

H

H

H

H

Winners indicated with a:

H

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 35

Winners and finalists in categories that were not part of the live awards show are: FAMILY CAMP: HCamp KO; Camp Shalom; Renbrook School Summer Adventure FOOD - DRINK - DINING BURGER RESTAURANT: HMax Burger; Plan B; Five Guys Burgers and Fries ETHNIC RESTAURANT: HBlack Bamboo Chinese Restaurant; Zohara; Taste of India DESSERT: HNora Cupcakes; Cheesecake Factory; Elmwood Bakery HEALTH & BEAUTY MANICURE - PEDICURE: HSilk Nails; Annas Beautiful Nails; Grace Nails NIGHTLIFE LATE NIGHT SPOT: HVinted Wine Bar & Kitchen; GRANTS; Barcelona West Hartford RETAIL MEN’S NATIONAL: HBrooks Brothers Westfarms; Joseph A. Bank Clothiers; Nordstrom Westfarms WOMEN’S NATIONAL: HNordstrom Westfarms; Victoria’s Secret; Marshalls HOME IMPROVEMENT: HLarsen’s ACE Hardware; Kaoud Oriental Rugs; John Boyle Home Decorating SERVICES SATELLITE MEDICAL FACILITY: HAFC URGENT CARE West Hartford; Hartford Medical Group Walk-In; New England Urgent Care BANK - FINANCIAL INSTITUTION: HFarmington Bank; Simsbury Bank; Bank of America GARDEN - FLORIST: HMoscarillo’s Garden Shoppe; House of Flora; Lane & Lenge Florist LAW FIRM: HEagan, Donohue, Van Dyke & Falsey; Reardon, Scanlon, Vodola, Barnes; Weinstein & Wisser

Winners indicated with a:

36

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

H

2017 west hartford magazine

Award Winning Service The experts at French Cleaners can handle all your fabric care needs including bridal gown care, expert alterations, and couture care. Family owned and operated since 1911.

Don’t settle for anything less.

FREE PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICE

(860) 233-3736 935 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford www.frenchcleaner.com

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 37

EVENTS

Holiday Events Tips to Make it a Great Season

By Marina Luri-Clark

T

he holidays are around the corner and the parties are plentiful. From family parties to corporate outings, it can get hectic. If you can’t hire an event planner, we’ve put together a list of things to think about to help you along the way.

1.Figure out how much you want to spend and create a budget. It can be simple, but make sure you put pen to paper.

This will help keep you on track and truly understand what you can and cannot do.

2.Plan ahead and pick a date. Create a timeline and “to do” list. This will help you stay on track and organized. Also, check your local calendar to make sure you are not competing for guests. It’s a very busy time of year!

3. Think about what you want to get out of the event – Is it a celebration?

38

ful things that reflect your personal style.

4. Event Style – Will you do a buffet?

6.Pick one element to splurge on to

Family style food? Sit down dinner? Cocktails? Think about your audience and the timing of your event. For example, a family style meal offers a semi-casual atmosphere and encourages guests to interact whereas a sit down is more formal and conversations are limited to guests sitting near each other.

wow your guests. If you are being thoughtful about your spending, pick one item that will make the biggest impact and allocate more funds to it. Whether it’s a decorative item, menu related or the entertainment, choose something impactful that will improve the guest experience.

5. Add a personal touch. Whether you are doing a conference for 1,000 or a party for 10 – make sure your guests feel like they are important. Write a personal note to every attendee at your event to welcome them - and make sure you find time to speak to your guests. When thinking about your décor, the same holds true – make your space warm and inviting. If you are in a banquette hall, simply bring in a few meaning-

7. Be responsible. Cocktails and drinks liven up any party but make sure your guests drink responsibly. As a host or hostess, you are responsible and need to make sure no one is leaving your event having had too much to drink. Offer great cocktails but make sure you have fun non-alcoholic refreshments on hand. If someone does overindulge make sure you take their car keys and call them an Uber.

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

8.Create some fun. No matter who your guests are – people like to go to an event that brings a smile to their face and keeps them engaged. The fun can be obvious – such as interactive games, or, the fun can be created by simply encouraging lively conversations by presenting interesting topics.

Lead the way and make sure your guests are having a good time. Introduce your guests to one another and feed their soul.

9.Logistics. We often find that clients come up with great ideas but don’t really think through the execution and logistics.

Make sure you have enough volunteers or staff and give everyone a specific assignment. If you hire a band, ask them if they come with sound or if you have to provide it. Make sure you communicate and manage your vendors. Ask questions, do your home-

Head Shot: JANE SHAUCK. Event Photos: MARINA LURI-CLARK

Client holiday party? How will guests interact? What will excite them? What will get them talking? Asking yourself these questions, along with a budget, will help you craft an event format and evening timeline.

work and follow up with all. Above all, never assume anything.

10. And finally, plan for the unexpected. Weather, emergencies, transportation, electricity – all of these can break down and potentially ruin your event.

Consider each one individually and have a plan for all of them. Have a safety plan in place and your event will be less stressful for everyone involved.

A well planned, well managed event means a stress-free event. Remember to plan ahead, keep organized lists and stay on track. Resist the urge to try and copy a photo you saw on Pinterest, instead, take inspiration from it and do it your way.

You’ll be less frustrated in the end, and your wallet will thank you.n Marina Luri-Clark is the owner and creative director of Marina Luri Events, an event planning, design and production company. Marina and her team have been producing private, social and corporate events throughout Europe and the United States for over 10 years. Marina lives in West Hartford with her husband, two boys and dog Jack.www.marinalurievents.com T: 860.469.0291. Info@ marinalurievents.com

we-ha.com

ISSUE ISSUE NO NO. 6, 2016 2015

west hartford magazine

I 39

FOOD

Elmwood: The Fernwood Story & photos by ‘TWIN TASTERS’ JOY TAYLOR & AMY MELVIN

t first glance, Fernwood Restaurant – with its dark paneling, pub-like atmosphere, stained glass and flickering candles – gave us pause, but the cheery staff had us feeling right at home in seconds.

Fernwood Restaurant may be over 70 years old, but the menu options are refreshing, plentiful and downright delicious. The Twin Tasters put Co-Owner/Manager Laurie Hazelton on the spot to see what they are known for at this quaint Elmwood landmark, and she proceeded to list virtually everything on the menu!

Of course she is biased, but feels strongly that “you can order anything with full confidence and it will be good!” Laurie handles the business and front end of the establishment, and her partner, Co-Owner August “Augie” Audibert is the chef.

We started with a crab cake appetizer ( just one of the fresh seafood choices of the day, thanks to fish supplied by City Fish); and we thoroughly enjoyed the Reuben, (whose thick-cut brisket is made in-house daily), complimented by a warm “you-had-me-at-bacon” German Potato Salad; a popular Patty Melt cooked to melty perfection with a side of crinkle fries, just

A

Top: Exterior on New Britain Ave. Warm German Potato Salad next to a Reuben with thick-cut brisket (Patty Melt and fries in background) and crab cakes. Above: Warm bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Below: Apple pie.

bread pudding on many occasions. She often tells herself, “not today, not today … and then it comes out of the oven and I can’t resist! I never get tired of it!” she said.

The daily bread is baked by neighbor Elmwood Bakery, and is the main ingredient in the pudding.

They stay true to their motto: “You might not be a ‘regular’ when you enter, but you will be a ‘regular’ when you leave.” And we will go back as welcomed “regulars” next time!

Reservations suggested, but not required. Bar and restaurant seating. Large groups accommodated with notice.

Monday thru Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Closed Sundays. n 11113 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. 860-233-6662

like the fries you had as a kid, (but no soggy fries here)!

Along with an entree menu that exceeded our expectations, the food offerings also include many salads and soups as well as luscious desserts, including apple pie, blueberry pie, brownie sundae and OMG, a warm bread pudding with whiskey sauce and whipped cream that melts in your mouth before the fork even hits your lips.

Laura, our server, has tried to resist the

Excerpted and edited from the original story as seen on We-Ha.com. Go to We-Ha.com and search “Fernwood” for the complete story and more photographs.

40

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

Call me for a consultation. – Jeff

860-986-4282

www.jeffhodgeslandscapes.com

FOOD

Blue Back Square: Artisan (at Delamar) Story & photos by RONNI NEWTON, with exception of salad photo by JEANNETTE DARDENNE

ppetizers and wine with friends at a farmhouse table nestled in a garden of fresh herbs and vegetables ... a light dinner al fresco under a shaded pergola lit by mason jar pendants ... a beer and a burger in an intimate brick-floored tavern with the backdrop of a cozy fire on one side and a vibrant mural on the other ... a full-course meal served in a casually-elegant Scandinavianstyle room adorned with a mural of fig trees ... a private event in a stunning room illuminated by copper chandeliers that hang from a gold-leaf barrel ceiling. All of these experiences can be had right in West Hartford, in a new restaurant named for the artistic nature of the food as well as the elements that create the unique establishment.

Artisan is a feast for the eyes and the palate, a restaurant that offers a variety of beautiful dining atmospheres and a menu that features fresh-for-the-season New England-inspired and locally-sourced dishes.

Artisan, located on the ground floor of the Delamar West Hartford Hotel, is the award-winning restaurant’s third location.

Others are in the Delamar Southport (CT) and Newfane, VT. All are under the direction of Executive Chef and Partner Fred-

A

eric Kieffer – who is also the executive chef of L’Escale at the Delamar Greenwich.

There’s something for everyone’s taste in seating as well as food in the distinct outdoor and indoor spaces and a menu that rather than being divided into courses is separated by: “The Garden, The Mill, The Sea, and The Land.” Each of those sections offers “taste and share” options as well as larger entrees.

The menu focus at Artisan is “New England-inspired cuisine,” said Kieffer, and will vary based on the seasonality of ingredients.

“The chowder is special to us,” Kieffer said. Ingredients in the “Artisan Seafood Chowder” include oysters, clams, shrimp, and fennel crackers.

The Cioppino, a dish that originated in San Francisco, is prepared with lobster sauce rather than tomato broth as a base.

Unlike many restaurants which offer vegetarian or vegan dishes as a special accommodation or an afterthought, Artisan’s “Garden” section of the menu receives just as much if not more focus than the rest. For those who are gluten-free, dishes can be found throughout all sections of the menu.

The shrimp in the “Royal shrimp and grits” is Stonington red shrimp. Kieffer said it’s one-of-a-kind, and there’s only one boat in the world – the Neptune – that har-

vests the catch of 400-2,000 pounds per year.

Chef de Cuisine Tom Kaldy, who has a background in French cuisine and spent many years in some of Las Vegas’ most highly-rated restaurants, comes to Artisan from Cavey’s in Manchester.

Kaldy considers farm-to-table his specialty, and said “artisanal, locally-sourced” dishes are the focus of Artisan. “It’s classical French technique applied to local ingredients and preparations.”

The certified organic products are some of the best ingredients that can be found, some of which are gleaned directly from the garden right outside the door. “We have respect for the product ... We’re not doing that to be trendy but it’s the way it should be,” said Kaldy.

“There are little touches, things you don’t see often in Connecticut,” Kaldy said.

“I plan on this being the best restaurant in West Hartford.”

Dinner: 5-10 p.m. on Sunday through Wednesday, and from 5-11 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday. The bar will remain open late. Breakfast: 7-10 a.m., and lunch will be served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Brunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Social Hour: daily from 3-6 p.m. Reservations: 860-937-2525. n 1 Memorial Drive, West Hartford. artisanwesthartford.com

Excerpted and edited from the original story as seen on We-Ha.com. Go to We-Ha.com and search “Artisan” for the complete story and more photographs.

42

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

SAvE ThE DATE!

Saturday, January 20, 2018 NEW Venue: Marquee Events in Downtown Hartford (Historic G.Fox Building)

residential and Commercial Asphalt driveways design & installation • Sealing • Crack repair

For a Free Consultation and estimate, call John Begley or roCk goodwin 860-233-6528 • www.lMpaving.com

An Event of the Bridge Family Center www.bridgefamilycenter.org

CHARLES, EFFIE & JOHN PAINDIRIS

Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Great Home-Cooked Meals!

Effie’s Place Family Restaurant welcomes you to come enjoy a meal with your family, friends, or co-workers. Greek specialties, salads, sandwiches, and amazing desserts!

Call for Daily Specials list. 860-233-9653

Voted Best BREAKFAST spot in WH: 2015, 2016 Best FAMILY Restaurant: 2017

91 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119 • www.effiesplace.net

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 43

Taking Shape: Jonathan’s Dream Playgound A dream becomes a reality (again) as the community chips in to support Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined story & photos by RONNI NEWTON

44

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

crew of volunteers spent a productive Friday in September, attaching panels and plastic slides on the grounds of the Mandell JCC in West Hartford, and by late afternoon, it was easy to see that Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined will soon be reality and not just a dream.

By the afternoon on September 8, the playground was at least one-third completed, Amy Barzach said.

Like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes, something beautiful is being constructed on the site that had been taken over by nature and filled with weeds after the original Jonathan’s Dream “boundless playground” had to be torn down more than four years ago because its wooden structures were deemed unsafe.

Barzach and her husband Peter had a dream more than than 20 years ago – for a playground where children of all abilities could play together and just be children. The original Jonathan’s Dream opened in 1996, the legacy the Barzachs created to honor their son, Jonathan, who was born in 1994 with the degenerative neuromuscular disorder Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and sadly died before his first birthday.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the new playground in April, Barzach said that when Jonathan’s Dream came down, “it felt like someone had put a claw into my heart.” It was almost as bad as when Jonathan had died, she said.

She wasn’t sure if she could rebuild the playground, but with the assistance and coordination efforts of Ronit Shoham, and the strong support of volunteers and donors, a place that will be accessible to all children, a place where children with all types of difficulties can be free to just be children, will officially have its grand opening on Oct. 22.

Fundraising has been ongoing for several years, with nearly $1.2 million raised for the 25,000 square foot playground.

When a community build was announced, responses were immediate to the request for volunteers, and about 25 – all that could be accommodated – arrived early September 8, in the morning. Included in that crew were 11 people from

A

Amy Barzach (right), wasn’t sure if she could rebuild the playground, but with the assistance and coordination efforts of Ronit Shoham (left), and the strong support of volunteers and donors, a place that will be accessible to all children ...will officially have its grand opening on Oct. 22.

Westfarms, led by General Manager Kevin Keenan.

“They came from every department, and they were here all day,” said Keenan. He said that he and two other Westfarms employees who volunteered had also participated in the community build back in 1996.

Providing a tour around the playground, Barzach was smiling ear-to-ear, pointing out the different elements, many of which are sponsored by community groups.

Atop one playground structure – accessible by ramps or stairs – will be the “David Glass Memorial Post Office.” Family and friends of former West Hartford Mayor Nan Glass – who passed away this summer – donated the play area in honor of Nan Glass’ son David, a former mailman, who was killed in a two-car crash on nearby Bloom-

Stained glass image of a dragonfly on the labyrinth.

field Avenue in August 1998. The original Jonathan’s Dream also had a post office honoring Glass, built with donations raised by his daughters Jessica and Emily. If you look closely at the shirts the girls depicted in the display are wearing, one has an “E” and the other has a “J.”

“It’s much more than we expected,” Barzach said of the work of the volunteers and the support.

The hardscape was built earlier in the summer, with the PAC group also constructing a walking path that surrounds the perimeter. Eight-and-a-half laps around are a mile, Barzach said.

Paths also wind through the playground, and an app designed for the visually impaired will narrate the park and give instructions on how to interact as you navigate through it, Shoham said. Markings along the perimeter tell people where they are, as do “ADA bumps” or rumble strips on the path.

Another pathway is a labyrinth – one that is completely wheelchair accessible. In the center is a large abacus with stones for slid-

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 45

ABOVE: Westfarms General Manager Kevin Keenan volunteers at the Community Build at Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined. LEFT: The David Glass Memorial Post Office.

ing, and there will also be a chalk wall for drawing.

A portion of the labyrinth path is dotted with stained glass images, created by an artist friend of Shoham’s, depicting nature scenes and children’s characters, including Sponge Bob. Barzach said her favorite is a dragonfly. “It’s a connection to someone you lost.”

There’a “We Saw See Saw, sponsored by the National Council for Jewish Women. The brightly-colored piece of equipment has a high back and footrests for extra stability.

Parallel play is the goal – so all children can use the equipment regardless of their restrictions. “Parallel play, parallel swings,” Shoham said, noting that several different types of swings hang next to each other so children can swing together.

Mental health is also a focus, and positive

46

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

messages are promoted through the activities children engage in. “All around we’ll have positive affirmation, messages to be kind ...” Shoham said. “It’s not only a playground.”

There will be about 20 benches scattered throughout, but Shoham pointed out one of her favorites, a soon-to-be-installed buddy bench.

The rainbow-colored bench bears the inscription: “One friend can change your whole life.”

Created from recycled lumber (about 540 milk jugs), the buddy bench was donated by Johnny’s Jog for Charity, a local non-profit started by West Hartford residents Dan and Laura Moran (Johnny’s parents) and Dan and Kelly Clark and inspired by the incredible, brave life of Johnny Moran who was born in 2007 with Wieaker Wolff Syn-

ABOVE: Johnny’s Jog for Charity donated the rainbow-colored buddy bench which will soon be installed.

RIGHT: Sign language display at Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined.

drome, a rare and debilitating condition.

Johnny passed away at age 9 in April 2016.

A bronze plaque that will be very near and dear to Barzach, and Shoham, will also grace the playground.

“For years I wanted Jonathan’s picture here, but I could never think of the words,” Barzach said of her son who inspired the playground. She said she and Shoham sat down together one day and wrote a tribute, which Shoham then had inscribed onto a bronze plaque with Johnathan’s picture.

The two picked out a boulder on which to attach the plaque, and it will be located near the center of the playground.

“Today was a great day, how the community came together,” Shoham said Friday. The change from morning to afternoon was dramatic she said. “It’s really starting to look like a playground from what was just a skeleton.”

Shoham said that although the playground funds are virtually all set, the committee has decided to embark on Phase II, raising money for a permanent accessible restroom for the playground. About $150,000 more is needed, and she is excited about the matching fund donation that Bob Goldfarb has made, an offer to match donations up to $25,000. “We’re hoping that will cut in half what we need,” Shoham said.

Funds raised will also be used to start an endowment to handle future maintenance of the playground.

In less than two weeks the equipment will be completely in place and the resilient surfacing will be installed, Shoham said.

On Oct. 22, 2017, at 12:30 p.m., the playground will have its grand opening.

Jonathan’s Dream has been reimagined, and soon will be more than just a dream. n

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 47

Presenting the newest fleet of limousines in Connecticut!

More than 60 vehicles to select from 100% GUARANTEED 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

You’ll feel like you’re our only client

Owned & Operated by Stephen DiMarco Premier limousine Company 76 Fuller Way, Berlin 860.828.9111 www.premierlimo.net CT DOT Permit #2856

Join the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce!

Good for your business, good for the community.

Membership includes: Your business listing in our on-line Membership Directory and a new member advertisement in West Hartford Life.

Free event promotions on our Community Calendar (read by approximately 700 people each week) which helps you get to the right people for your business.

Meet West Hartford’s business leaders in a casual setting! Enjoy good food and beverage as you network through the Chamber’s Business After Hours and West Hartford Connections events.

Exclusive Chamber Rewards including member-to-member product opportunities, special offers, and innovative and competitively priced benefit solutions with CIT. Taking advantage of just one of these rewards can pay for your membership!

48

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

For membership information, please contact Barbara or Morgan at (860) 521-2300 or e-mail membership@whchamber.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

www.whchamber.com

FINANCE

Getting (Mentally) Ready to Retire Even those who have saved millions must prepare for a lifestyle adjustment.

Robert Laraia, Northstar Wealth Partners, LLC

successful retirement is not merely measured in financial terms. Even those who retire with small fortunes can face boredom or depression and the fear of drawing down their savings too fast. How can new retirees try to calm these worries?

A

Two factors may help: a gradual retirement transition and some guidance from a financial professional.

An abrupt break from the workplace may be unsettling.

As a hypothetical example, imagine a well-paid finance manager at an auto dealership whose personal identity is closely tied to his job. His best friends are all at the dealership. He retires, and suddenly his friends and sense of purpose are absent. He finds that he has no compelling reason to leave the house, nothing to look forward to when he gets up in the morning. Guess what? He hates being retired.

On the other hand, if he prepares for retirement years in advance of his farewell party by exploring an encore career, engaging in varieties of self-employment, or volunteering, he can retire with something promising ahead of him. If he broadens the scope of his social life, so that he can see friends and family regularly and interact with both older and younger people in different settings, his retirement may also become more enjoyable.

The interests and needs of a retiree can change with age or as he or she disengages from the working world. Retired households may need to adjust their lifestyles in response to this evolution.

Broadly speaking, our spending declines as we age. The average U.S. household headed by an 80-year-old spends 43% less money than one headed by a 50-yearold.1

Practically all retirees have some financial anxiety.

Retirement challenges people in two ways.

It relates to the fact of no longer earning a conventional paycheck. You see it in couples who have $60,000 saved for retirement; you see it in couples who have $6 million saved for retirement. Their retirement strategies are about to be tested, in real time. All that careful planning is ready to come to fruition, but there are always unknowns.

The obvious challenge is financial; the less obvious challenge is mental. Both tests may be met with sufficient foresight and dedication. n Robert Laraia, Founding Partner Northstar Wealth Partners, LLC 433 South Main St #322 West Hartford, CT 06110 888-886-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com www.nstarwp.com

Some retirees are afraid to spend.

They fear spending too much too soon.

With help from a financial professional, they can thoughtfully plan a withdrawal rate.

While no retiree wants to squander money, all retirees should realize that their retirement savings were accumulated to be spent. Being miserly with retirement money contradicts its purpose. The average 65-year-old who retires in 2017 will have a retirement lasting approximately 20 years, by the estimation of the Social Security Administration. So, why not spend some money now and enjoy retired life?1

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Northstar Wealth Partners, a Registered Investment Advisor and a separate entity from LPL Financial

1

- tinyurl.com/ydedsyl5 [4/24/17]

we-ha.com VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

I 49

WELLNESS

Indulgence, Wellness, or Cure?

Massage Therapy

Deby Van Oh.len, LMT

feel a little guilty taking time to pamper myself..”

“Lying here, I feel so selfindulgent.” These are quotes from some of our clients who are beginning their relationship with us. As they continue receiving massage on a regular basis, the quotes change. We would like to take this opportunity to shatter the myth that massage is pampering. It is too bad in our society that taking care of one’s self and taking time for one’s self, especially if it feels good, is almost automatically viewed as self-indulgent, selfish and just a little suspect.

“I

and adhesions are released. Specific situations where this is helpful include: chronic low back pain (studies have shown massage to be among the most effective modalities); fibromyalgia; carpal tunnel syndrome; muscle spasms; scoliosis induced muscle tension; whiplash; mobility enhancement after either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy; constipation (by enhancing peristaltic flow); pregnancy; chest tightness due to anxiety or asthma; tension headaches; tmj (temporo-mandibular joint) disorder; stiffness due to overuse (gardening, children, sports, computer usage).

Massage enhances fluid flow

Massage has received a lot of press and most people equate it with relaxation and stress reduction and pampering. But, is that all? What does massage really do?

50

The sliding gliding strokes of massage enhance the venous and lymphatic flow throughout the body.

Specific situations where this is helpful: high blood pressure (studies have shown massage temporarily lowers blood pressure, long term studies have not been done); swelling due to joint injury; swelling due to venous insufficiency; with muscle spasms, bringing fresh nutrients into that area and flushing toxins away; skin nourishment.

Massage affects connective tissue

Massage stimulates the relaxation response

Connective tissue includes muscles most obviously and also the tissue surrounding the muscles (fascia). By loosening tightness and accompanying restrictions, ease of movement is increased, pain is decreased,

By activating the relaxation response, massage allows your body to return to maintenance mode, a ‘rest and digest’ state where tissues and organs are replenished, systems work at a slower speed and the

I we-ha.com

VOL. 7, NO. 2, 2017 west hartford magazine

mind and soul can slow down. Specific situations where this is helpful: pre and post surgery; exams; grief; insomnia; anxiety disorders; attention deficit disorders; new parents; and, of course, life.

So, think of massage in a new paradigm, as part of your wellness program. Massage is not about pampering; it is about taking care of yourself. Massage is also not about curing, but rather enhancing your body’s own recuperative powers, and helping you to be in the best state to withstand the rigors of daily living. Massage is all about YOU, your wellness, your approach to life, your care of your own self. Our regular clients all feel that it is an essential part of their being, which helps prevent injury and disease, speeds up recuperation, helps keep their psyche and soul in harmony, and helps them to live with ease.

And here’s some of what they are saying: “I just tell my family that to be any good to them, I need my weekly massage.”

“I’m moving better and my back hasn’t gone out on its monthly basis since I have been coming for massage.”

“I’m finally sleeping better and have more energy.” n

Deby Van Ohlen, LMT and Wendy Payton, LMT own and operate Nurturing Hand, LLC. 777 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. nurturinghandsllc.com.

860-570-0268

Go ahead, get it!

Classic Tote $100 (reg. $160)

Also on SALE: Polo Shep Ties Belts Hats Classic Tote is available in blue or green, while supplies last.

& exclusively at We-Ha.com/store and

LaSalle Road, West Hartford Center