Spring West Hartford (WeHa) Magazine, 2019

WEDDINGS•GARDEN•FOOD•FINANCE•WINE•TRAVEL

@90 The Ledger History of oldest Jewish Publication in CT

Vol. 9, No. 1 2019

$4.95

Kind Art Spotlight on Stefanie Marco!

Boppers Meet Owner Evan Taback Cruising Luxury cruise vacation

bluebacksquare.com Special distribution: Delamar West Hartford

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine

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contents LEDGER, Celebrating 90 Years as the Voice of the Jewish Community. story by STACEY DRESNER

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36 FINANCE: Financial Lessons from My Dad

Happy Spring!

37 TRAVEL: Crusing in The Edge

10 WEDDINGS: Masciocchi & Karos Eagan & Kueny

14 PEOPLE: Around Town

40 FOOD: Donut Crazy is NOT all about the doughnuts 42 GARDEN: Spring Shopping

34 LANDSCAPING: A Blank Canvas

SPOTLIGHT: Profile of Evan

44 GET A GRIP: Staying Present 46 ART: Stefanie Marco

Taback, owner of Bopper’s Events.story by KEITH GRIFFIN.

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SPRING FASHION IS NO JOKE photos by TODD FAIRCHILD. Stand up and talk fashion with BK&CO and Daswani Clothiers.

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CROWN MARKET WELCOMES CHEF ANDREA GUSSAK. Hebrew National returns to Crown Market with new chef.

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2019

DEPARTMENTS

8 FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FEATURES 16 COVER STORY: CT JEWISH

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ON THE COVER: Art by Stefanie Marco. See more on page 46.

Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine

Boppers Entertainment The Life Of The Party For The Party Of Your Life!

Transcending your imagination and exceeding your expectations, lets plan your dream event!

Boppers Events provides the largest selection of event rentals and DJs in CT, MA, RI and NY.

Mitzvahs • Weddings • School Events • Sweet 16s • Private Events • Corporate Events

Call: 866.865.3535 • Visit: BoppersEvents.com

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine

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Dedicated to Service for over 50 years

WeHa Publisher: Tom Hickey tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com Creative Services: Joy Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com Contributing Writers & Columnists: Matt Banever, Karla A. Dalley, Stacey Dresner, Jay Gersham, Keith Griffin, Karen Herbert, Jeff Hodges, Michelle Epstein Hollander, Barbara Karsky, Lisa Martin, Joy Taylor, Twin Tasters Photography Director: Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT

Providing our community with the BEST possible service in their time of need.

1084 New Britain Ave. West Hartford 860.561.3800 | www.sheehanhilbornbreen.com

Contributing Photographers: Ronni Newton, Robin Smith Get the Picture Productions, IRIS Photography, Joy Taylor, Jewish Ledger Videography Director: David Chmielewski/DirectLine Media Interns: Dylan Carneiro, Blake Greenslade, Hunter Marotto Pop-Up Retail Specialist Hunter Marotto Cover Artist: Stefanie Marco Proofreader: Tim Knecht Publishing Partner: Ledger Publications

WeHa PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 www.westhartfordmagazine.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. ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©2019 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.

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine

Websites: We-Ha.com, WestHartfordMagazine.com Mike Roy/Roy Web Design Principals: Thomas P. Hickey, II, Joy B. Taylor, James H. Gould, III Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: West Hartford Magazine We-Ha.com Twitter: @westhartfordmag @wehartford Instagram: @westhartfordite Hashtags: #wehaevents #bestofweha

#weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy

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Marketing and Technology

with a connection to

a great International Network.”

Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!

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HAPPY SPRING! By the time you see this in print in your home, office, at the Delamar, or on the Barnes & Noble (Blue Back Square) newsstand, it has already been “live” online for the world to enjoy!

The fashion photo was taken at our spring photo shoot at which a social media video went live and likes and re-posts were instantaneous. After I donated blood at the NBC CT day at American Red Cross, Kaitlin McGrath and I posed and posted our photo, encouraging all to donate, and the donors and their goal was met that day! Bottom photo is of the staff of the Ledger, with Joy and myself after a St. Patrick’s Day-themed lunch meeting.

Isn’t that just the way everything is these days? Before you have a chance to tell someone something in person, it has often already been posted, shared, retweeted … etc. Well why should WeHa Magazine be any different? We welcome you to join us, if you haven’t already.

None of our editorial content would be complete without the talented group of business leaders who contribute in each issue, please patronize and thank them along with all our supportive advertisers: n Feature Story – 90th Anniversary of the Jewish Ledger by Stacey Dresner n Business Spotlight – Evan Taback, Boppers, by Keith Griffin n Gardening – Karla A. Dalley n Fashion – Barbara Karsky, Karen Herbert, and Matt Banaver n Finance column – Jay Gershman n Travel Column – Lisa Martin n Life Coach – Michelle Epstein Hollander n Twin Tasters/Food Reviewers – Shh...You know who you are! n Special thanks to Stefanie Marco for providing the beautiful cover art.

Director of Photography, Todd Fairchild has outdone himself, as usual!

We are in full swing of our #wehaevents for 2019 and we are so excited to bring them to you. Stay tuned for details for the first ever “taste” event in the New Park neighborhood. We do hope to see you weekly at a WeHaHA! Comedy Night.

(Ad on page 43) or you can always search Eventbrite.com. Special thanks to our host Paul Gregory, General Manager, The Elbow Room for helping us laugh.

Our seasonal WeHa POP-UP, currently located in Bishops Corner (EDENS building, next to WH Podiatry across the street from Staples), has taken on a life of its own. On Sunday, March 31st, from noon-4 p.m., featuring Janelle Imports Polish Pottery, Fascia Kosher Chocolates, Halo Portable Power, we-ha Vineyard Vines ties and totes and more!

Michelle Epstein Hollander is not only writing our new life coach “Get a Grip” column, but she is instrumental is bringing our #wehaevents to the next level. If you attended the Taste of Elmwood at Corporate Center West (thanks to the hospitality of Figure 8 Realty) you know what we mean.

Northwest Catholic should be proud as we feature two of their alumni in our Wedding pages starting on p. 10: Maura and Nick, and Rebecca and Dean.

Subscribe at westhartfordmagazine.com.

Tom Hickey, publisher

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine

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WEDDINGS

Rebecca Masciocchi & Dean Karos Photos by: Zev Fisher Photography, www.zevfisher.com

Rebecca Masciocchi met Dean Karos while attending Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and they began dating in 2013, during their senior year. Holy Cross was the only place they could picture for a story-book wedding. Family friend Bishop Peter Rosazza officiated.

Four years after graduation, Dean proposed to Rebecca in the last round of a game of Pictionary with family and friends. On an “all play” turn, Dean drew a “marriage” card from the deck, and when Rebecca triumphantly called out “marriage” thinking she had won the game, but Dean surprised her by dropping to one knee and proposing. Pictionary will never be the same!

Rebecca’s parents are West Hartford residents Catherine Gobes and Alfred Masciocchi. Rebecca attended Northwest Catholic High School. Dean’s parents, Dr. Daria Karos and Dr. Stefan Karos, live in Massachusetts.

The wedding reception was held in the pre-Civil-War-era music hall, Mechanics Hall, in Worcester, MA. In honor of the groom’s Greek heritage, they kicked off the dancing with some traditional dancing, and transitioned to an incredible 8-piece band, “Boss” from Boston, MA. We had an amazing honeymoon in Tulum! We visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, went scuba diving, swam with dolphins, and ate lots of tacos! n Members of the wedding party: Kate Scurlock, Samantha Arcata, Chelsea Gobes, Mary King, Jason Karos, Matthew Masciocchi, Ryan Moseley, and Daniel Rice.

The bride with fellow NWC grads, Caitlin Kearns and Jake Spignesi.

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SHOP SMALL ALL YEAR LONG

Do your seasonal shopping at the WeHa Pop-Up. Vendors will vary, but the fun never ends.

Support small businesses all year long!

Thanks to EDENS, Bishops Corner.

Come see us near Marshalls, Bishops Corner, North Main Street, West Hartford.

Follow West Hartford Magazine on Facebook and Twitter for times and details.

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WEDDINGS

Maura Elizabeth Eagan & Nicholas James Kueny

Photos by: Jade with Uplift Photography www.upliftphotography.com

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Maura Elizabeth Eagan and Nicholas James Kueny met while studying at the University of Scranton. Nick proposed to Maura at Old Lyme Shores, CT in July, 2017, and they were married on October 6, 2018.

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, CT holds a special place in Maura’s heart as her parents, Owen and Judy Eagan, were married there in October of 1985, as well as two aunts and her grandparents, Robert and Margaret Hussey who married there in 1958.

It was only fitting that Maura and Nick would be married there.

Owen is the presiding West Hartford Probate Judge and Judy works as a Real Estate Paralegal. Nick’s parents, Denise and Martin Kueny, live in Pennsylvania. Marty has run his own mechanic business for almost 20 years.

Denise works as a learning support teacher.

For the reception, the setting of the historic Bond Ballroom in Hartford was beautiful and provided great views of the Hartford skyline.

The couple is planning a honeymoon in Hawaii this summer. They are excited to travel, scuba dive and relax! n Members of the wedding party: Matron of Honor Caley Eagan Fagan with Moriah Diamond, Caitlin Erickson, Hannah Fulchino Kueny, Theresa Ridgway Kueny, and Andrea Dombek Lynch. Best Man Matthew Kueny with Brian Kueny,Owen Robert Eagan, Kevin Eagan, T.J. Lonergan, Christopher Sante, Kasey Most, and Matthew Teitelman.

#wehaevents 9 1 0 2

n WeHaHA

e c n a l g a t a

Standup Underground Comedy at The Elbow Room. #wehahacomedy

n Taste

of Elmwood, (Sixth Annual) #tasteofelmwood

n Taste

of Bishops Corner, (Fourth Annual) #tasteofbishopscorner

n Taste

of Blue Back/The Center at Blue Back Square, (Fourth Annual) #tasteofblueback n Taste n Best

of New Park/HDD #tasteofnewpark

of West Hartford, (5th Annual) #bestofweha

... and much more!

Facebook: West Hartford Magazine Twitter: @westhartfordmag Instagram: @westhartfordite

Find events on EventBrite.com

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PEOPLE

Around Town

photos by IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrating 20 years of The Bridge Family Center Children’s Charity Ball in 2019. More than 330 friends of the Bridge Family Center gathered at the elegant Marquee Events to celebrate!

Through the generosity of the guests and valued partnerships with corporate sponsors, more than $230,000 was raised to sustain and enhance their vital programs and services. Once again, Scot Haney, Meteorologist from Channel 3 and Host of Better Connecticut, served as the emcee. “Cheers to 50 Years” in recognition of the 50 year anniversary of the Bridge Family Center.

See more at bridgefamilycenter.org

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Third Annual

EMBRACING POSSIBILITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS:

ARE YOU HAPPY? Thursday May 16, 2019 Kingswood Oxford School West Hartford

ELIZABETH VARGAS Anchor, A&E Investigates and Award-Winning Longtime Anchor, ABC News

General Admission: $36

Reserved Seat and Meet & Greet: $136 Dinner Reception 5:30 - 6:30 pm

LAURIE SANTOS Professor of Psychology, Yale University Featured in New York Times, NBC Nightly News, and The Today Show

Sell-Out Event. Advance reservations recommended. Seating is limited.

Thank You Corporate & Community Partners

Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund/Koopman Share

DEBORAH W. GOLDFARB MEMORIAL FUND

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford

WeHa

Media Sponsors

THIS IS EDUCATION. THIS IS JFS. 860.236.1927 | jfshartford.org

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Story by Stacey Dresner Photos courtesy of Connecticut Jewish Ledger Archives

Celebrating 90 Years as the Voice of the Jewish Community I

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In the spring of 1929,

Jewish jurist Louis Brandeis was serving on the Supreme Court; Louis B. Mayer, Sam Warner and other entrepreneurial Jews were inventing Hollywood; the economy seemed healthy for many Jewish businesspeople (the stock market wouldn’t crash until October); and the country was at peace.

It was an interesting, emergent and, in many ways, optimistic time for America’s Jews.

Perhaps that’s why Sam Neusner decided it was a good time to publish a Jewish newspaper. He co-founded the Jewish Ledger with Rabbi Abraham Feldman in April of that year for fellow citizens who, in his words, “should have and would welcome a vehicle of expression, a journal of Jewish public opinion, a record of its likes and events.”

Ninety years later, the Jewish Ledger is still fulfilling that promise.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Front cover of the Jewish Ledger from 1957. INSET: Front cover of the Jewish Ledger from 2019.

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Tearsheets from past issues of the Jewish Ledger, including 1973 (top); 9/11 cover published on Sept. 14, 2001, and clip featuring then Attorney General Richard Blumenthal from the 1990s.

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Sam Neusner co-founded the Jewish Ledger with Rabbi Abraham Feldman.

N. Richard “Ricky” Greenfield oversaw the paper from 1992 until 2014.

Hartford philanthropist and businessman Henry M. Zachs purchased the Jewish Ledger in 2014.

The Ledger Leaders

office to see him – rabbis, politicians, people from organizations,” said Trudy Goldstein, who was hired by Gaster 43 years ago and who, at 92, still works at the Ledger.

In 1992, Gaster and Bunis sold the Ledger to a consortium of businessmen that included N. Richard “Ricky” Greenfield.

Gaster had been ailing due to a stroke, and died that year.

Two years later, Greenfield bought out his business partners and assumed the mantle of Ledger publisher.

Greenfield oversaw the paper for 20 years from his home in Norwell, Massachusetts, making frequent visits to Ledger’s offices in West Hartford, and then Hartford. He was a steadfast pro-Israel activist, fearlessly speaking out in defense of the Jewish state, often biting in his criticism of those whom he perceived as putting the Jewish state in jeopardy.

In addition to the opinions he expressed on the editorial pages of his own newspaper, Greenfield’s op-eds were widely published in numerous print and online publications, including The Algemeiner, Jewish World Review, The Future of Capitalism, American Thinker and The Jewish Press.

Though he believed the paper should be dominated by local news, he himself remained involved in Jewish affairs on

a national level. Among his many affiliations, he had served on the New York Board of Governors of the Middle East Forum, the National Board of Directors of the Zionist Organization of America, the New York Advisory Board of CAMERA (the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), and as chairman of the Board of the University of Connecticut Hillel.

In February 2014, with his health failing, Greenfield was finding it harder and harder to oversee the Ledger’s operation. And so, he decided to sell the paper to Hartford philanthropist and businessman Henry M. Zachs, who had become a friend of Greenfield’s when the two were involved in UConn Hillel.

A few weeks after the Ledger was sold in late February 2014, Greenfield passed away after a brief illness.

The Ledger and Zachs could not be a better match. Both are defined by community: The Ledger by disseminating information and fostering a sense of unity; Zachs by his extensive track record of hands-on community involvement.

Neusner remained at the helm of the paper until his retirement in 1954.

While Rabbi Feldman, who also served as spiritual leader of West Hartford’s Congregation Beth Israel, limited his role to writing editorials, Neusner was charged with the day-to-day operation of the paper.

In 1954, health issues forced Neusner to retire, leaving the responsibilities of publisher to his wife. He died in 1960. In 1967, Lee Neusner sold the paper to its managing editor, Berthold Gaster and business manager Shirley Bunis.

Gaster was hired by Neusner to serve as managing editor in 1958 and quickly became the face of the Jewish Ledger.

By day he wrote stories and laid out the newspaper in the old cut-and-paste days of newspaper layout. By night he attended meetings and lectures and other functions around the Greater Hartford Jewish community.

When Gaster took ownership of the paper, it quickly became a family affair, with his wife Adele writing theater reviews and often accompanying him to the many events he had to cover. Their son covered sports for the Ledger, while Bunis’ daughter Harriet sold ads for the Ledger for many years.

“He was very hamish...very friendly.

People would always come into the

The Ledger Today When it was launched in 1929, the Jewish Ledger consisted of Hartford, New Haven and Springfield editions. Stamford and Bridgeport editions were added

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Tearsheets from past issues of the Jewish Ledger, including a 2013 cover commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s death; and a clipping of a Crown Super Market ad, circa 1970s.

The Jewish Ledger appears online at JewishLedger.com.

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Lecture In Honor of Ricky Greenfield

for a brief period during the 1990s.

Today the Connecticut Jewish Ledger is statewide.

In 2002, a Western Massachusetts edition began and published until 2013 when it added Central Massachusetts and became the Massachusetts Jewish Ledger.

In addition to the Connecticut and Massachusetts Jewish Ledgers, Ledger Publications also publishes two annual All Things Jewish reference magazines (one covering Connecticut and another covering Massachusetts), and an annual Kosher New England magazine.

Now under Zach’s leadership, the Ledger has moved headlong into the digital age, which includes the Ledger’s interactive website, Facebook, Twitter, and a weekly e-page update.

One of the last independent Jewish newspapers in the country, over the course of its 90 years the Ledger has had to grapple with serious issues, including several wars, Israeli independence, antiSemitism and terrorism – as well as with such locally important fare as synagogue mergers, school closings, organizational fundraising drives; social issues impacting the community, intermarriage and the expanding role of women in religious life.

For its efforts, the Ledger has garnered honors from the New England Press Association, the American Jewish Press Association and the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. In addition, many of its articles and columns are often reprinted in Jewish publications all across the country.

“Of course, like any newspaper, our job is to report the news,” explains Judie Jacobson, editor of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger. “But we also see our mission as serving to strengthen Jewish identity and foster a Jewish lifestyle in our communities; supporting and promoting our Jewish institutions; and advancing the well-being of the Jewish community.” n

To honor Greenfield’s memory, the Ledger has set up a fund at the Jewish Community Foundation in West Hartford to establish the annual N. Richard Greenfield Memorial Lecture. This year’s lecture will feature Dr. Charles Small, director of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP). It will be held on Thursday, April. 4, 7 p.m. at the Mandell Jewish Community Center, and is free and open to the public. Co-sponsoring organizations include WHMedia, West Hartford Magazine, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, the Mandell JCC, The Emanuel Synagogue, Beth David Synagogue, Beth El Temple, and Congregation Beth Israel, Young Israel and Crown Market.

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When art meets substance...

Crown Catering 2471 Albany Ave | West Hartford, CT | 860.236.1965

www.thecrownmarket.com Blending tradition and excellence for nearly 80 years.

...Our only limitation is your imagination.

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SPOTLIGHT Story by Keith Griffin Photos by Robin Smith Get the Picture Productions.

F

or those of a certain age who grew up in Greater Hartford, the name Bopper’s brings to mind the iconic nightclub that sat across from Hartford’s Union Station. It was a happening hot spot that was an exciting location for an evening’s entertainment. next page

Profile of Evan Taback (Bopper’s Events)

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West Hartford’s Evan Taback has taken that iconic nightspot’s name and built on its legacy it into Bopper’s Events, the premier entertainment and event rental company in Connecticut, Westchester County, New York City, Boston and beyond.

How far beyond? How about Texas and Florida?

Taback started in the entertainment business as a high school student growing up in South Windsor. “I literally started DJ’ing at school dances and built it from there,” Taback recalled. He kept spinning the records while getting his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Communications from Quinnipiac University.

It was back in the day when the successful DJs hauled around turntables, speakers and albums – so many albums.

From a backbreaking standpoint, he appreciates how simplified the process has come. Now all of the music can be loaded on a laptop.

But then a tinge of regret creeps into his voice. “Unfortunately, that makes anybody think they can become a DJ,” he said. That’s not so much because Taback fears a loss in business. It’s more because he still loves being a DJ, even after building a company that employs 180 people.

For this article, Taback was interviewed on a Tuesday afternoon. Asked

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“There are certain events I could name-drop, but every party we do is a big deal” -Evan Taback, owner of Boppers Events

when the last time was he worked as a DJ, his answer was, “Saturday.” He describes himself as a hands-on owner.

“Every weekend if I’m not the DJ at an event, I’m going to the events our company does,” he said.

Talent is essential to Taback’s company. “We spend a lot of time and energy investing in our talent,” he said. “Everybody that works here has to love what they are doing. We’re in the center of the party. We don’t feel like we’re just going to work. Our job is to make sure every guest is having a great time.”

Taback said he and his company are on the road non-stop with events all up and down the East Coast. He said throughout a year Bopper’s Events can do from 2,000 to 2,500 different productions. “That’s an average of 50 a week, but of course it’s usually somewhere from 20 to 80!” he said.

Even though Greater Hartford is home to Bopper’s Events, this is only the company’s fifth biggest market. Taback said the top three are Westchester County, Southern Connecticut and New York City.

As mentioned above, Taback’s company has done events in Florida and Texas but not through advertising to those markets. Word-of-mouth promotion drives his thriving business.

“The two bar mitzvahs in Texas saw us at an event and like our talents and our offerings. They both said there is [no company] there that has what we have,” he said.

Taback doesn’t like to brag about the events Bopper’s has supported. They’ve worked pre-Super Bowl parties, as well as galas with thousands of people. He says his focus is on making each event unique. “There are certain events I could name-drop, but every party we do is a big deal,” he said.

Bopper’s Event has four divisions: corporate events, personal events, school events and event services. It’s the latter that you might end up hiring Taback to work a party with its DJs and entertainment, as well as party lighting rentals, staging and furniture rentals, photo booth rentals, activity and party game rentals and inflatable rentals.

The inflatable rentals are handled through his company, Innovative In-

flatables. One of the largest inflatable companies on the East Coast, Innovative Inflatables offers a diverse selection of 200 inflatables, slides and obstacle courses. He proudly notes they offer so much more than the pedestrian bounce houses provided by some inflatable concerns. “That company does a lot of big events,” he said.

There is so much more the company can plan for including galas, cocktail parties, client appreciation events, company outings, award banquets, product launches and holiday parties. On the personal side, Bopper’s also excels at mitzvahs, weddings, sweet 16s and other private parties.

With that diversity of events comes all the materials needed to make a distinctive event, including items like mirrored tables, plush VIP lounge-style furniture, and rustic outdoor tables and seating among many other pieces. “We try to make it as one-stop shopping as possible,” Taback said.

A married father of a nine-year-old daughter, Taback knows the value of fam-

“Everybody that works here has to love what they are doing. ... Our job is to make sure every guest is having a great time.”

-Evan Taback, owner of Boppers Events

ily time as a means of unwinding from his hectic schedule. “I recently realized how important it is to have quiet time and have a moment to myself,” he said, adding he enjoys swimming with his family.

He’s also discovered a new love for visiting Florida. “When I take a moment, it’s never myself. I like being with my family and relaxing. It allows me to recharge,” he said. n

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 25

FASHION

spring

*

Fashion is No Joke *

*

photos by TODD FAIRCHILD styling by JOY TAYLOR, KAREN HERBERT, AND MATT BANEVER

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LEFT: Christine wears a Joseph Ribkoff navy and white polka dot wrap dress. Pearl and puff heart necklace by ZZan. UnBillion yellow handbag.

RIGHT: Paula wears a Sun Kim Raphael Vest and Comfy Mesh long sleeve crew neck top paired with Joseph Ribkoff Scuba fabric pants with flower design.

Black and white polkadot handbag by Moeko.

Matt’s brown plaid sport coat from Coppley will grab attention for being different. Sky-blue pants from Jack victor are balanced out with a navy floral shirt from Sand.

s

*

tand up and talk fashion. Inspired by the critically acclaimed series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, BK&CO and Daswani Clothiers recently met at the Elbow Room, the home of WeHaHA! Stand Up Underground Comedy, to deliver spring fashion that commands the room.

Trendy Miriam “Midge” Maisel and her dapper husband, Joel, may share a love for stand-up, but who doesn’t love a perfectly executed fashion statement that’s stand-out?

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* Black & White: With polka dots galore this season, channeling Midge is effortless! Every size dot is in abundance. And they grace everything from beautiful wrap dresses, to elegant silk blouses. Have some fun and carry a sassy handbag with exaggerated polka dots for added wow. Mix it with stripes.

The secret to making an impact: keep it unexpected.

*

LEFT PAGE: Joseph Ribkoff fitted lace blouse with rosette sleeve detail. Unode50 Full Moon pearl bracelet and matching earrings.

Sea Lily pearl and piano wire necklace. INSET: Joseph Ribkoff floral panel dress. Red geometric bag from Patrizia Luca.

ABOVE: Liz is in a Beluva black and white polka dot crinkle blouse. Artisan necklace by Charlotte Meyer Designs.

RIGHT: Barbara stands tall in a peasant blouse with bell sleeves in black and white vertical stripes paired with Palazzo style pants with vertical black stripes, both by Joseph Ribkoff. Sea Lily drop necklace.

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Men’s: Menswear this season is all about sophistication.

Fashion is taking a nostalgic turn with a gorgeous mixing of pattern. Layer your plaids and stripes and draw attention with a polka dot tie. Update your classic navy blazer with a print ascot. Soft shoulders and tapered silhouettes are offered in soft blues and olives or warm earth tones with accents of rich burgundy or purple.

Choose natural fibers or an emerging trend of performance driven dress-wear that really delivers. Matt says if you opt for a tieless look with your sport jacket or suit, you should always wear a pocket square (or circle) or accessorize in some other way.

FAR LEFT: Matt’s brown plaid sport coat from Coppley will grab attention for being different. A sport coat-driven outfit is no longer dress down, it is indeed dressed up for today’s man. So why not have fun? Sky-blue pants from Jack Victor are balanced out with a navy floral shirt from Sand.

LEFT TOP, AND ABOVE: Matt has taken a traditional suit and given it an updated look. This suit from Sand has minimal shoulder padding, inserted sleeves, and the deep navy pindot is a way to not limit your shirt combinations.

Who would have thought the ascot is making a comeback? Loosen your top button and make a statement with this elegant piece, accompanied by a crisp white pocket circle.

Karen’s Joseph Ribkoff fitted top has delicately detailed floral embroidered mesh sleeve.

Artisan necklace by Charlotte Meyer Designs.

LEFT, BOTTOM: On Tom, when suiting up nowadays, look for ways to update staple pieces. Tom is wearing an Italian-made, gray plaid suit, from Manzoni. The softer grays are complimented by layering this piece with a knit gray vest. If you are required to wear a tie, have fun with a pop of color. This knit, blue tie is the right amount of wrong.

Mix it Up: Be a student of mixology this season. And the easiest recipe to follow is one that adds a splash of floral with a

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FROM LEFT: Simply Go To Classic Tee with Joseph Ribkoff geometric shape pant. Suede slide shoe by Nakedfeet, Necklace by Charlotte Meyer Designs, Half moon pearl bracelet by UNO de 50 and handbag

by Moeko.

Sun Kim Raphael Vest and Comfy Mesh long sleeve crew neck top paired with Joseph Ribkoff Scuba fabric pants with flower design. Suede slide shoe Nakedfeet and Black and white polka dot handbag by Moeko.

Joseph Ribkoff fitted blouse with floral embroidered mesh sleeve paired with Sun Kim crop bell pants.

Wedge sandals with sunflower by L’ Artiste.

Necklace by Charlotte Meyer designs.

Peasant blouse with bell sleeves in black and white vertical stripes paired with Palazzo style pants with vertical black stripes both by Joseph Ribkoff. Open toe black fabric shoe boot by Nicole. Red handbag with bamboo handle by Moeko.

Coral off shoulder top paired with Pop floral pants, both by Joseph Ribkoff. Black sandal with adjustable straps by Patricia. Coral and shell Necklace by Charlotte Meyer Designs.

Joseph Ribkoff dress with flower detail at bottom.

Suede heel sandal by Isola, turquoise geometric shape cross body purse by Patrizia Luca.

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dash of color. Flower is power. Whether it’s an all-over floral design, a floral border, or a floral accent placed perfectly on your sleeve, flowers are this season’s “it” motif, as well as the inspiration for all the brilliant color you’ll see in spring fashion.

Final Act: And while comedy may sometimes be a little off-color, this season it’s all about color. And pattern. And florals. Improvise with bold hues set against the perennial favorite, black and white. Push the envelope.

Mix it up. Add a zinger accessory that pops. With so many great choices this spring, remember: fashion, like great stand-up comedy, should speak directly to you! n

Thank You #wehaevents Sponsors

Oscar Gonzalez, DDS

Thank you #wehaevents partners and supporters: Boppers, Connecticut Jewish Ledger, Direct Line Media, Eat in Connecticut, FLOW, Merchant Solutions, Roy Web Design, Todd Fairchild/Shutter Bug CT, Town of West Hartford, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, We-HA.com, West Hartford Press, West Hartford LIFE, West Hartford Magazine, and Experience We-Ha.

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 33

LANDSCAPING

Your Yard is my Blank Canvas

By Jeff Hodges

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ll I need is a can of spray paint and I can show you your yard’s hidden potential!

I’m known to show up for an appointment with my trademark can of spray paint in hand.

Your lawn is my blank canvas. Funny, this is the first time I’ve ever written about it but it is true. You tell me what you desire, and I will show you how we can get it done.

An outdoor living space is much more then additional square footage. If you’ve always wanted a fire pit, a pizza oven, a putting green to practice your game, or just more garden or leisure space – your outdoor living space is the perfect place to flex your creativity!

All products used by me are from mother-earth. No, what I call, “build-ablocks” or interlocking cement blocks allowed. I personally select the recycled cobblestone or blue stone as an example.

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“Your outdoor living space is the perfect place to flex your creativity.” – Jeff Hodges The high quality of my materials costs more for sure, but it will last a lifetime, and beyond.

I can see beyond your grass, shrubs and dirt. And we do a great job repurposing mature plantings to make room for the new living space.

Of course, we have an architectural engineer who can provide detailed landscape and hardscape drawings if need be. I have found, however, over the years that homeowners prefer a more casual, real-time, design approach. Admittedly it makes some people very nervous, but when I have a creative vision … watch out!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the increase in the value of your home with a well planned and designed outdoor living space. It adds square footage to your home even if you can’t use it all year round in New England.

I plan on changing the theme of this column to match the season, but if you would like to ask me a question, or if you have any hardscape/landscape-themed ideas you would like me to cover please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook so you can see first-hand the great art of outdoor living by Jeff. n Jeff Hodges is the owner and chief landscape designer for Jeff Hodges Landscape services, serving just about every corner of the state. They offer full-service landscape design, installation, and maintenance.

They also offer hardscapes, water features, and outdoor lighting design.

860-295-3302. landscapingwesthartfordct.com

Save the Date!

May 4, 2019

Folly Farm, Simsbury CT

2:30-7:00 p.m.

Fundraiser to benefit the Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation

An elegant afternoon of food, cocktails, Derby-style attire, silent & live auctions and a live viewing of the 145th Kentucky Derby!

For more information please visit ronsrun.org, e-mail info@ronsrun.org or call 860-521-0500 PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 35

FINANCE

Financial Lessons Learned From My Dad

By Jay Gershman, Retirement Visions LLC, West Hartford

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esearch has proven that much of how we relate to saving and spending is learned from our parents and grandparents, and those values are set in stone by our teenage years.

This year, my dad, Shike, would have turned 90. He passed away in June of 2017 and on the days when I meet new clients to talk about their finances, I realize how much of both my beliefs about money and my work ethic were instilled in me by him.

My father’s favorite thing to do was to talk about the past and he had a sweet spot for reminiscing about his father Benny’s business, the Home Circle Grocery Store on Zion Street across from Trinity College. Benny immigrated to the United States at age 11 from Russia and he worked hard enough to bring his entire family to our country over the next 20 years. In addition to paying for every family member, Benny also had to pay for his son (my father) to be hospitalized for three months at the age of 2. When my father recounted the story, he reminded me that his father’s $8,000 debt to the hospital would be approximately $300,000 today.

Debt was always a topic of conversation in our household and this story was my dad’s way of teaching me about it. My dad owned a small business just like his father, a drugstore on New Britain Avenue, and my first lessons about money and debt started right here. At the age of 7, I started working the cash register and according to my dad, I mastered the art of giving perfect change. It was my first exposure to what has since become my career, but those simple, early lessons are the ones that I still find the most use-

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ful. What I learned from him have stayed with me, and there are a few that I’d like to pass on to you: 1. Dad used envelopes tacked to a cork board to show me he could save in small amounts to accomplish big things. This taught me the essence of work for reward.

2. He told me, “Don’t lend money if you can’t afford to not get it back.”

3. As an investor, he told me to be patient because the first 30 years he invested, he earned very little. Luckily, the period after 1982 more than made up for it.

4. When the market crashed during his retirement, instead of panicking, he said, “If I had another $10,000 in cash, I would invest right now.”

5. As a retiree, he reminded me, “The value of your portfolio doesn’t matter, only the income it produces.”

6. Finally, he would say, “If you want to get something done, and we all do, ask a busy person.”

After my dad passed away, I received a framed photo of me kissing him at my wedding. Under the photo was a ten dollar bill. Many years ago, my dad asked me to pick up something for him at the local drugstore. He insisted on paying me for it – one of his lessons. I figured I was a grown man and it was time to repay him for all he had done. He would have no part of it and I refused to accept it. For months, both of us found funny ways to give each other the ten back and finally I had the last word. I framed

“This year, my dad, Shike, would have turned 90... I realize how much of both my beliefs about money and my work ethic were instilled in me by him.”– Jay Gershman it with the photo and a note that read “Thanks Dad for all that you’ve done, I could never repay you but this will be a down payment. Love, Jay.” n Jay Gershman is the Owner and Founder of Retirement Visions LLC, a West Hartford-based financial planning firm that focuses on comprehensive life planning and financial management. For more information, visit www.allset2retire.com.

Information and advice are for guidance only and opinions expressed belong solely to the author. Securities offered through Securities Service Network, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Fee based services are offered through SSN Advisory, Inc., a registered investment advisor.

Cruising Edge in the

TRAVEL

story by Lisa Martin

The game-changing Celebrity Edge has officially arrived at the new home of modern luxury – Port Everglades’ Terminal 25 (T25) in Hollywood, Fla. – following the ship’s first ever, 15-day transatlantic crossing.

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LEFT: The adults-only Solarium on Celebrity Edge features a three-dimensional art wall that represents the beautiful colors and movement of the ocean, creating the perfect complement to the serene atmosphere where guests rest, relax and restore. Designed by Tom Wright of WKK

C

elebrity Cruises has really made its new ship the Edge something different and special – in food, service and atmosphere.

This was the sentiment of my well-traveled cruise client who was just on Celebrity’s Edge a few months after being on a smaller luxury ship, and with a smile on her face told me how the Edge was even better.

As a travel agent who has completed Celebrity’s 5 Star Training Program, I had the opportunity to go on a two-day pre-inaugural sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau. I have been following the “reveals” as the ship was being built, entirely designed using 3D technology. Celebrity has named Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai as Godmother of the ship, and Celebrity will be supporting and promoting the Malala Fund, a non-profit that fights for girls’ education.

The Edge did not disappoint. The ship is impressive from the outside when I first laid eyes on it in Fort Lauderdale.

Getting on board was a breeze and I headed straight to the stateroom to drop off my luggage and check out my room.

The Infinite Veranda (Balcony) Stateroom design makes the room feel so much larger. Where there would normally be a wall before the balcony, there were bi-fold doors. The balcony became part of the room and the views were unobstructed – no metal railing. At the end of the balcony was a double window for a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean. The walls of the room extended out to the edge of the veranda, giving you 100% privacy on the balcony. Pressing a button makes the top half of the window slide down. I enjoyed the fresh air and the sound of the waves in the evening. Other amenities included more plugs for electronics, and a larger shower than I was expecting.

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CELEBRITY CRUISES PRESS CENTER IMAGES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BOTTOM LEFT TWO IMAGES BY LISA MARTIN

MIDDLE: The Sky Suite on Celebrity Edge features a kingsized bed that faces outward for views of the great outdoors, a sitting area, with a signature Kelly Hoppen, MBE, wooden rocker, and a spacious, private veranda. The split bathroom features a large spa tub with shower and a sliding panel that allows views to the room and the ocean beyond. Designed

by Kelly Hoppen, MBE of Kelly Hoppen Interiors.

The highlight of Celebrity Edge’s outward-facing vision, Magic Carpet is the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level.

Designed by Tom Wright of WKK

Walking through the ship was fun, seeing the different types of suites, beautiful rooms with living areas and expansive balconies – there is a room for every traveler.

The adults-only Solarium made me say out loud, I could spend the whole week here! The Spa had new options.

I was on a small waterbed with headphones, and as the music became more intense, so did the vibrations of the small waterbed, offering to change my Beta waves to Alpha waves to become more relaxed. Another Spa option was a massage in a bed of warm golden quartz pebbles. I did not get to try that, but I still think about it.

It was time to look around outside. A beautiful pool had two hot tubs at opposite ends that were sitting at the top of what looked like two massive wine glasses. Behind the pool was a garden sitting area with imagined trees. This was where I started to feel the difference on the outside of the ship. You feel like you are somewhere new. On the way there you feel as though you are going into a row of sea creatures, or a colorful cave angled with stalagmites. In this area there are places to sit, drink, read, enjoy.

The Magic Carpet slides up and down on the side of the Edge. It helps to get passengers on and off the ship, and can

move up to become part of the ship’s seafood restaurant, Raw on 5. If you’d like to be over the side of a cruise ship relaxing with views in the middle of the ocean, this is the place to feel that you are closer to the sea, or on the edge.

Celebrity Cruises’ entertainment has a great reputation. Comparing four cruise line presentations at the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) training, Celebrity was in their own league. The costumes and the quality of the performers were Cirque Du Soleil- like, and the singers were topnotch. I was expecting fabulous shows, and what makes this ship different is that the performers are in costume, walking around the ship, interacting with the passengers. In the back of the ship is Eden. You go through an area of mirrored trees to help you transform, and then you are in “Eden,” a three-level plant-filled area to discover drinks, dinner, plants, and actors who are silently acting as a queen, a nymph, and other creatures that I believe Shakespeare would have found enjoyable and written into a play. There are open areas and little nooks to take in this experience.

The food was tempting – as I said, Eden. The selections are varied – there are 29 bars and restaurants. I ate in Normandie, one of four smaller main dining

rooms. The salmon roasted with wild lavender was cooked to order, and the encrusted lamb chops were delicate and cooked perfectly. Our servers were attentive.

I would say that the restaurants were better than what you could find in specialty restaurants on other lines. I did not get to eat in all of them, but there was a tasting at each restaurant for lunch the second day – all morsels from casual to cuisine. The specialty coffees on my way to the Theater at Il Secondo Bacio were delicious!

Celebrity has a unique position and they call their cruise ships “Modern Luxury.”

The Edge has taken the cruise world to a new place, a new Eden, and 3 more Edge Class vessels are arriving by 2023.

The Edge wants to bring you closer to the sea and the sailings destinations.

The Infinite Veranda makes you feel like you are on the ocean, not in a stateroom, and many areas are so spacious with multi-level windows floor to ceiling, that inside, you feel as if you were outside.

The Edge will be going to the Mediterranean this summer with sailings from Rome to Barcelona. I hope you take a walk through a path in Eden while sailing there! n Lisa Martin, Travel Advisor, Luxury Cruise Specialist, ACC for Cruise Planners, (Land and Cruise).

860-929-0708, lisa.martin@ cruiseplanners.com www.totaltraveltoday.com

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 39

FOOD

We enjoyed Mama’s omelet, avocado toast, an egg sandwich on Portuguese roll, and a breakfast burrito (inset), plus some doughnuts and mini weha doughnuts!

It is NOT all about the Doughnuts

W

Twin Tasters

aiting in a long line for a doughnut? Are you crazy? Actually, we are a little doughnut crazy!

On several visits to Donut Crazy at 993 Farmington Ave., our Twin Tasters (which grew to include some very willing, non-twin participants), enjoyed not only the work-of-art doughnuts, but indulged in the fresh-from-the-grill items.

To get your mouth watering, doughnuts have names such as s’mores, strawberry shortcake, French toast, maple bacon, birthday cake, and PB&J. For traditionalists, they have a yummy cruller and glazed option as well, plus you can find seasonal specials daily.

But we also focused on the non-dough-

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nut menu, you’ll find items that rival any diner or café, including: a breakfast burrito, avocado toast with arugula and cherry tomatoes (available on gluten-free toast), loaded omelet and an egg sandwich which we enjoyed on a Portuguese roll.

Franchise owner Irene Luaices wants to make sure that the community knows their menu goes beyond doughnuts, and the grill is open daily from 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

(Donut Crazy is open until 9 on Sunday through Wednesday and until 10 on Thursday through Saturday).

Trending now are doughnut cakes for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, or any special occasion. We are pretty sure that whatever you dream up, Irene and her team at Donut Crazy can exceed your expectations and surely put a smile on your face. n

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 41

GARDEN

Spring Shopping at the garden center

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by Karla A. Dalley

Make a Plan Planning helps focus my buying and decision making. I might make one trip for container plantings; another, later in the season for my vegetables and herbs; I go early in the season to fill in gaps or if I am concerned about finding a particular plant; and I will continue to go later in the season to keep my garden blooming all summer long.

Planning also helps overcome what might be a lot of “impulse” buying. A little impulse buying is fine but planning can help focus our “impulses” at the garden center—after all, there’s such a glorious assault on our senses by the color, scent and sometimes even the sound of ponds and fountains, how can we resist?

Here are some things I have found helpful over the years.

Set Your Priorities First, is your visit spur of the moment or a necessity? In other words, are you going to the garden center because it’s a

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lovely spring day and you just can’t wait to garden, or do you have some plants that need replacing in your landscape?

This will determine how to shop.

Garden centers highlight what’s in bloom—so naturally that’s the first thing we’re attracted to after a winter of cold and ice. There’s nothing better than spring flowers!

If you’re just shopping for some pansies, primulas, or your spring flower of choice, by all means, make yourself and your landscape happy with your purchases.

Take some time to see what else might be an offer—but don’t buy at this particular time. Remember why you came, maybe take a few notes on the new things you see (or better yet, snap some photos with your phone) and go home to see how they’ll work out in your garden plan.

What if your visit is for a different purpose? It’s been a tough winter and a cold one. Maybe you’ve lost some plants that you need to replace. Early spring offers the best selection of trees and shrubs— but it might not offer the best selection of perennials, particularly if what has died was a later blooming shrub, rose or perennial. You may need to show patience. Ask a staff member what they plan to carry if you are looking to replace a shrub with the identical shrub, for example. Most will be able to tell you when to expect the arrival of certain types of plants.

Shop Early, and Often When shopping for container plants, don’t get them too early in the spring because you want them to “grow on” a bit.

Many garden centers buy “starts,” which are plant plugs planted in a container of a certain size. It may look like a full-grown plant, but chances are that it’s a lot of

Joelle Nawrocki shops at the Moscarillo Garden Center.

leaves without a well-developed root system yet. You don’t want that going into the cold wet soils of early spring. Let those plants “grow up” a little before you buy them. They’ll transplant better and grow better for you.

Finally, if you buy everything at once, at the beginning of the season, everything will bloom at once, in later April and early May, for example. You’ll have nothing but green leaves and perhaps some variegated foliage to look at for the rest of the season. Again, this is where the “planning” comes in. Plan to visit the garden center throughout the season. By returning—and selecting plants that bloom in early spring, late spring, early summer, mid-summer and so on, you’ll have a garden in bloom (or with colorful foliage, which can be just as lovely) throughout the season. This is also a great way to plant for pollinators, which need blooms all season long.

So as the air warms and spring finally returns to Connecticut, go out and shop.

Just be sure to have a plan for the plants this time! n Karla Dalley is a garden writer and speaker from West Hartford. kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com

GARDEN brought to you by Jeff Hodges Landscaping

Photo courtesy of the Olive Gypsy Boutique, by ADRIANA LAJOIE PHOTOGRAPHY

s in much of life, spring shopping at the garden center requires a little bit of thought. Planning isn’t something that most of us do before we go to the garden center, but a little planning or foresight, will benefit both you and your garden.

Let’s face it. By the time spring arrives in Connecticut, particularly after this year of snow, ice and rain, we are so starved for warmth and color that we run headlong to the garden centers and buy everything in sight (at least I do—I am presuming many of you exhibit similar, if somewhat more restrained, behavior).

I have found, however, that my “headlong rushing” works out best if I have a plan in mind.

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 43

GET A GRIP

Staying present in 2019….is it possible?

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by Michelle Epstein Hollander elcome to West Hartford Magazine’s newest column, GET A GRIP, a life coaching article with tips for finding balance in our over-complicated lives. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge, experience, and passion for personal empowerment while helping you reach your goals and stay present.

I reside in West Hartford with my boyfriend, our four teenage boys (three are mine), and frequent visits by his adult daughter. As a certified Liv Free life coach and a parent of teens, I am bombarded with questions about how to keep teenagers balanced in today’s world.

struggled to “like me” during my high school years!) As a teenager, I played on sports teams, but still managed to have time for myself. I could probably count on one hand the number of games my parents attended. My parents traveling to an away game was never a thought. But I can honestly say that I knew, with certainty, that I was loved.

Today we feel terrible missing our kids’ games whether home or away. When did society change? Why do we feel guilty if we are not overly involved?

Finding Balance

Stop It

We have all read articles, searched the internet, and spent hours stressing in an attempt to understand our children and figure out the best way to raise them with the ever-increasing expectations of coaches, teachers, and colleges. Most of us struggle to balance how to embolden our kids without pushing them too hard.

It’s important to encourage kids to be their best selves, but how much is too much? As parents, we ask ourselves questions like: Do they really need a 4.0+ GPA? Do they have to be involved in multiple extracurricular activities? Is it necessary that they be forced to survive on four or five hours of sleep a night? The short answer is “no.”

If we look back over the years, the kids who stayed outside and played until dark did become successful and most have great relationships with their parents.

Is it possible that the over-parenting, overscheduling, over-expecting of today’s kids, and equally us as parents, may be to all of our detriment? Sometimes we are so busy running around, working, trying to stay young, trying to be the best parent, partner, and friend, that we forget to take time for ourselves and just breathe.

So, for those of you still reading, take a moment to STOP… close your eyes, and breathe.

I promise you have this time for YOU. As you inhale, simply count to five. (For those of you with a hamster in your head running at 100 mph, add “Mississippi” to your count.) Hold your breath at the top and then slowly exhale with the same count. Take the time to do this exercise because you will feel better and whatever you have waiting for you will still be there

Pushing Ourselves As parents we push ourselves beyond the limits in order to be everything to everyone without pausing to really focus on what is truly important. I grew up locally with my parents and two brothers. I am fortunate to have parents who always loved and supported me (but, probably

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in 15 seconds. . . I promise.

Be Present So here we are, more present than we were. It IS possible. . . so how can we incorporate this presence into our lives and our kids’ lives? Through this column, I hope to help you answer this questions and others about staying mindful and finding clarity to live your best life.

Think About Your Goals So, think about your goals. How are you going to reach them? Whether they are financial, relationship, family, personal time, health, career, retirement, or any other category on the wheel of life, you can reach them realistically and positively. I am here to support you on your journey, but only YOU can make these goals happen. If you would like to set up a life coaching consult/session, or if you have questions, comments, or topic suggestions, please email me at stayandgetagriponlife@gmail.com. n Michelle Epstein Hollander is a certified Liv Free life coach and resides in West Hartford.

StayAndGetAGripOnLife@ gmail.com

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 45

ARTS

Spotlight on our Cover Artist: Stefanie Marco

S

tefanie Marco is a West Hartford based, mixed-media artist. Her artist brand goes by the name KiNDSPiN DESiGN. She’s a life long artist and studied art therapy in college enabling her to also take a plethora of art classes.

She pursued her art and made it a full time passion in 2004, just before her daughter was born. In 2014 she founded the WEHA Artists Emporium to provide an online venue for artists to network, promote shows, and showcase their work. The group is a connector of people, just like Stefanie. WEHA Artists Emporium has now had many of its own juried shows, art treasure hunts, public events and curates several local venues.

Her care for the environment has lead her to put a lot more focus on incorporating found & unwanted objects into more of her work. She has been using tool parts, roadside finds, disassembled appliances, and all of her friends collected bottlecaps & corks... Stefanie finds inspiration for her art in almost everything around her from nature, music, emotion, dreams, and other’s art.

Stefanie has produced several installation pieces through grants, in the West Hartford middle, elementary and pre-schools in conjunction with their art teachers.

Her artwork can be found in homes

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and businesses around the world. She is inspired by many things including nature, music, Women’s Rights, getting tough at Body Combat, and zest for life.

She is an inspiration in not just surviving (after being struck by a car in 2017), but by fighting to recover, and thriving in her life with her husband, Carl, and children Callie and Flynn, and her dog Maple, as well as friends and fellow local artists. n

See more of Stefanie’s art on Facebook and Instagram (kindspindesign). www.kindspindesign.com. Currently she has a show at bin228. Find her for her 17th appearance at Celebrate West Hartford, from June 1 - 2, 2019, booth 2.

A sampling of Stefanie Marco’s mixedmedia pieces. Some can be seen on display at bin228 wine bar 228 Pearl St, Hartford, and for sale at Celebrate West Hartford in June.

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Crown Market Welcomes Chef Andrea Gussak.

T

he Crown Market in West Hartford has added two old friends to its line-up – Hebrew National, which now has its own separate deli counter, and new chef Andrea Gussak, formerly of Margery Gussak Catering.

The Hebrew National area, located across the store from the kosher deli and popular “5 O’Clock Shop,” features Hebrew National cold cuts, hot dogs and prepared sandwiches made to order.

“We are excited and very fortunate to be able to bring back the well-known and well-liked Hebrew National product to the Crown and the Greater Hartford Jewish community,” said Jeff Ingber, the Crown’s director of operations.

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The Hartford Kashrut Commission (HKC) continues to supervise and certify the Crown Market’s 5 O’Clock Shop (meat, dairy, pareve and salad & soup bar), the fresh fish counter, bakery, butcher shop, sushi and pizza counters and its outside catering. It does not certify the Hebrew National deli counter.

“We want to thank our fellow investors and the whole community for supporting the new Crown market every step of the way. We take pride in listening to our clients and incorporating as many requests as possible in order to serve the entire Jewish community.

We hope our new additions will please and inspire our customers to shop up a storm!” said Ann Pava, Alan Lazowski and Henry Zachs, the Crown’s three

“It just fit. People are comfortable with me and I am comfortable here.”

– Chef Andrea Gussak

major investors.

Andrea Gussak has joined the Crown full-time to handle the operation of the store’s kosher kitchen.

For more than 30 years she worked at Margery Gussak Catering, the long-time kosher catering company operated by her mother. Margery Gussak retired last June, closing the company she founded.

Gussak had already been helping out with some of Crown’s catering events when Crown offered her the full-time job.

“It just fit. People are comfortable with me and I am comfortable here,” Gussak said.

Besides running the Crown’s kitchen, Gussak’s specialty is creating new menu items.

“I love food, I love to cook, and I love to create new items. It fuels my creativity,” she said. “I like to see what is in the walk-in that we can sort of re-purpose and put to use. That’s really something I am very good at.” n

Go ahead, flaunt it!

When you are voted “the best” of anything, you need to celebrate for more than one night – in fact, go ahead and celebrate it all year!

Order Your Best of West Hartford Merchandise – including decals, banners, trophies – and it will be delivered to your local business for no extra fee!

IMPORTANT: Send an email to: Graphics@westhartfordmagazine. com with your business name and the years that you won or were a finalist, and if you aren’t sure, we’ll tell you!

Order banners, decals and even trophies at: westhartfordmagazine.com/best-of-west-hartford

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Vol. 9, No. 1, 2019 west hartford magazine 49

Tarket Marketing & Creative Services: •Social Media Influencers •Logos & Business Cards •Postcards •Websites •Custom Publications

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