West Hartford Magazine, V9 N2, 2019

Vol. 9, No. 2 2019

$4.95

WEDDINGS • GARDEN • FOOD • FINANCE •N WINE • TRAVEL

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Every Box Has A Story Every Box Has A

- Tradition - Tradition starts here -starts here -

46 LASALLE ROAD WEST HARTFORD 860.521.3015 46 LASALLE ROAD WEST HARTFORD 860.521.3015 140 GLASTONBURY BLVD. GLASTONBURY 860.659.8510 140 GLASTONBURY BLVD. GLASTONBURY 860.659.8510 SUN WESTPORT BOSTON WELLESLEY MOHEGAN SUN WESTPORT MOHEGAN BOSTON WELLESLEY LBGreen.com

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contents FEATURES 12 FASHION: Fabulous Wedding

Day Fashions. Photos by Todd Fairchild

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BLOOMFIELD GUIDE

32

7 INNOVATIONS to Transform the Aging Experience

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LEAVING HOME – Best Places to Retire Outside of America

48

SEASONING YOUR HEALTH with Herbs and Spices

SPOTLIGHT: Profile of James McNally

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Vol. 9, No. 2

2019

DEPARTMENTS

36 FINANCE: Why DIY Investment

Management is Such a Risk

8 FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Get “On Board!”

37 TRAVEL: Focus on Croatia

10 PEOPLE: Around Town

42 GET A GRIP: Relationship Goals

21 FOOD: 2 Seasoned Chicks

41 LANDSCAPING: Advantages of

Installing a SOD Lawn

34 GARDEN: Living Groundcovers

and Lawn Alternatives

50 ART: Kimberly Heil

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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 Graphic Design: Chris Bonito chrisb@ledgerpublications.com Contributing Writers & Columnists: Linda Bailey, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, Todd Fairchild, Keith Griffin, Jeff Hodges, Michelle Epstein Hollander, Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin, Carol Murdock

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

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West Hartford Magazine is published 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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Photography Director: Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT Contributing Photographers: Ronni Newton, Joy Taylor, Hunter Marotto Videography: David Chmielewski/DirectLine Media Intern: Hunter Marotto Proofreader: Tim Knecht Website: westhartfordmagazine.com We-Ha.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 #wehawheels

“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!

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PUBLISHER

GET “ON BOARD!” Unless you’ve been living under a rock, WeHa Wheels has created quite a BUZZ! Go to wehawheels.com and book your next FREE ride for a classy and safe night out.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Black Diamond Body Piercing, Blue Back Square, Blue Plate Kitchen, Goff Law Group, Harry’s Pizza, Face It Med Spa, The Fix, Hartford HealthCare Keating Insurance , Lisa Martin, Cruise Planners/Avalon Cruises, Modern Tire, Mohegan Sun, Udolf Properties, University of St. Joseph, Veterinary Specialists of CT Special thanks to our Media Partners WHMEDIA and Jewish Ledger, Experience We-Ha, we-ha.com, West Hartford Magazine, West Hartford Life and West Hartford Press.

By the time you read this in print at home, in your office, in Delamar, or on the Barnes & Noble (Blue Back Square) 8

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Vol. 9, No. 2, 2019 west hartford magazine

newsstand it has been LIVE on line for the world to enjoy!

Before you have a chance to tell some one something it has been posted, shared, retweeted … etc. Well why should WeHa Magazine be any different. So we welcome you (if you haven’t already) to join us: The NEW Editorial Column in this issue by renowned Pastry Chef, Carol Murdoch, Classic Cakes.

Special thanks to Kimberly Heil for providing this beautiful Cover.

Director of Photography, Todd Fairchild as usual has out done himself featuring his fav Weddings from over the years!

We featured some photos from our #wehaevents2019 including WeHaHA Comedy Night supporting A Better World Adoptions, Taste of Bishop’s Corner, Taste of Blue Back and another first in West Hartford, the Taste of Home Design District FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL!

Ofcourse we must share some “riders” enjoying WeHa Wheels! As always, none of this would be possible without the support of our Business Sponsors so please support them today!

Our WEHA POP UP located at EDENS in Bishops Corner (next to WH Podiatry across the street from Staples) has taken on a life of its own. Follow us on social media and join us!

Remember the only way to guarantee delivery to your home or office so you don’t miss a single issue is to SUBSCRIBE (we also have a combo package price with the Jewish Ledger).

You also get We-Ha.com as well. GREAT GIFT idea for only $35 annually … the gift that lasts all year!

Thomas P. Hickey II, Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com

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Learn more about the new Penwood by calling (860) 380-5006.

Building on a 35-year history, Duncaster is expanding! The Penwood residences will feature open floor plans with smart-home technology, electric car charging stations, re-imagined common areas and fun additions like a golf simulator. And with a full continuum of care services right on campus, choosing our Life Plan community means you’ll live at Duncaster with confidence and peace of mind.

Learn more about the new Penwood by calling (860) 380-5006.

is where to live.

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PEOPLE

We don’t brag very often but due to the events of the past few months we had to make an exception ... #wehaevents once again brought the TASTE of Bishops Corner, WeHa Comedy Night, the Taste of Blue Back and the First Annual Taste of Home Design District - Food Truck Festival! If this wasn’t enough they same team launched WeHa Wheels (wehawheels.com) thanks for our business sponsors.

Now get ready to VOTE for the BEST of WEST HARTFORD 2019!

Follow us on social media so you know everything we are up to. All tickets available via EventBrite.com.

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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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Wedding Day

FASHION

“FABULOUS”

FASHIONS

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o meet Todd is to love Todd. His love for wedding photography is contagious and certainly reflected in the smiles on the faces of his clients. Todd is so enthralled with what he does behind that camera, he is almost more “in the moment” than his wedding couples and families, and he is often with them every step of the way - starting at the moment of the proposal, through the showers and parties and, of course, the wedding ceremony and festivities.

Because Todd’s clients range from the small, intimate weddings in Central Park, to more elaborate functions in churches, temples and event venues, the fashions also vary.

Fashions have changed but the sentiment has remained the same. These pages will highlight some of Todd’s favorite weddings (and asking him to pick his favorites is akin to asking a mother to pick her favorite child), but nonethe less, here is a sampling of his work as “Shutterbug CT” aka Todd Fairchild Photography.

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W.H. CHAMBER NOTES

More than Giant Scissors

By Chris Conway

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’m the “New Guy”…or to those more familiar, the “New Barbara Lerner”. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Chris Conway and I am the new executive director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. I had the honor of assuming this role at the start of the new year upon the retirement of the aforementioned Barbara Lerner, who served in this role for nearly five years. I come by way of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, where I acted as membership director for almost two years.

I am not new to West Hartford or even the West Hartford Chamber. In my previous incarnation as an insurance professional, I was an active member and volunteer within the Chamber for many years. During this time, I made many meaningful connections, grew my business, and helped others nurture theirs through constructive collaboration. More importantly, I observed that any business or organization, regardless of size or industry, could benefit from Chamber membership. At networking events, I encountered representatives from Fortune 100 companies chatting with sole-proprietor entrepreneurs. I would often see someone from a local nonprofit sitting beside an executive from a local manufacturer. It was this diverse professional dynamic that led to my calling to be a Chamber executive.

I bring a variety of business experience to my role. Over the past 30 years, I have been a part of large companies, small companies, and nonprofits. I’ve worked in food service, in broadcasting and even co-founded a business with my wife. The other two members of the Chamber team have similar business backgrounds. Our Member Services Coordinator, Jessie Bouclier and Outreach & Development Coordinator Kate Kobs are also long-time Chamber members. I am

confident that this combined experience adds very strong value for our members.

When people hear I work for a Chamber of Commerce, I typically get one of two questions: “That’s a full-time job?” or, “Cool, do you have a big pair of scissors?” The simple answer to both is “yes.” Please indulge me while I elaborate...

Let’s start with the ubiquitous scissors. Yes, we have a pair. They are real, very large, very sharp and no - you may not borrow them. They are used at grand opening ribbon cuttings, most often for small, independently owned businesses. The simple act of cutting a ribbon is just that - it’s simple. What is not so simple is the many years of dreaming, planning, working, crying and (in some cases) bleeding that lead up to that moment. The giant scissors hold significant symbolism…the birth of something meaningful.

On to the second commonly asked question: “That’s a full-time job?”

Yes, as the executive director, this is my full-time job. The chamber is my career and my business. As I mentioned, the Chamber also includes two very dedicated and talented part-time employees who support me in my role.

As a team, we create an environment for businesses and organizations to make the connections they desire to be successful. The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is an alliance of over 500 businesses and organizations each with their own unique set of needs. With the guidance of our Board of Directors, our job is to provide the opportunity, resources and advocacy our members need to grow.

Some of our members rely heavily on the many networking opportunities we provide such as our twice per month AM Connections and monthly Business

After Hours. Here they can connect with those who may benefit from their product or service or could become a mutually beneficial strategic partner. Others see gain from involvement with one of our committees such the Ambassadors or the Health & Wellness Committee.

The resources of the Chamber come in many forms. Our website, social media and printed directory allow our members to promote themselves to both fellow members and the general public.

We also host a variety of informational community events such as the Mayor’s State of the Town Address and the Economic Development Update. We additionally hold a series of educational sessions on topics such as marketing, sales and technology.

The Chamber strives to be a collective voice for our members. We are proud of our strong connection with our partners at the Town and our local delegates at the Capitol. They can be allies in our mission to serve our members.

So, there you have it – a digestible narrative from the New Guy on how the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce benefits our members and the overall community. Thank you for taking the time to read and feel free to call or email me if you have any ideas or questions.

I should be able to pull myself away from sharpening the giant scissors long enough to answer you. n

860-521-2300 or cconway@whchamber.com

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Partners: West Hartford Magazine, Jewish Ledger, Experience we-ha, we-ha.com, West Hartford LIFE and West Hartford Press.

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FOOD

2 Seasoned Chicks

By Carol Murdock and Linda Bailey

W

hen Linda Bailey and her company B Munch n Stuff and Classic Cakes, worked together on catering functions, they always were in sync. The chefs still work on projects together even though Linda has moved to Florida.

How amazing is the world today that two best friends can still collaborate on events through the internet and FaceTime. Now I know that sounds silly to most of you but for us old folks its amazing.

Now many years later (30 or so) thru countless catering jobs, demos, classes, TV spots and life challenges we are ready to turn to the next chapter.

Linda and I have come to a time in our lives where we can continue to give back to the community and share our experiences and recipes.

This month we are showing how to have a Traditional Clambake with foods that you can find in your area. Chef Bailey is utilizing the seafoods she has in Florida, with suggestions on what to use in Connecticut.

I am making a Canadian Strawberry Pie from a recipe given to me by one of my intern’s mom, who is from Canada.

then became the runner.

The smell of the house started to change; the aromas were wonderful. In the summer, this only meant one of two things; big picnics or the beach and a New England clam bake. This is still one of my favorite kinds of gatherings. There was so much good food and you didn’t have to sit properly, use your fork correctly, etc.

All of the ingredients were fresh; they would travel to the shore or drive all the way to Rhode Island to wait for the fishermen to come in with their fresh catch.

It was always fun during prep because the men and women were in different areas completing their respective tasks.

It was normally the men who prepared the meats, fish, and seafood and the women prepared the rest. As a kid you had to eat what was prepared for you but during the preparation you ate lots of cookies, licked spoons and ate chocolate. YUM! We moved to central Florida, so it was the furthest south you could get but surprisingly little harder to get fresh seafood.

Linda in Florida

Canadian Strawberry Pie

Carol in Connecticut

6 cups cut up Fresh Strawberries 1/2 cup granulated sugar plus extra sugar for sprinkling 1/3 cup all purpose flour 2 tbs. butter Milk for brushing Pan spray Double crust pie dough for 9” extra deep pie

When I was little, growing up in Connecticut, I would always know when it was time for a special event. There were many people coming and going bringing different containers, table cloths, and excitement. Most times my mom’s aunt’s grandmother and their friends were so busy they really didn’t pay too much attention to what my sisters, cousins, and friends were doing; they would only call you if they wanted you to go bring something to them or take something to someone else; you

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl wisk together flour and sugar, add berries and toss till evenly coated. Let mixture stand for 1 hour. Drain berries and reserve liquid.

On a lightly floured surface roll out 1/2 of your pie dough into a circle an 1/8th of an inch thick.

Spray bottom of pie pan with pan spray then

place pie dough in pie pan.

Trim edges of pan evenly.

Fill shell with berries and pour 1/3 of reserved liquid over fruit. Dot with butter. Brush edges with milk. Roll out remaining pie dough and place over berries. Crimp the edges, cut 3 small V’s in the center of the top crust. Brush crust with milk and generously sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake in a 375 degree oven until golden brown, 60-70 minutes. Enjoy with real whipped cream or a very good vanilla ice cream.

Double Crust Pie Dough Recipe 2 3/4 cups of all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup all purpose shortening 8-9 tbs. ice cold water

Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening with 2 forks or a pastry blender until all flour is blended into pea size pieces.

You may use your food processor by pulsing until desired consistency. Sprinkle dough with water a couple of tablespoons at a time.

Combine with a fork until the dough forms a ball. Do not over mix. Wrap ball in plastic wrap until ready to use. n

Linda and I are looking forward to answering any questions that you may have about cooking, baking and foods in general. Please email us at 2seasonedchicks@aol.com. See you next time.

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17 CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO READ AGAIN Many of the books you loved as a kid are brimming with important life lessons and hidden messages that you probably didn’t pick up on way back when – but are there for the taking now that you’re an adult. Here are just just some of the children’s books worth a second read, as recommended by the New York Public Library. Enjoy the journey…the second time around.

A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L’Engle An ingenius story about a girl whose father goes missing during his top secret research in tesseracts, otherwise known as wrinkles in time.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst This book tells kids that even after the worst day imaginable, tomorrow will be better — a lesson even adults need to remind themselves of once in a while.

Anne of Green Gables

by L.M. Montgomery The fiery, independent red-haired orphan captures the adventurous spirit of childhood. The book reminds seniors of the magic of the world around us.

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Bridge to Terabithia

by Katherine Paterson The story of two outcast fifth graders that become bonded by their imaginary world is a touching tale about friendship and, eventually, death.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Who doesn’t remember the story of Wilbur, the tiny runt piglet, and Charlotte, the wise old spider?

This witty, compassionate book teaches adults and children alike about friendship and loss.

The Giver by Lois Lowry Revisit the utopian society of The Community. Everything is in black and white — except for the Giver’s memories. A lesson for all ages about the price of conformity.

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The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein The story of a tree who loves a little boy so much it gives him everything takes a controversial look at the cost of selflessness and unconditional love.

Harriet the Spy

by Louise Fitzhugh Uh oh.

Harriet’s world is upturned when her personal journal falls into the wrong hands.

A book about being true to yourself — and about when it’s okay to lie to spare other people’s feelings.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis You may have loved this series as a child, but the fantastically detailed and complex story of Narnia is worth re-exploring as an adult.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder The story of two girls living on the frontier of Wisconsin in the 1870s reminds us just how many comforts we take for granted today.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

by Dr. Seuss The perfect book for anyone starting a new challenge — and a reminder of the untapped potential in all of us.

Pippi Longstocking

by Astrid Lindgren Pippi is the original child superhero. Her fearlessness and invincibility in the face of danger shows adults that if we have the confidence in ourselves we can really do anything.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith The classic runaway food tale of “The Gingerbread Man” with a snarky, humorous twist.

A fun book for the ages.

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf The story of a bull who is content to sit and smell the flowers carries a powerful and timeless message about nonconformity and nonviolence.

Where the Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak Sometimes we want to run away and revel in our imaginations and feed our wild side.

But sometimes it’s good to go home where “someone loved [us] best of all.”

Winnie-the-Pooh

by A.A. Milne This tale about Pooh Bear, Christopher Robin and their friends reminds adults that simple things can make us so happy.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

by Judy Blume A touching tale about what it’s like to be a sibling still rings true whether you’re 9 or 90 years old.

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GUIDE TO BLOOMFIELD CENTER | 2019-2020

support your local businesses

THIS GUIDE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LOCAL BLOOMFIELD CENTER BUSINESS ALLIANCE AND: The Town of

Bloomfield Connecticut

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GUIDE TO BLOOMFIELD CENTER | 2019-2020 support your local businesses

Visit Bloomfield for THE BEST restaurants, movies, services... and more! plenty of FREE PARKING

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SPOTLIGHT Story by Keith Griffin Photos by Keith Griffin & courtesy of the McNally family

B

efore James McNally retired in 1990, he was at the peak of his professional life. He was chairman of the board at Connecticut Bank and Trust. In his 30-year career at the bank, he shepherded its growth from a respectable mostly local $400 million bank with a narrow footprint from east to west across Connecticut to a $10 billion banking giant that had an outsized influence next page

Profile of James McNally

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Vol. 9, No. 2, 2019 west hartford magazine 29

across the state.

But then he stepped away from it all.

“Retirement is the best job I ever had, I joke with my friends,” he said during a recent interview at his residences at The McAuley. It’s a beautiful home created from two adjoining apartments. There is an abundance of room for him and his wife Frances in this comfortable living space.

Retirement is a time Mr. McNally likes to fill with family. As he recalls, domestic and international travel occupied the early part of his retirement, as well as time spent at his family’s chalet in Vermont during the winter and summers on the Cape. “When I retired,” he said, “I dropped a lot. I wanted to be free.” Over the years he has gradually stepped down from various boards he

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“15 grandchildren keep you broke, but they keep you entertained. I have 15 grandchildren, and they’re all good citizens.”

-James McNally

served on except for one: an investment trust run by the Mott family famous for its supermarket chain.

Through it all, Mr. McNally kept up his 65-year streak of attending University of Connecticut athletic

events. It started when he attended the school as a student and continued through the decades to Final Fours, NIT tournaments, and other special events. Mr. McNally would travel to the Meadowlands in a helicopter with former Gov. William O’Neill and then return the next day with friends from his childhood days who were electricians and plumbers. He was a rabid fan. It was only last year that he finally curtailed his Husky travelogue.

He’s had a long relationship with the school in different capacities. Mr. McNally is a charter member of the School of Business Administration’s Hall of Fame. He also was awarded an honorary doctorate of law from UConn in 1989. Demonstrating that he’s not that impressed by his accomplishments,

were his playground until the police would scatter him and his friends back to their homes.

He says with a smile in his eye that he never got very far from that neighborhood. Except for a year spent working in New York City after receiving his graduate degree from the Harvard School of Business, Mr. McNally has lived in Greater Hartford.

He and his family lived in a home on North Whitney Street that overlooked Elizabeth Park. He worked a mile from CBT headquarters.

Then he lived in West Hartford in an apartment penthouse on Farmington Avenue near the center. When the building went condo, he moved to Bloomfield. “I’ve been pretty local,” he said. Then he and Frances moved to The McAuley. “Now we spend our time taking care of each other,” he added.

To hear Mr. McNally describe life at the North Steele Road life planned community, he has come full circle to the quality of life he had growing up in Hartford. Sure, his home is more

Mr. McNally has a wood cutout of a cow that marks the university’s accolade.

People who worked with him at CBT gave it to him as a reminder that his honorary degree was “only from a cow college.”

The sadness of his first wife Annarita’s passing in 1996 was all that would temper Mr. McNally’s enjoyment of life after banking. A chance meeting, though, at a wake for an acquaintance brought him and Frances together after more than 40 years apart.

The two had first met in kindergarten at the school of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph. The scene of their first class together would be the site of their engagement. They would be married in March 2003 when Mr. McNally was 70.

He was fortunate that his mother could be present for his second nuptials at the cathedral.

Mr. McNally impishly points out his second wife was from the right side of the tracks while he grew up in a tripledecker railroad flat on Hungerford Street. The grounds of the state capitol

luxurious, but the quality of the people is the same. “A bunch of people raised me,” Mr. McNally said of his multiethnic neighborhood. “I have the same feeling here. I can’t stress enough how comfortable it is here at my age,” said the energetic octogenarian who looks at least a decade younger than his 86 years would suggest. (A regular fitness regimen helps keep him spry.)

Mr. McNally truly comes to life, though, when discussing his grandchildren. He has 15 from his four children. (No great-grandchildren yet.) “Fifteen grandchildren keep you broke, but they keep you entertained,” he says with a twinkle in his eye before quickly pointing out how they have lived all over the world: one spent three years in Dubai, and another worked in investments in London.

Yet he’s not one to brag about his grandchildren have accomplished professionally. Twice during a pleasant one-hour conversation, he proudly mentions, “I have 15 grandchildren, and they’re all good citizens.” n

Welcome to the Voting for the

5th Annual 2019 Best of West Hartford!

Each category includes this year’s finalists (a composite from the past 4 years) as well as space to write in your personal favorites... even a new category to include who you love that we missed! Go online and vote, and remember to share, share and share some more! Businesses are counting on your support and we know of several that are determined to retain their “best” title, so don’t be shy about sharing this contest everywhere! Thanks for taking the time to vote!

Voting active until October 7th Awards event on November 4th Go to westhartfordmagazine.com to vote!

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Vol. 9, No. 2, 2019 west hartford magazine 31

7 INNOVATIONS TO TRANSFORM THE AGING EXPERIENCE By the year 2050, 83.7 million Americans will be 65 years old or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s almost double the 43.1 million in 2012.

Healthcare services, of course, play a major role in addressing this burgeoning market. But, according to Argentum (www. argentum.org), the national association supporting companies that operate senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve, there are plenty of other applications in the realms of virtual reality, media, artificial intelligence, network connectivity and robotics that promise to enable seniors to stay independent, mobile, connected and engaged with friends, family and the wider world. Here’s a look at a few:

THE WORLD AT HAND

Rendever, an MIT startup, uses virtual reality to alleviate isolation and keep life stimulating for seniors. Participants can choose from a variety of experiences,

such as spectator and active sports activities, educational activities, and travel.

Rendever CEO Dennis Lally says the devices also can be used for reminiscence therapy -- a form of therapy encouraging individuals to discuss life experiences and events either with others -- by allowing participants to share media such as photos and music.

Learn more at rendever.com.

EATING MADE EASY

To create this dining set for individuals with limited movement, as well as those with Alzheimer’s, industrial designer Sha Yao incorporated insight from a Boston University study that found that high-contrast red and blue tableware stimulates the appetite in those with Alzheimer’s. The result: a vibrant blue, red, and yellow dining set with 21 features designed to make eating easier.

(For example, the bowls and flatware are curved at specific angles to make it easier to scoop up food.) The Eat Well Dining Set won first place in a 2014 design

competition organized by the Stanford Center on Longevity.

Learn more at eatwellset.com or email eatwellset@gmail.com

AT YOUR SERVICE

Jibo – the creation of MIT artificial intelligence and robotics professor Cynthia Breazeal – has more capabilities than existing virtual personal assistants.

For example, Jibo tells jokes and stories and mimics emotions.

The robot weighs about five pounds, and is 11 inches tall.

Sitting on a desktop, it swivels its “face” around and responds to voice commands; the user does not have to hold anything. You can ask Jibo to call friends and family, send emails, take pictures and videos, control the lights, voice your daily schedule and more. The system also learns as it interacts with its user over time.

Learn more: Email partnerships@jibo.com or support@jibo.com

SPEAKING OF SMART

The Amazon Echo is another voice-activated personal assistant that can interact and control household appliances and lights, among many other things, and can also play music. Echo has thousands of skills and is constantly adding more.

The user can send texts and emails to contacts, play trivia

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Active Protective, a Philadelphia startup founded by a trauma surgeon and a technology entrepreneur that produces a lightweight belt with built-in airbag. The belt weighs less than two pounds, is fitted with sensors, and deploys when the wearer falls over. It also sends an alert to caregivers at the time of the fall.

Learn more: Visit activeprotective.com.

GOING STEADY

games, ask Echo to give you a compliment, trade insults with it, ask it to read you the news, and hail an Uber. Great for those with mobility limitations.

Learn more: Visit amazon.com/echo.

Liftware allows those experiencing hand tremors to eat without spilling food. The handle detaches and can be fitted with a fork or spoon. It contains microprocessors and motion sensors programmed to calculate about 1,000 times per second how much it should move to

SAFETY FIRST

Every year, more than one-quarter of Americans over the age of 65 experience a fall, and at least 300,000 of them are hospitalized for hip fractures. To the rescue:

compensate for its user’s shaking hand. According to a study funded by a National Institutes of Health grant, using Liftware the attached utensil shakes 70 percent less than the hand holding it.

Learn more: Visit eatwellset.com or email eatwellset@gmail.com.

HEARING AIDS FOR THE EYES

As many as 11 million people in the United States have some form of age-related macular degeneration and the number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050. Existing magnification technologies enable people to read and see, but require them to be stationary. Nu Eyes smart glasses enable mobility. A camera sits on the bridge of the nose and projects images onto the glasses in front of the eyes. Users can adjust the settings with voice commands. Nu Eyes smart glasses were recognized by the Consumer Technology Association Foundation as a key technology that improves lives in 2016.

Learn more at nueyes.com.

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GARDEN

Living Groundcovers and Lawn Alternatives

By Karla A. Dalley

A

s I drive around West Hartford, I see gardeners doing incredibly creative things with their “hell strips.” For those not familiar with that term, the “hell strip” is the strip in between the sidewalk and the street, and it is named that because it is a difficult place to grow anything: lawn, plants or anything in between.

Crab grass seems to thrive nicely, of course.

But because that particular piece of land is hot – baking as it does between the pavement and the sidewalk – and it often gets compacted with snow in the winter – the soil is not the best.

Fortunately, gardeners have lots of alternatives for these “hell strips,” and other places in their yards where it might be difficult to grow traditional plants. What sorts of places? Gardening on a slope comes to mind – many of us garden on uneven ground and I have seen some sloping lawns that I wouldn’t want to mow. A living groundcover is a nice alternative there.

Another place is the top of the stone walls that so many of us have. I myself have a brownstone wall. It’s lovely – but for whatever reason, whoever designed the wall left a four-inch gap between the brownstone wall and the slate walkway that we have. That’s not enough room for most plants – and between the brownstone and the slate, it gets broiling hot in the summer.

So, let’s talk about some plants for these difficult circumstances. Right now, groundcover plants are all the rage because everyone wants easy care alternatives to mulching and a living groundcover can take care of that. Stop by any garden center and you’re sure to see a section devoted to groundcovers with catchy names like Jeepers Creepers™ and Stepables™.

But you don’t have to specifically purchase the cute little branded groundcover plants – in fact, you can often find some of the same types of plants in larger containers (and perhaps at a better value) in a different part of the garden center.

For example, in the Stepables™ line, there are several types of sedum, several types of creeping thyme, several types of low-growing veronica and a few alpine plants: all of these should be available in the perennial (or alpine) section of the garden center in larger-sized pots.

They are all be suitable for sunny, dry groundcover situations.

In fact, sedum makes a wonderful groundcover for hot, dry spots. That’s what I have planted in that four-inch space that I mentioned that’s on the top of my brownstone wall and next to my slate walk.

Those of you familiar with the upright sedums that flower in autumn may be thinking that this can’t be (and you’d be right about that!) but there are many types of low-growing sedum – so many that every time I go to the garden center in spring I come home with another small-leafed variety to tuck in somewhere. Some have leaves so tiny that they are almost indistinguishable – the entire plant looks like a carpet.

Others have variegated leaves, burgundy leaves or yellow leaves and stems (one of my personal favorites) – there really are dozens of choices. These low-growing sedums make superior groundcovers and they’re great at keeping weeds out too – only the toughest weeds get through.

It is slightly harder, but not impossible, to find plants for shady situations. Ajuga works very well, spreads nicely and is readily available.

Lamium also works nicely, although it is taller. Lily of the valley is a fabulous ground-cover, as anyone knows who has had an unwanted stand of it. The carexes – a grass-like plant – make a lovely ground cover, and if you have dappled shade, there are beautiful golden varieties available. There’s even one with a blue tinge. Liriope – or lilyturf grass – is also nice and will take full shade. I grow huge clumps of it.

Another thought on groundcovers is to encourage what may already be in your yard. If you have a bank of violets growing up, encourage that to flourish.

It will feed pollinators and you won’t have to mow it.

If you have some moss, encourage that. While you may not want moss on stepping stones or a patio, it’s perfect under that big tree where the grass just won’t grow – and again, you don’t need to worry about mowing.

We have been conditioned to think that we have to have the perfect lawn without any flowers or moss in it. We don’t, particularly if that lawn is on a slope, or in another difficult spot. Let nature show you what wants to grow there and then encourage it. You’ll be happy you did. n

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

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2019

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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FINANCE

Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk Paying attention to the wrong things becomes all too easy.

Provided by Robert Laraia, RFC Founding Partner Northstar Wealth Partners, LLC

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f you ever have the inkling to manage your investments on your own, that inkling is worth reconsidering. Do-it-yourself investment management can be a bad idea for the retail investor for myriad reasons.

of a rally, that truth may be obscured.

You can build savings by spending less.

You can receive “free money” from an employer willing to match your retirement plan contributions to some degree. You can grow a hobby into a business or even switch jobs or careers.

Getting caught up in the moment.

When you are watching your investments day to day, you can lose a sense of historical perspective. This may be especially true in longstanding bull markets, in which investors are sometimes lulled into assuming that the big indices will move in only one direction.

Saving too little. For a DIY investor, the art of investing equals making money in the markets, not necessarily saving the money you have made.

Subscribing to that mentality may dissuade you from saving as much as you should for retirement and other goals.

Listening too closely to talking heads. The noise of Wall Street is never-ending and can breed a kind of shortsightedness that may lead you to focus on the micro rather than the macro. As an example, the hot issue affecting a sector today may pale in comparison to the developments affecting it across the next ten years or the past ten years.

Looking only to make money in the market. Wall Street represents only one avenue for potentially building your retirement savings or wealth. When you are caught up in the excitement

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Paying too little attention to taxes.

A 10% return is less sweet if federal and state taxes claim 3% of it. This routinely occurs, however, because just as many DIY investors may play the market in one direction, they also may skimp on playing defense.

Failing to pay attention to your emergency fund. You may need more than six months of cash reserves. Many people may not have anywhere near that, and some DIY investors give scant attention to their cash position.

Overreacting to a bad year.

Sometimes the bears appear. Sometimes stocks do not rise 10% annually.

Fortunately, you have more than one year in which to plan for retirement (and other goals). Your long-run retirement saving and investing approach – aided by compounding – matters more than what the market does during a particular 12 months.

Dramatically altering your investment strategy in reaction to present conditions can backfire.

Equating the economy with the market. They are not one and the same. Moreover, some investments and market sectors can do well or show promise when the economy goes through a rough stretch.

Focusing more on money than on the overall quality of life. Managing investments – or the entirety of a very complex financial life – on your own takes time. More time than many people want to devote; more time than many people initially assume. That kind of time investment can subtract from your quality of life – another reason to turn to other resources for help and insight. n

Robert Laraia can be reached at rlaraia@nstarwp.com www.nstarwp.com or 888-886-7737.

TRAVEL

Is it a

Fantasy Land?

FOCUS ON

CROATIA

Story and photos by Lisa Martin

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A

fter my cruise on the Celebrity Edge that I shared in my last column, I visited Rome, and then I was off to Croatia, returning to the U.S. through Florence.

I want to focus on Croatia – the country is beautiful and the coastline is a dream picture for the eyes. The beauty of Croatia will not disappoint you especially if you are a Game of Thrones (GOT) fan.

I began my visit in Zagreb on a December evening, when many Christmas markets were set up throughout the town. Zagreb won an award for having the best Christmas markets three years straight, so they did not compete in 2018, so as to let another market win – quite courteous and generous! Part of the charm is that instead of one large market, there are many markets with different crafts and entertainment spread throughout the town. After an ice-skating performance and a warm winter drink, I nibbled on pastries while listening to live music. Even though it was December and I did need my winter coat, it was warm enough to stay late to enjoy the festivities.

The next day I toured Zagreb. We started in Ban Josip Jela Square and visited Upper Town Zagreb, stopping at the Zagreb Cathedral and the 13th-

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century St. Mark’s Church. The church has glazed tiles on the roof placed in 1880 forming two enormous shields, one being the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia, and the other the emblem for Zagreb. Close by was the outdoor Dolac Market – full of tantalizing tangerines and other fruits and cheeses! While walking around I learned that our modern-day neckties were invented in Croatia.

Local Zagreb guides shared that wives and girlfriends would send their men

off to war with different colored and patterned neck scarves to remind them of home. Although many believe the French originated ties, since “cravat” is indeed from French, the French word in turn originates from the Croatian word Hrvat. And yes, there were many beautiful tie shops in Zagreb and throughout Croatia!

The ride along the coastline was captivating. Dubrovnik awed with its sea views and the walled city. The walled city is in beautiful condition, but is no

about a 30-minute drive from Pile Gate.

It is home to over 300 dogs that love to have you walk them in the neighborhood and give them some much needed attention. A number of young people help to organize and run the program.

If you are a dog and animal lover, this is a place where you will make an impact.

Even though the animals are well taken care of, their sheer numbers produce a strong odor – just a heads-up if you are sensitive.

The food in Croatia was fresh and served with hospitality. Salads were crisp, some with tomato, onion, capers and olives, appetizers included wide pasta, both white and green, rolled into cigar shapes and lightly seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and tomato. Local fish was grilled with rice and roasted vegetables, and a local specialty of red wine braised beef was perfect for a late afternoon meal. Scrumptious sliced bread pudding tasted like flan with a light brown syrup. Croatian cherry sauce, Marasca, which is used to make the famous Zadar Maraschino liquor, pairs beautifully with simple rich vanilla ice cream. And the delicious food is not overly spiced, so any friend or family member could easily travel in this country.

The last major stop in Croatia was Split. This is a port town with

longer the inexpensive place to live it used to be. Inside the walls, we were welcomed by the sounds, sights and smells of holiday lights, happy children singing songs, and market booths with bubbling and steaming sausage, and restaurants along the narrow stairs that radiate from the center of the city. As I walked around in the evening, I found the Jesuit Stairs (where the GOT walk of shame began) and narrow streets where many scenes were filmed. The second to last episode this season focused on the Rector’s Palace where the people of King’s Landing ran trying to escape destruction.

The next day I walked along the top of the city wall. The views were breathtaking, including the turquoise of the Adriatic, the clouds against the rich blue sky, and the terra cotta roofs. I loved my bird’s eye view. I could see the churches, homes, and the courtyard of the Old Pharmacy, founded by the Franciscan friars in 1317, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. From the wall I could also enjoy the sight of Lovijenac Fortress, also known as the Red Keep.

Below was the Pile Gate, next to the beautiful harbor with a dock that juts out to welcome seafarers - Blackwater Bay. As a local Dubrivnik fundraiser I visited the Zarkovica Animal Shelter.

This is a very large piece of property

ferry connections to the beautiful vacation islands off the coast. I visited Diocletian’s Palace, which forms about half of the town. GOT fans will find that this is where the scenes for the City of Meereen were filmed, and below the Palace is where the Dragons were held.

The city and palace are made from white limestone from the quarries near Pucisca on Brac. This is the same quarry from which stone was obtained to build the White House.

I was in Split in December, so it seemed to be a laid-back vacation spot, but I know in July and August, especially on the weekends, it is crowded, and the lines are long. If you can, try early June or September to minimize waiting times.

Croatia has a long coastline that draws more visitors each year. My daughter is a GOT fan and after a few seasons passed, my husband and I joined her. But even if I had never seen Game of Thrones, the beauty of Croatia would still have felt like a fantasy, all by itself. 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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For a FREE Consultation and Estimate, call JOHN BEGLEY or ROCK GOODWIN 860.233.6528 • www.LMpaving.com

LANDSCAPING

Outdoor carpet?

By Jeff Hodges

F

the morning to dirt and come home to a brand new lawn. Just like a new carpet installation!

all and Spring are the perfect time of year to replace your lawn with new sod and there are some Advantages of Installing a SOD Lawn.

Once installed, sod requires less irrigation. Newly planted sod should typically be watered twice a day for the first couple of weeks. Seeding a lawn can require up to four or more waterings per day to maintain the ground with the necessary moisture required for proper seed germination. This can be costly and time-consuming.

A sod lawn produces an “instant lawn”.

The most popular benefit to sodding is the fact that there is no lingering wait to be able to enjoy a gorgeous green yard. When you sod, you are getting a huge head-start to be able to use your lawn for regular activities like playing or entertaining. A seed or sprigged yard takes a significant amount of time to grow in (typically 18 months), leaving your yard looking bare and unattractive.

Sodding is usually ready for heavy activity after two weeks, allowing it to be a fast lawn- planting option that adds immediate beauty to your home’s outdoor space. Most sod installations in a typical West Hartford home can happen while you are at work. Leave in

Denser lawns are visible. When sodding, pieces are fit tightly together to get a lush, even lawn. There are no bare spots in a sodded yard that would require extra work, like reseeding for example.

Soil erosion is prevented. Upon sod installation, because it is already fully mature, sod controls dust, mud, and erosion. Sod is a quick and excellent filter of dirt and dust from your home.

Sod is grown by professional turfgrass farmers, giving your lawn a strong foundation for health and beauty. Sod is grown on the best soils using superior growing and maintenance techniques.

These techniques provide a premium product to homeowners and landscape contractors. Don’t fuss with the hassle of trying to seed, spring, or plug a lawn.

Install an instant weed-free, pest-free, healthy lawn using sod!

Looking forward to laying down your new outdoor carpet this Fall! 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

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GET A GRIP

Relationship Goals Universally we all want to live our best lives.

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by Michelle Epstein Hollander

hen I ponder my own goals for myself, I think about finding the balance in my busy life. I want to give my children everything they need, make sure I am there when my parents need me, focus on the business I have started and have time to connect with my partner David, so we grow together, not apart. Along with balancing my family and commitments, I need time for me!

Family Time…

Cherish the Mundane Recently David and I took a trip with our family to Korea for my brother’s wedding. The trip home, due to flight delays, ended up taking 45 hours – that’s almost two days – with our five kids, on very little sleep. The tension level was off the charts and when I felt David was getting annoyed, I asked him to please refrain from being mean to me. What happened next changed the whole stressed-out dynamic. At 35 hours into the trip, David could have snapped at me to stop being so sensitive, but instead he apologized.

By sitting back, taking a deep breath and apologizing, David’s actions immediately diffused the tension.

Whether they knew it or not, at that moment my interaction with David set a good example for the kids. Even when things get stressful, communication is key. Relationship goals.

Moms and Dads As we get older our parents age and the dynamic of parent/child relationship changes. We go from forever depending on our parents to having our parents slowly depend on us more and more.

I know for my myself, my parents are still my rock. They are the strongest two people I know, at the ages of 72 and 77

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mind you. Both have had their share of health issues and very recently my father beat his diagnosis. His secret? His attitude. He has always looked at the glass as more than half full.

His diagnosis was just a small sip from that glass.

(Growing up I often wondered if he was secretly Mr. Rogers!)

While dad was in Yale New Haven Hospital, I spent those two weeks staying with my mom in the family area of the hospital. Here is where the shift became apparent. I was there to support her as her child and friend but more importantly I was there so my dad could have some sense of ease that she wasn’t alone. My dad didn’t have to worry about her comfort, and could concentrate on getting better.

My parents are a “unit” – married almost 50 years – and they went through all the hardships of building a family, a business, and loving each other through thick and thin. They are best friends – isn’t that the ultimate relationship goal?

Me and You Time Now I want to focus on remembering to find time to connect to our spouse or partner. It is so important to keep a relationship healthy.

It is so easy to think my spouse/partner will understand if they get the littlest amount of my energy and attention as a result of our busy lifestyle.

Now sit back and think about how we all try and please outside of our core unit. It may be volunteering for PTO, walking someone’s dog, or going to a friend’s birthday dinner. Often, if we over-book our days, the result is losing the time with the people we care most about. What would happen if you said no to a few things? Probably nothing.

Instead, be a little selfish and take the time to connect with your partner over a 10-minute walk, a card game, or a date night (in or out). Have a conversation away from electronic distractions and discuss your day and lives outside of the family and home.

Me Time How can you find some time just for you? Think about what you love to do and find a way to do more of it. Go ahead, it doesn’t have to be extravagant.

One of the things I love is to read. I learned that if I leave 15 minutes early for some of my carpools or pick-ups I can read in the car while waiting for the kids. It gives me time to escape and find myself immersed in a story.

David, on the other hand, wakes up an hour before he needs to so he can drink coffee and watch the news while all else is quiet.

The moral? Let’s be nice and supportive of the ones we love, and nurture ALL of our relationships. It’s about connection and communication. As we get older and the demands become diminished we want to look at our spouse/ partner and say we survived, we did it, and included time for us. n Michelle Epstein Hollander is a certified Liv Free life coach and resides in West Hartford.

StayAndGetAGripOnLife@ gmail.com.

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LEAVN I GHOME

The Best Places to Retire Outside of America Forget Florida and Arizona. Dreams of sunny weather and a lower cost of living are prompting older Americans to look farther afield when thinking about the best places to retire. | Where to go? According to International Living, an authority on global retirement opportunities, countries such as Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia are luring older Americans with their pleasant climates, low cost of living and growing communities of American retirees. Indeed, International Living’s just-released Annual Global Retirement Index for 2019 puts Panama in the top spot for the first time. | Here’s a look at the Index’s top ten retirement havens in 2019.

THALIAND

10. SPAIN

Snow-capped mountains, great beaches, historic towns, mild weather and outstanding food, low-cost, and one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. Spain has it all. Plus, there’s no sales tax and property taxes are low. A knowledge of Spanish is a plus, but there are plenty of beach areas with large, English-speaking expat communities. As for healthcare, the World Health Organization ranks Spain as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world.

SPAIN 9. THAILAND

Southeast Asia offers astounding geographic and cultural diversity – everything from hot beach resorts to cool highland hill stations to sophisticated ultra-modern cities. Plus, healthcare is affordable and luxury housing is available for a fraction of North American prices.

Thailand enjoys the warm-water coastlines of both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It has a tropical humid climate. No cold winters here. Perfect for people who like swimming and sunshine – and a great relief for those suffering from arthritis.

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8. PERU

Miles of beaches, excellent cuisine, and a high-quality but inexpensive lifestyle make Peru an ideal retirement destination. Nights are cool, but midday highs can reach the 70s for much of the year. The capital city of Lima is home to the largest number of expats, where they enjoy some of the best restaurants in the world, and a large variety of art galleries, theaters and museums. Surfers enjoy the year-round waves at seaside towns such as Huanchaco. There is not a lot of English in Peru, so it is almost a necessity to learn Spanish in order to fit in.

6. COLOMBIA

Colombia is the second most bio-diverse country in the world. If you want hot and tropical, consider retiring to the lovely Caribbean coastal cities of Santa Marta or Cartagena; for more temperate climates, consider the mountain city of Medellín, or anywhere in the “coffee triangle” of Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales. Plus, the cost of living is affordable, as is access to high quality healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia’s health system at #22 in the world (Canada is ranked #30; the U.S. at #37).

PERU COLOMBIA 7. PORTUGAL

Portugal is the second least expensive country in Europe, after Bulgaria, and it’s rated the fourth-safest country in the world in the 2018 Global Peace Index. Portugal is not only secure, it’s also picturesque and peaceful. It helps if you speak at least a little Portuguese, but in urban areas like Porto and Lisbon and the multinational expat region of the Algarve, English works just fine. Lisbon is a cultural cornucopia, with museums and historical sites like St. George Castle and the nearby Palace of Queluz.

5. MALAYSIA

Idyllic beaches covered in white sand, 878 islands that seduce the senses and pristine ancient rainforests are just some reasons to call Malaysia home. The unofficial first language of the country is English, so learning Malay is not a must. The cost of living is low and healthcare is top notch and inexpensive.

The all-year-round good weather perfectly accomodates an outdoor lifestyle, so living near the Penang Botanic Gardens is a bonus.

MALAYSIA 4. ECUADOR

PORTUGAL

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In addition to the affordable lifestyle, Ecuador offers warm weather year-round on the coast, a more temperate climate in the Andes, small village life, big-city conveniences, and everything in between.

The unique combination of its position on the equator, the cooling sea breezes from the Humboldt Current, the Andes mountain range, and the Amazon basin have conspired to create a variety of climates.

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ECUADOR

There are beaches that are warm year-round but rarely muggy (and are too close to the equator to ever have hurricanes or tropical storms), and places in the hills where you don’t need a heating or cooling system.

3. MEXICO

Stunning Caribbean beaches, beautiful, warm oceans, crystal-clear tropical lakes, temperate mountains, gorgeous deserts, small towns, sophisticated cities, high-quality healthcare, a vibrant culture…and an affordable lifestyle. All that earns Mexico a spot on this list. Popular expat destinations include the Lake Chapala area and San Miguel de Allende, as well as most coastal retreats.

2. COSTA RICA

Costa Rica attracts retirees with its tropical climate, low cost of living, top-notch, affordable healthcare, bargain real estate, and natural beauty. Often called the “Switzerland of Central America,” it is known for its safety, neutrality and solid banking system—especially compared to many other countries in the region.

The country’s many microclimates include the temperate “eternal spring” climate of San Jose and the surrounding Central Valley, and the dry and the hot beaches of Guanacaste.

COSTARICA 1. PANAMA

It’s hardly surprising that Panama topped the 2019 Annual Global Retirement Index. Panama is warm and tropical (but completely outside the hurricane belt) with pristine and uncrowded beaches.

In close proximity to the U.S., its currency is the U.S. dollar, its tax burden is low, and its large English-speaking population includes a cadre of excellent doctors. The country’s capital, Panama City, is the only First World city in Central America and a popular destination for fun, food, jazz, film, golf, tennis, and more.

Of special note, Panama offers retirees a cornucopia of benefits.

The country’s famed Pensionado Program is one of the best retiree programs in the world today. Open to all, it entitles pension-holding retirees to a long list of fabulous discounts on everything from healthcare to entertainment to airline tickets.

PANAMA MEXICO I

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Seasoning Your Health with Herbs & Spices Everyone knows that herbs and spices add flavor to the dishes we cook. But did you know that they also offer incredible health benefits? Growing your own herb garden is fun, and fresh herbs are superior in taste and texture to the more popular dry version, which of course has a longer shelf life. Here are 9 popular herbs and spices, and the health benefits they offer.

BASIL livens up many Italian dishes as well as casseroles, soups and salads. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals.

CUMIN is another popular spice for Mexican dishes, soups and stews. Add a teaspoon or more of cumin to deliver a pungent and delicious taste to chili and curry dishes. Cumin is an excellent source of B vitamins and is an aid to digestive health.

FENNEL looks like celery but has a distinct licorice flavor. Many people use it in curry dishes and sometimes soups and salads. Fennel has a lot of dietary fiber, acts as a diuretic and can help keep balance in your digestive system. Try some fennel tea when you have a stomach ache or constipation.

GARLIC may give you bad breath, but it also adds flavor and depth to a variety of dishes. It’s believed to be a great boost for the immune system, containing anti-bacterial properties as well as lots of vitamins and minerals.

OREGANO is integral to Italian and Mexican dishes. Available in several varieties, it helps with respiratory issues and digestion. Many farmers are now using oregano for their animals in lieu of traditional antibiotics.

GINGER is has an anti-nausea effect that helps ward off that motion sickness. Grate or slice fresh ginger root and add it to many sauces, curries, soups and stir-fries. It’s loaded with lots of vitamins, minerals and vitamin B complex.

TARRAGON is the main spice in Béarnaise sauce. This aromatic herb is popular in meat dishes and herb butters. It’s rich in antioxidants and minerals, as well as vitamins A and C.

ROSEMARY adds loads of aromatic flavor to meat, pork, lamb and many veggies, and blends well with a variety of other spices. This spice possesses anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion and circulation, as well as a host of other conditions. Plus, it’s reported to nourish dry and dull hair.

TURMERIC fights inflammation, offers brain support and can ease aching muscles. To get the most benefit from it, make sure the blend you purchase is organic and has a high percentage of curcumin.

When using turmeric, always add black pepper as it activates the potency of this herb.

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

(Guides, Newsletters, etc.)

Great ideas produced here! tom@whmediagroup.com 860-508-4032

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ARTS

Spotlight on our Cover Artist: Kimberly Heil

K

imberly Heil is an awardwinning children’s book author, illustrator, and fine artist with roots in West Hartford and Wethersfield.

She is also a board-certified Art Therapist and licensed professional counselor.

Art has always been a part of Kimberly’s life from the first book she created at age 4. Her love and passion of art combined with her desire to help others culminated into receiving her master’s degree in Art Therapy from Albertus Magnus. Through her work as an artist and therapist, she has experienced and witnessed the healing that creating art provides.

Kimberly has two award winning children’s books, Gifts of Spirit: Animals and their natural gifts (1 & 2). Both books invite children to learn the unique gifts of each animal as well as offer interactive questions to begin to explore their own gifts. A newly released Gifts of Spirit animal card deck for children of all ages is also available to continue exploring the natural gifts of animals.

Kimberly has a deep love of nature, animals, and the world around us, which is ever present in her artworks.

Her colorful artwork of animals convey spirited personalities and whimsy.

She participates and supports local community events including WEHA

Artists Emporium, the Connecticut Aids Coalition, and local animal rescues.

Her artwork can be found in collections all around the world. Her books are available on Amazon and through her website. She shows her work locally throughout the year and can be found on her website www. kimberlyheil.com. She also accepts commissions for artwork.

Kimberly’s newest children’s book will be released this summer. n www.kimberlyheil.com Follow me on instagram : @artistkimberlyheil Facebook: KHeilartworks

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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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