West Hartford Magazine • December, 2021

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Vol. 11, No. 4 , 2021

$4.95

th Anniversary Issue LOOK HOW FAR WE'VE COME

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

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SUPPORT THE CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE

Y Y AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN AT THE...

ON

DISP LAY WES AT TFA RM F THE OR S H SEA OLIDAY SON

TAKE A SELFIE WITH THE BEARS AND TAG US! #WEHABEARFAIR

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An interactive art exhibit & FUNdraiser featuring artfully painted oversized bears on display at Westfarms this Holiday Season!

For the latest updates and fun events and contests go to 20media20.com or follow us on Twitter: @wehabearfair Facebook: @wehabearfair Instagram: @wehabearfair

THIS EVENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY 20/20 MEDIA & MADE POSSIBLE AT WESTFARMS IN PART BY UDOLF PROPERTIES

Better days lie ahead.

We’ll get there together.

As our communities emerge from the challenges of the past few months, Westfield Bank is here to help. We’ve seen how resilient and strong our communities are when people join together. And we’re ready to be a source of strength for our customers and the towns and cities we serve.

EVENT SPONSORS

While recovery is going to take time, Westfield Bank is committed to doing our part. For more than 165 years, we’ve helped our communities rebound from many setbacks. They always come back stronger.

If COVID-19 has impacted you or your business, give us a call at 800.995.5734. Because we’re here for you every day.

What better banking’s all about. sm

westfieldbank.com

Member

FDIC

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

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contents Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021

DEPARTMENTS 38 GARDENING

Welcoming the holiday season!

40 STYLE

The art of layering

42 FINANCE

End-of-year money moves

44

CHAMBER NOTES Future leaders of West Hartford

52 WEDDINGS

Newton/Redman

FEATURES 13 ART

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY WITH THE ART OF TAO LABOSSIERE

18 WEHA BEAR FAIR MOVES

TO WESTFARMS THERE’S STILL TIME TO GIVE!

33

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY THOUGHTS FROM OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS

60 TRAVEL

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WINE MAKING IN PORTUGAL

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

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Publisher Tom Hickey Associate Publisher Leslie Iarusso Editor in Chief Judie Jacobson Sales and Marketing Director Donna Edelstein Creative Director Elisa S. Wagner Digital Media Manager Hillary Sarrasin Graphic Designer Chris Bonito Accounts Manager Judy Yung Proofreader Tim Knecht Office Manager Howard Meyerowitz

proud sponsor of

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

Contributing Writers & Columnists: Matt Banever, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, proud sponsor of Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT Publishing Partner Ledger Publications

DEDICATED TO SERVICE FOR OVER 70 YEARS 1084 NEW BRITAIN AVE. WEST HARTFORD 860.561.3800 | SHEEHANHILBORNBREEN.COM

40 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105 westhartfordmagazine.com office: 860.508.4032

Websites: We-Ha.com, WestHartfordMagazine.com, Wehawheels.com, JewishLedger.com, 20Media20.com, wehacal.com Mike Roy/Roy Web Design Principals Thomas P. Hickey II 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

West Hartford Magazine is published by 20/20 Media.

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. ©20/20 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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follow us on

FROM THE PUBLISHER

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Dear Readers,

Our excitement about this outdoor and now indoor art exhibit continues to grow, but we want to remind all that the exhibit is a FUNdraiser and, as such, its successes is dependent upon the donations that our generous visitors make to the non-profit beneficiaries. Go to 20media20.com to donate or for more information (100% of your donation goes to the non-profit). So many businesses throughout West Hartford are supporting the Bear Fair with creative activities/events/food-beverage offerings, so please support them as well. (See page 50) It takes a village to publish all our products these days, so we invite you to join our Club.

As we did back in the days when we published playbills, we will include your name in every issue. Watch for our Club Membership information coming just in time for the New Year! Now we are proudly digital enabling us all to share, share, share and share some more.

Our reach grew, almost overnight from 7,000 printed to nearly one million digitally. You hear right — nearly one million! Many thanks of all who are participating.

Voting is now open for our 7th Annual Best of West Hartford winners. As we put this issue of West Hartford Magazine to bed, voter turn-out was super strong and getting stronger every day. Have your say by voting now through Monday, November 29. Many thanks to all those who have already voted. As

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wenty years ago, we made the very wise decision to enhance our message and strengthen our reach into all four corners of our burgeoning community by morphing our publications — Living in West Hartford, Living in the Valley and Living on the Shoreline — into one all-embracing, stylish lifestyle magazine. And so, we did.

Now, 20 years later, West Hartford Magazine continues to bloom and grow as West Hartford’s ONLY lifestyle magazine.

And thanks to Karla Dalley, our gardening columnist, for being with us from the very beginning!

Of course, it's been a phenomenal 20 years for West Hartford Magazine in so many ways.

But we're not looking back, we're looking forward...and the view is spectacular! Put simply, WHMEDIA is moving full steam ahead with lots of enhancements, improvements and additions in the works. We expect to share the details of these exciting developments with all of our readers and friends in the coming days.

Meanwhile, sit tight.

As the days grow chilly, we have our sponsor, Udolf Properties, to thank for moving our popular WEHA Bear Fair 2021 indoors to Westfarms, where it will bring visitors oodles of joy this holiday season!

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th Anniversary Issue always, this year’s winners will be announced at the biggest B2B networking event in Greater Hartford, which will be held on Monday, December 13 at Westfarms. Buy your tickets today!

Want to know what’s happening in West Hartford? Don’t forget to check out WeHaCal.com, the comprehensive calendar of community-wide events serving West Hartford and its surrounding areas. The first of its kind in West Hartford, WeHaCal.com has been averaging 20,000 visitors monthly.

Finally, we could not have made it these past 20 years without the strong and loyal support of our exceptional sponsors listed on page 33.

Please join us at our events in 2022 as we slowly and safely bring them back.

Like us on Fb: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Twitter: Join us on LinkedIn: #wehaevents #2020Media #wehabearfair

Be Safe, Be Well,

Thomas P. Hickey, Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com

Vol. 11, No. 2 , 2021

$4.95

TRAVEL • GARDENIN • G FINANCE • WEDD Vol. 11, No. 2, 2021 west hartford magazine INGS • GOLF I 1

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 11

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celebrating community through creativity The Art of Tao LaBossiere

H

ow far would you go for your art?

Or perhaps the question is really ’how high?’

In that case, the answer for Tao LaBossiere is 60 feet.

Maybe even higher. But for now, LaBossiere is focused on the 60-foot mural he intends to paint this coming spring on the outer wall of a building in downtown Hartford.

An award-winning muralist, sculptor, and illustrator, Tao is a Hartford-based artist and founder of Art of Tao LaBossiere LLC. Artistically speaking, he does it all — transforming architecture through large-scale murals, creating,and restoring sculptures, designing custom illustrations, and hand-crafting mixed media artwork.

His 25 years as a professional artist leave in its wake a host of satisfied clients, including cities and towns, public libraries, schools, restaurants, and private art patrons throughout the tri-state area.

“Basically, we provide commercial businesses, like restaurants and organizations, with a fine art expression of their brand,” says Tao’s wife Amy, a multi-disciplinary artist in her own right, who boasts more than two decades of experience in marketing public relations and creative communication.

She also serves as business manager of the couple’s company.

“The art that we're creating is branding art for a new business or organization.,” explains Tao. “They each have their own vision of what their institution is — what their mission statement is — and it's our job to interpret that visually, so that it aligns with the brand.”

GIANT SHEPHERD, AT INTERIOR DOG PARK MURAL, WAGGING TAILS, WEST HARTFORD

MORE THAN A PICTURE ON A WALL But back to murals.

“I have the most creative freedom painting murals, even if they are designed by committee or directed by an organization,” says Tao. “The BBQ Bears Smokehouse mural, for example, was one of the first large murals that arose in Hartford in 2015. It's beautiful. It’s the entrance to the city.

It's iconic, and we had a fantastic client to work with.”

In that case, Tao took what the client wished for the building — which was to incorporate the smokers into the design — and used the creative flexibility to architecturally transform the building’s facade.

Huh? “What that means is I architecturally transformed the

ONE OF TWO PLASMA-CUT AND HAND-PAINTED STEEL AND RECLAIMED WOOD LOGOS FOR HARTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

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DURING/AFTER: “EVERLASTING SPRING IN THE SECRET GARDEN” EXTERIOR MURAL, SAINT MARY HOME, WEST HARTFORD

J’S CRABSHACK EXTERIOR MURAL, HARTFORD, CT

AMY LABOSSIERE HELPS RESTORE A CLIENT’S COW SCULPTURE IN A JERSEY CITY WAREHOUSE.

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TAO WITH ONE OF 17 PLASMA-CUT, HAND-PAINTED STEEL BEES AT HIS “BEE THE CHANGE” POLLINATOR MURAL, 224 ECOSPACE, HARTFORD

building through painting,” explains Tao. “For Smokehouse BBQ, I took the cinderblock wall and painted it to look like reclaimed barnboard — like the wall surface of an old barn — and I incorporated into it a stone chimney and that incorporated the smokers that they had actually built into the building. And so, that’s how I incorporated the building elements into the mural so that the smokers were coming out of the chimney. Then I created trompe-loeil from the tin roof, so it looked like a smokestack, and I painted a bear on the surface of the painted barn board. So, it looked like some other artists had painted a bear to support the barbecue theme of the restaurant.

“So ultimately, architectural transformations mean I was fooling the eye and hopefully making the viewer believe for a few moments that they're looking at a completely different kind of building.”

Today, he’s working on a massive project for 224 Ecospace, a premier arts, health, and wellness social enterprise in Hartford.

“It's a giant honeycomb,” says Amy, “and the mural represents their hive of activity — they actually have a pollinator garden out back. The bees represent a busy community. The hive is like the heart of the community. The flowers represent growth. With this particular one, we collaborated with our with our client, Dr. Reverend Dr. Stanley. The three of us came up with this concept and sort of developed it together and then Tao started getting the visual in his mind of what this was going to look like and started creating. It's just amazing to do that. We really enjoy that creative process when we work with clients.

“I love the fact that we get a client, a small business owner, and they really don't know what direction they want to go in to create a brand image. So, we start out from a very creative perspective and then we figure out how that supports their business, and we incorporate things like social media marketing. A lot of our murals are inherently interactive for people.

It's no longer just a beautiful, pretty picture on the wall. It's a marketing tool that lasts the life of the business and that's and this is my background.”

For Tao, a mural is not just a mural.

“I love the creative challenge of taking the business brand and leading it through a visual language of art,” he says. “So hopefully when you look at the murals that we create for businesses the creativity, the visual, is the fun part that draws you in, and then then you automatically relate to the business, and it becomes the business identity. It goes beyond just having a sign that says such and such. And so, I like the creative challenge of how you take a business and turn it into a visual image that supports the business on many different levels. It's not just a random mural. It serves to market the business and that could work externally on exterior or interior.”

A SHIFT IN FOCUS The painting of the downtown Hartford mural in 2022 is reflective of “a shift in the company’s primary focus that will allow Tao to find more of his pure artistic voice,” says Amy. “He's going to be painting his own personal vision, without input or influence from a business and organization. It's just his vision on the wall,” she notes.

That’s a first for Tao, whose career as a professional artist spans 25 years.

“This will be my first my first large scale mural painting that is simply what I want to create – what I have a passion for as an artist,” notes Tao. “I've created dozens of designs for the outer walls of buildings throughout the city of Hartford, which I've submitted to the city's graphic arts council since 2000. But there's really no existing mural programming in place. There's no system that connects artists with buildings and connects the arts with funders. There's nothing like that. It's changing now. Things are starting in that direction, finally. So that's good.”

The mural is funded by a generous grant from the Free Center's Independent Artists Fund, made possible by Artists of Color Unite, advisors to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

“It's a unique grant program that has provided funding opportunities to those usually left out of the money pool,” says Amy. “It's a wonderful fund that gives artists the ability to really create from their heart and soul and really do their calling as artists.”

The grant will provide Tao, who is of Chinese heritage, with half the monies needed to complete his project.

“The amount of the money that's been awarded is wonderful,” say Tao. “We're very grateful and I will make this happen, whether I'm paid or not. But it would really be nice to raise some money that would allow me to be actually paid a living wage for the contribution I'm going to be making to the city of Hartford. I would love to be paid as a working artist!”

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY Tao defines his mission as an artist as the celebration of community through creativity. That mission is reflected in his work as a commercial artist as well as his extensive volunteer efforts to improve his community and support local artists.

His dedication to helping other artists is what led him to become the longtime director of the Hartford ArtSpace Gallery which gives artists, aspiring and otherwise, space to exhibit their art. In fact, the LaBossieres where the first residents of the Hartford ArtSpace building, where they continue to live to this day.

And then, of course, there is the 2021 WeHa Bear Fair.

Tao worked on the playful exhibition of painted fiberglass bears now on display in the town of West Hartford as both an artist and technical consultant.

And how he came to do that has a lot to do with cows.

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KINSLEY POWER HOLIDAY ILLUSTRATION, PART OF AN ANNUAL SERIES, BY TAO LABOSSIERE

“MARK TWAIN’S GOLDFISH TANK”, HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

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TAO TEACHES HIS MOTHER MAVIS JAN LAI HOW TO PAINT A FISH

“[Bear Fair director] Leslie [Iarusso] contacted us because of our breadth and depth of experience with the fiberglass cows that are known as Cow Parade,” explains Amy. “Tao has been working on the Cow Parade for decades. He was a regular freelance artist working directly with them to restore and custom sculpt the fiberglass cows. He's also done corporate commissions, sculpting fiberglass cows.”

Tao not only participated as one of the artists — he painted the whimsical Bluebeary Bush — he also served as a consultant for the artists, leading a Zoom call to answer their technical questions, helping them to determine what materials to use, and providing them with his list of pitfalls and best practices.

Recently, the bears were moved from their outdoor location at Blue Back Square to indoors at Westfarms Mall. Once again, Tao was enlisted to restore several of the bears that were damaged either by the elements or overzealous visitors — or by artists who used the wrong materials.

Ideally, “the restoration should have been done indoors -- so it required some creative problem solving as we went through this process,” explains Tao. “But art is creative problem solving.”

“I loved painting my Bluebeary Bush bear just because it was fun,” says Tao. “I enjoy painting and inserting little Easter egg surprises for people to discover -- like the Blueberry cub climbing up the bear’s back leg -- so I really enjoy the creative process. Of course, that's why I'm an artist.”

“But I also very much am thrilled every time I see an event come together with artists of all sorts of different abilities, caliber, creativity, all celebrating. For me, art is a celebration of community through creativity. That's also why we've volunteered to run Hartford Artspace gallery here for the past 22 years.”

“One of the differentiators for Tao is that he's been at this a really long time. And that's where some of this consulting has come into play,” says Amy. “He knows he has his own systems of best practices that enable him to create something with integrity and longevity. And his seasoned ability to get things done well with exquisite attention to detail is a real differentiator.”

TAO & AMY LABOSSIERE PORTRAIT

BY KEITH CLAYTOR / TIMEFROZEN PHOTOGRAPHY

TAO PAINTS “HOMAGE TO ROSE GARDEN” AT THE POND HOUSE CAFÉ, WEST HARTFORD

ON THE HORIZON Before spring comes winter. And so, while Tao has the creation of the Hartford building mural on his calendar for the spring, he’s got another project in the hopper that will keep his creative juices flowing this fall.

“Two years ago, I made a New Year's resolution to create a “punny” illustration a day and I did, for 186 days in a row. So, I'm going to pick the best of those and create a book and then simultaneously have an art show. My first solo show — I've never had a solo show here at the gallery! I’ll will look for some grant funding for that as well, because there's a lot of expense to creating the book.” n TAO IS KNOWN AS THE COW DOCTOR HAVING CUSTOM SCULPTED MORE THAN 40 COWS AND RESTORED MORE THAN 400.

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STILL TIME TO GIVE

CHECK OUT THE WEHA PAINTED BEARS!

L

ast spring, we promised to wipe away the blues that engulfed us all in 2020 and bring back a smile to your face with a whimsical parade of painted bears…. and so we did!

still support the fair’s beneficiary non-profits by scanning the QR code in person on the signage attached to each bear on display or click on the links provided on the pages that follow.

The WEHA Bear Fair has proved to be a spectacular exhibition and fundraiser, that has sent the spirits of West Hartford residents soaring…filled local shops and restaurants with oodles of visitors…and, most of all, help numerous non-profits carry on their important work.

The bears are not only beautiful… many of them also come with unexpected and amusing backstories and interesting tidbits of information that we can’t help but share. Read on…

Sponsored by 20/20Media, the fair brightened West Hartford’s Blue Back Square with a fabulous display of one dozen fiberglass bears, each one individually designed and decorated by a talented local artist and sponsored by a local business that selected a nonprofit organization to benefit from proceeds raised by visitors.

Then, this month, when the autumn leaves started falling and the weather took a turn for the chilly — and it became clear that townspeople did not want to say goodbye to their beloved bears — we moved the bears indoors to Westfarms.

And that’s where you can find until January. Which also means, you can

• Newington artist Joanna Cistulli wanted her Hartford HealthCare bear to be safe and secure — far from the sticky fingers of her curious children, so she and her husband removed the bay window of her indoor studio, brought the bear in, replaced the window…then took it out again for the trip out.

• It was a bumpy road for the Juniper Homecare bear, who had to travel in the back of a pick-up truck across the ferry to and from Long Island, where the bear’s artist Taylor Talmage lives.

• Bears weren’t the only thing on the mind of APK artist Bryan Wziontko this summer. His thoughts were also on his wedding, which took place just one day after he finished his bear.

• Yes, those are sweet little ladybugs hidden among the blueberries on Blueberry Bush bear created by artist Tao LaBossiere. And they’re not the only surprises for visitors to find! (Read all about the art of Tao on page 13 of this. issue.

• Artist Corey Pane who designed Nuvola bear, as well as the mural in front of the town’s main library, is a proud graduate of our very own Conard High School. He painted his bear in a matter of hours before he caught a plane to Paris.

• Artist Bill Dougal featured caricatures of "runners" on the Fleet Feet bear to encourage donations of sneakers to the homeless.

• Artist Ray Talbot featured the handprints and footprints of actual pediatric cancer patients on his Ronald McDonald House bear.

• Dog Star Rescue bear, Stella, by artists Renee Sawyer and Jackie Flock, took up residence on the site of what once was a tree…just in case any feline visitors needed to relive themselves. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go…and what better place for a cat to go than on the toes of a dog.

WEHA BEAR FAIR WAS CONCEIVED & PRESENTED BY

Strategic Marketing Event Marketing Social & Mutli-Media Production Publishing Creative Branding

20MEDIA20.COM

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WEHA Bear Fair photography by Todd Fairchild, shutterbugct.com

PAINTED BY: COREY PANE

Nuvola

SPONSOR: ELMWOOD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (JERRY’S ARTARAMA OF CONNECTICUT, DR. RICK LIFTIG & WEBSTER BANK) The Elmwood Business Association is a not-for-profit organization comprised of business owners and representatives from the Elmwood section of West Hartford.

At monthly meetings, members discuss community activities and issues, including those related to law enforcement, government, and business enterprises.

Town and state government officials are frequently in attendance.

For more information follow them on Facebook @elmwoodct

ARTIST: COREY PANE

NONPROFIT: FAXON LIBRARY

Corey Pane uses a wide variety of mediums and materials in focusing on the process and experience of creating impressive works of art. Corey holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration from Hartford Art School. His work has been exhibited in galleries and public community spaces and he has also created artwork for musicians, bands and music-related enterprises and events, as well as professional athletes and other sports-related ventures, such as painting the cleats of many athletes.

For a look at his unique artistry, visit coreypane.com

The Faxon branch of The West Hartford Public Library brings people, information and ideas together to strengthen and enrich the cultural, social and economic vitality of our diverse community.

The Faxon Library is nothing short of empowering - providing each and every West Hartford resident with the tools they need to reach their potential, pursue life-long learning, and freely access a broad range of ideas and information. The Faxon Library is located at 1073 New Britain Avenue, Elmwood.

For more information visit: www. westhartfordlibrary.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TF67ZZECTPAKQ

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PAINTED BY: STEVE HUNTER

Beach Bear

SPONSOR: CANTOR COLBURN LLC

NONPROFIT: WESTMOOR PARK

Cantor Colburn LLC is one of the largest, full-service intellectual property law firms in the US, with 100+ lawyers representing clients worldwide, ensuring they get maximum value from their intellectual property. Cantor Colburn LLC is well known and highly regarded for depth and breadth of technical, legal, and business experience of its professionals, and this includes many prestigious third-party rankings – among them #4 for patents and #8 for trademarks among all US law firms.

For more information visit: Cantorcolburn.com

Westmoor Park is a premier environmental, horticultural and agricultural center owned and operated by the Town of West Hartford. The 162-acre park combines property donated to the Town by the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hunter along with 110 acres of contiguous state watershed land.

Westmoor Park provides a quintessential, farm-like atmosphere complemented by high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities through educational programs and camps. Annually, over 100,000 visitors explore pastures and gardens, woodland paths, an active stream and ponds, a nature center and a demonstration farm. Operational expenses are funded through the Hunter Trust Funds, program fees, and generous donations from the community, not through tax dollars.

For more information visit: Westmoorpark.com

ARTIST: STEVE HUNTER Steve Hunter is a graduate of the Art Institute of Boston. Currently painting in acrylics, Steve describes his style of painting as Contemporary Realism. His subjects tend to be anything out there in the real world that catches his eye and provokes his thoughts. He is particularly drawn to landscape, seascape and architectural scenes.

For a look at his work, visit stevehuntersart.blogspot.com

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/leisure-services/westmoor-park

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PAINTED BY: ANNE GOGH

Dancers Under the Sun

SPONSOR: WESTFIELD BANK

ARTIST: ANNE GOGH

Founded in 1853, Westfield Bank is the largest publicly traded bank headquartered in Western Massachusetts. Westfield Bank’s 25 branch offices and 52 ATMs serve the counties of Hampden and Hampshire in Western Massachusetts and Hartford and Tolland Counties in northern Connecticut. The Bank’s commercial lending team is based in Springfield, Massachusetts, and has a lending limit of $34.8 million per business entity. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank employed 346 full- and part-time employees, had $2.4 billion in total assets, $1.9 billion in its loan portfolio, and $2.0 billion in total deposits.

For more information: Westfieldbank.com

A proud Hartford native, Anne Gogh is committed to uplifting her community.

Utilizing self-care, expression, and safe spaces, she is determined to fortify the importance of veracity and altruism. For her whole life she has gravitated towards art. Not only was it all around her but also it completely filled her being. Before she learned to write her name, she was producing art. For Anne, inspiration can come through any & everything-from vibing with fellow creatives to particles of sand. For more information: annegogh.com or follow her on Instagram @whos_bold_enuff_2_rebel

NONPROFIT: THE RON FOLEY FOUNDATION The Ron Foley Foundation was established in memory of Ron Foley, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in October of 2005.

Established in 2009 by Ron’s wife and a team of volunteers, this charitable organization sponsors a series of annual events that build awareness and raise funds for pancreatic cancer research and education. They also provide direct financial aid to pancreatic cancer patients in need through the Foundation’s Ron’s Rescue Fund. To date, the Ron Foley Foundation has raised nearly $3 million to support its mission. For more information visit: Ronsrun.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CK42U5HTLWUCG

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PAINTED BY: BRYAN WZIONTKO

ABEARica

ARTIST: BRYAN WZIONTKO Bryan Wziontko holds a Bachelors of Fine Art in Illustration from Paier College of Art and his certification in Art Education from Southern Connecticut State University. He has taught art at Rocky Hill High School since 2011. Bryan specializes in Ceramics and 3D Design. Follow Brian on Instagram at @b_chunka_art

SPONSOR: WEST HARTFORD FUNERAL HOMES AND WTNH Embracing traditional values and accompanying families as they say goodbye to loved ones is the hallmark of West Hartford’s three independent and locally owned funeral homes. Each offers compassion and years of experience in honoring the lives of the people they serve and comforting families of all faiths, traditions and backgrounds.

Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, located in the Elmwood section of West Hartford, embraces traditional values, diversity and innovation in honoring the spirit and life of each person they serve. They offer complete ethical care and genuine compassion so that families can focus on comforting each other as they prepare to say goodbye to someone dear to them. For more information visit: Sheehanhilbornbreen.com Molloy Funeral Home Molloy Funeral home is an independent, locally owned, family-operated service, dedicated to ensuring families of all faiths, traditions, and

backgrounds are able to remember their loved ones in a way that is tasteful and comforting to them. With more than 100 years of experience, Molloy Funeral Home stands ready to serve their community when they need it most.

For information visit: Molloyfuneralhome.com Hebrew Funeral Association For more than 100 years, the Jewish community of West Hartford and the surrounding area has trusted Hebrew Funeral Association Inc. with providing traditional Jewish funeral services for their friends and loved ones. They take care of all arrangements and preparations while accompanying mourners through this difficult time, accompanying families in their time of need. For information visit: Hebrewfuneral.com WTNH: For more than 70 years, News 8 has been Connecticut’s News Leader. WTNH News 8 continues to set the standard for news coverage excellence in Connecticut. News 8 provides news, weather and information around the clock through its television newscasts, WTNH.com website and through its digital and mobile platforms.

News tips can be sent to News 8 at reportit@ wtnh.com.

NONPROFIT: APK CHARITIES Like Special Forces soldiers and their families all across the United States, Connecticut military families have made - and continue to make - enormous sacrifices for the safety and well-being of their country. Among those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is Connecticut native Capt. Andrew Pedersen Keel, who on March 11, 2013, was killed in action in Afghanistan, while serving as the commander of his Special Forces detachment.

Capt. Pedersen Keel’s parents, Bob and Helen Pedersen-Keiser (above), created the APK Charities Corporation and the APK 5K/5K Ruck Walk/March to honor and remember their son’s ultimate sacrifice. APK Charities seeks to raise awareness and support for our country’s active, retired, wounded and fallen warriors and their families, and to provide financial aid and material assistance to charitable organizations and causes. For more information visit: APKcharities.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: apkcharities.org/campaigns/apk-charities-general-fund/

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22 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

PAINTED BY: RAY TALBOT & CHILDREN AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Helping Hands

SPONSOR: UDOLF PROPERTIES

ARTIST: THE CHILDREN AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN SPRINGFIELD WITH ART DIRECTOR RAY TALBOT

Udolf Properties owns, manages, and redevelops a variety of commercial and residential properties throughout Connecticut. Led

by Robert Udolf, the company continues to expand, guided by the core principle of putting tenants first. With decades of hands-on experiences, Udolf continues to fulfill its mission: to provide quality settings in desirable locations.

For information visit: UdolfProperties.com

Connecticut native Ray Talbot has been taking art classes ever since his sophomore year in high school. Now a student at the University of Hartford Art School, where he is majoring in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Marketing, Ray has tackled projects dealing with branding, typography, package design, website layout, magazine layout, and even motion design. Outside of the design world Ray enjoys not only painting, but also photography and video editing. The WEHA Bear Fair is Ray’s first art project outside of college and the very first art piece he has created for the benefit of the West Hartford community.

For a look at Ray’s work, visit ratalbot.wixsite.com/my-site

NONPROFIT: RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts (RMHC CTMA) operates on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – especially not where they will lay their head at night.

Ronald McDonald House ® of Connecticut and Ronald McDonald House of Springfield serve as a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children, making it possible for children from around the state, the country and the globe to access specialized and life-saving treatments not available in their local communities. For information visit: rmhc-ctma.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: rmhc-ctma.org/donate

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PAINTED BY: CHE’ LA’MORA HARDY

Grow Where You are Planted

SPONSOR: MODERN TIRE OF WEST HARTFORD Locally owned and operated for more than 40 years, Modern Tire West Hartford offers the kind of service, dedication and experience one expects from a major automotive center.

Multiple generations of local families have depended on Modern Tire for their honest, no-nonsense service. Modern Tire offers not only tires, but also a wide range of automotive services, and its team of dedicated technicians provides fast, courteous and personal service to all its customers. For more information: Moderntire-autoservice.com

ARTIST: CHE’ LA’MORA HARDY Che’ La’Mora Hardy is a professional mixed-media artist using different mediums such as acrylics, colored pencil, markers, pencil, and outdoor-friendly paints. She expresses her creativity through photography, painting, experimenting with textures, and poetry.

Che’ directed and founded Procreate Artist Group, a multi-culturally diverse group of artists based in Connecticut.

She has been creating art all of her life and believes art is not limited to one type of medium or to the use of the traditional canvas. Che’ feels it is important to make an impact by inspiring others to explore their own creativity and purpose.

For a look at Che’s work visit: chelamora.com or follow her on Instagram @chelamoraart

NONPROFIT: FOUNDATION FOR WEST HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools was founded in 1997

by Dougie Trumble and Heather Congdon to provide unique and exceptional educational opportunities for West Hartford public school students through teacher and school enrichment grants.

The Foundation’s goal is to reach beyond the everyday classroom experience and make exceptional learning opportunities a reality.

Through healthy leadership and community support, the Foundation is now in its 23rd year and has to date provided over $1,800,000 in grants to teachers and schools. For information visit: whps.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: simplecheckout.authorize.net/payment/CatalogPayment.aspx

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24 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

PAINTED BY: TAYLOR TALMAGE

JUNI

SPONSOR: JUNIPER HOMECARE

ARTIST: TAYLOR TALMAGE

Founded in 1998 by social worker Andrei Brel, Juniper Homecare is a home-health agency based in West Hartford offering services such as Homemaker, Companion, PCA, Adult Day Centers, Meals-on-Wheels, Adult Family Caregiving and more. Juniper’s mission is to “Help People Age at Home,” Juniper’s Adult Family Caregiving program helps make it possible for family members or friends who are living with and caring for individuals 65+ to qualify for support and compensation. Juniper is contracted by state agencies such as DSS and also cares for private pay clients statewide.

For information visit: juniperhomecare.com

Taylor Talmage is a sign painter and glass gilder based in Eastern Long Island, N.Y. who, in the age of digital publishing, hopes to save the art of hand-lettered lettering and its warmth and charm. “My objective is to share and display my love & affection for my sign painting trade & art form. By applying my passion & training into a physical mark on the local landscape I aim to enrich the culture of the area one letter at a time.”

For more information visit: longoddssignsmiths.com thedayoflongodds/instagram

NONPROFIT: THE CONNECTICUT CHAPTER OF THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80,000 people living with Alzheimer's in Connecticut today, plus their caregivers as well as those concerned about brain health. The association offers free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia as well as robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local levels. The Alzheimer’s Association raises money through events such as Walk to End Alzheimer's in the fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure.

For information visit: alz.org/ct.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: pact.alz.org/goto/JuniperHomecare

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PAINTED BY: BILL DOUGAL

BEARicature

SPONSOR: FLEET FEET OF WEST HARTFORD Fleet Feet is more than a shoe store. For 24 years, the West Hartford enterprise has served as a starting line for those looking to live healthier lives – whether that’s through running and walking or just needing comfortable sneakers to keep your feet happy all day long. Fleet Feet’s knowledgeable staff provide an extraordinary one-on-one customer experience utilizing modern 3D measurement and Dynamic Pressure Mapping technology to help customers find their perfect sneaker.

They also offer a great selection of fitness apparel and accessories, as well as training programs and free commUNITY runs for all ages and abilities. For more information: www. fleetfeethartford.com

ARTIST: BILL DOUGAL

NONPROFIT: FOOTWEAR WITH CARE

Bill Dougal has more than three dozen years experience as a professional caricaturist. He was ranked among the top ten caricaturists at a recent National Caricaturist Network convention, where he also won an award for speed. His caricatures have been published for advertising and editorial purposes. Live caricature drawing gigs throughout Connecticut have helped to prepare him for drawing any face. He loves each challenge presented to him in custom orders. Bill holds a BFA from Hartford Art School. For a look at Bill’s work visit: dougalart.com

Since 2016, Footwear with Care (FwC) has been providing Hartford’s homeless with durable footwear and medical footcare.

Through large-scale clinics held at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, a mobile outreach truck and direct referrals from shelters, schools, police and other organization that help the homeless, FwC has donated over 2,000 pairs of high-quality footwear (sneakers in summer, boots in the winter) and socks. Footwear with Care is a non-profit organization that is a partnership between the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association, Hartford Police and Fleet Feet. It is powered by a dedicated corps of volunteers from throughout Greater Hartford and supported by donations from individuals and grants from foundations. For information: www. footwearwithcare.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: members.cpma.org/donations/donate.asp?id=17365

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PAINTED BY: RENEE SAWYER AND JACKIE FLOCK

Stella

SPONSOR: DOG STAR RESCUE

ARTISTS: RENEE SAWYER AND JACKIE FLOCK

Dog Star Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer-run dog rescue organization in Greater Hartford that works with shelters to save the lives of loving and loyal dogs who have lost their way and find themselves on death row. Dog Star’s volunteers get these adoptable dogs the medical and emotional care they need so they can transition into a loving forever home. “Dog Star” comes from the common name for the star Sirius which is in the Canis Major (Greater Dog) constellation. The symbolism of the Dog Star as a guide to a safe passage is synonymous with Dog Star Rescue’s mission – finding dogs a new life with a loving family. For more information visit dogstarrescue.org

Renee Sawyer is an artist and art teacher at Newington High School. She has received her BFA/MS in Art and Design Education from Pratt Institute and MFA from Maine College of Art. Jackie Flock is a graduate in visual communication and design major from Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. She has a diverse set of graphic and technical design skills including; web, mobile, video, digital illustration, photography, and synchronized lighting.

NONPROFIT: DOG STAR RESCUE Dog Star Rescue, Inc. is a grass-roots effort started by a group of dog lovers with experience in the rescue world. Learn about our organization’s mission, along with our reasons for adopting a rescue dog and information about some of our current volunteers.

To check out our recommendations for other companies and services that love dogs almost as much as we do, see our Friends of Dog Star Rescue page.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: dogstarrescue.org/donate-to-dog-star-rescue/

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PAINTED BY: JOANNA CISTULLI

Florence Nightingbear

SPONSOR: HARTFORD HEALTHCARE Over the past decade, Hartford HealthCare (HHC) has evolved into a nationally recognized integrated system that provides care for more than 1.7 million people annually — one out of every two Connecticut residents. Hartford HealthCare’s goal has been to create a different kind of health system — one capable of providing seamless, coordinated care to all patients, fulfilling its mission to improve the health and healing of the communities it serves, while being most trusted for personalized, coordinated care. As healthcare advances beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, Hartford HealthCare is leading transformation and optimizing its system of care to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.

For more information: hartfordhealthcare.org

ARTIST: JOANNA CISTULLI

NONPROFIT: FOOD FARMACY

Joanna Cistulli is a Newington, Connecticut-based artist. Beginning from her days as a young child, creating art has continued to be one of her favorite hobbies. She graduated with a B.S. in Graphics Technology from Central Connecticut State University and is currently a member of the Newington Art League.

Joanna’s broad range of artistic medium includes colored pencil, watercolor and acrylic paint. Joanna has participated in numerous art shows, commissions, and public art projects. She continuously strives to develop her craft and skills, while expanding her portfolio.

Hartford HealthCare is committed to health equity. Food insecurity is associated with some of the most serious and costly health problems in the country. In Greater Hartford, one in seven adults lacks reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, which puts them at an increased risk for a variety of adverse health outcomes, including heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. The Hartford Hospital Food FARMacy is a proactive approach to our mission of improving the health and healing of the people and communities we serve.

Through a unique partnership with the regional food bank Foodshare, Hartford HealthCare patients will be able to get specific healthy food items prescribed by their doctors, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: giving.hartfordhospital.org/west-hartford-bear-fundraiser

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PAINTED BY: FOR ALL AGES MEMBERS & COORDINATOR, DEB BIBBINS

HARMONY

SPONSOR: DUNCASTER

ARTIST: FOR ALL AGES MEMBERS

Duncaster is a locally founded not-for-profit senior living community located in Bloomfield, Connecticut. A Life Plan community celebrating its 37th anniversary in 2021, Duncaster sits on 94 beautifully landscaped acres and offers comprehensive solutions for active adults seeking independent living, assisted living, memory care, short- or long-term rehabilitation services, and long-term skilled nursing care. Duncaster was voted the Best Retirement Community by readers of Hartford Magazine and is CARF-certified. Our skilled nursing community, Caleb Hitchcock Health Center at Duncaster, has consistently received 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 2008. For more information: www.Duncaster.org

For All Ages members (Northwest Catholic Students & Duncaster residents) Coordinator: Deb Bibbins;

NONPROFIT: FOR ALL AGES For All Ages is Connecticut’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting the generations and inspiring action to end loneliness, reduce ageism, and improve health and well-being. Through evidence-informed programs and events, For All Ages creates positive, collaborative experiences between the generations that showcase the wisdom and vibrancy of older adults while countering the loneliness and isolation that are at epidemic levels across all age groups. We enrich lives, promote kindness and caring, and provide social connection for people of all ages that improves mental and physical health. Since launching in 2019, our volunteer-driven organization has facilitated thousands of hours of intergenerational programming, serving residents across the state. For more information visit: Forallages.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: forallages.org/donate-today

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PAINTED BY: ART OF TAO

BlueBeary Bush

SPONSOR: DALEY MOVING AND STORAGE & HODGES LANDSCAPING DALEY MOVING has been family-owned and operated since the 1930’s. Founded by John Daley, it was acquired by Tony Mariano of Mariano Brothers of Danbury, another family-owned moving company, who took over the business in 1970. Today, Tony’s daughter Gina Bunch and her husband Tony continue to operate Daley Moving, treating each customer relocation as if they themselves were packing up and making a move. Specializing in relocations between Connecticut and Florida, Daley Moving prides itself on their kid-glove treatment of valuable antiques. By paying close attention to the needs of each individual customer, whether residential or commercial, Daley Moving builds lasting relationships.

For more information: daleymoving.com JEFF HODGES LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR is a full service landscaping and hardscape contractor located in the West Hartford, CT area. We have been in the landscaping and hardscape business for over 30 years and we service both commercial and residential properties.

Go to landscapingwesthartfordct.com for all your landscaping needs

ARTIST: ART OF TAO Tao LaBossiere is an award-winning muralist, sculptor, and illustrator whose personal mission is to celebrate community through creativity. The art director of the WEHA Bear Fair, Tao is also volunteer co-director of the Hartford ArtSpace Gallery and founder of Art of Tao LaBossiere LLC. A professional artist for more than 25 years, Tao calls himself a “developing artist.” His long list of satisfied clients includes municipalities, public libraries, schools, restaurants, and private art patrons in the tri-state area.

Prior to launching his own business, for ten years he was the lead creative partner and visionary at Still Waters Retreat Center. Tao studied at Norwich Free Academy and Lyme Academy and also attended The Cleveland Institute of Art and Hartford Art School.

Art of Tao LaBossiere LLC was created

by Tao and his wife Amy to bring Tao’s artistic vision to life for the benefit of his clients. With Tao himself serving as master artist and Amy managing the business itself, Art of Tao creates largescale public art murals, art commissions in various mediums, including sculpture, paintings, and illustration.

See his work at artoftaolabossiere.com

NONPROFIT: THE BRIDGE FAMILY CENTER Founded in 1969, the West Hartford-based Bridge Family Center is a comprehensive, regional nonprofit agency that provides a broad range of services for children, adults, and families throughout the Greater Hartford region, focusing equally on prevention and intervention and supporting members of the community at each stage of their lives. Over 8,500 people each year find hope and healing through their residential programs, mental health counseling, youth and family services, and Family Resource Center. For information visit Bridgefamilycenter.org

CLICK HERE TO DONATE: bridgefamilycenter.org/index.php/give-today/

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GUY MINTUS TRIO Performing “A Gershwin Playground”

NOVEMBER 21, 2021 | 7:00 PM

HERBERT & EVELYN GILMAN THEATER Tickets: $25/$18 students www.mandelljcc.org/tix

ACU PU NC T U RE | M A SSAGE THER A PY | H Y PNOSIS

Holistic Health Options support you in your quest for health.

Whether you want to reduce pain, decrease anxiety, increase energy or resiliency, or simply relax and feel better, our modalities can help make a difference in your physical and mental well-being.

860-231-6333

What’s New at the Mandell JCC Zachs Campus | 335 Bloomfield Ave. | West Hartford, CT 06117 | 860-236-4571 | www.mandelljcc.org Everyone 12 and over, must be vaccinated to enter the JCC. All programming involving children under 12 will require masks be worn by everyone.

Chanukah EIGHT NIGHTS OF LIGHT NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 6, 2021

As the Chanukah season and the festival of lights comes to an end, the celebration continues...

Sunday, December 5 | Mandell JCC 10:30-11:30am | It’s Still Chanukah

Bring your little one to the JCC for hands on Chanukah fun, songs and stories.

RSVP to Susan, slentini@mandelljcc.org

1:00pm or 2:00pm (2 sessions) | Lights, Color, Action!

The CT Science Center will bring hands on activities to the Mandell JCC all centered on light and color. Fun for the entire family. Space is limited, register early.

To register or questions contact Jane, jpasternak@mandelljcc.org Both events are FREE and open to the community with a donation of NEW children’s pajamas, hats and mittens.

__________________________________________

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 | 8:00PM Jodi Picoult: Wish You Were Here: A Novel TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 | 8:00PM True Colors: Jews of Color Telling Stories THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 | 8:00PM David Javerbaum: The Book of Pslams Thank You Mandell JCC Partners

Chanukah Concert with Mister G and Friends

Mon. Dec 6, 5:30pm | Virtual Join Latin Grammy Award-winning musician Mister G and his international band of Jewish music-makers from Israel, Mexico, and

Argentina for a family-friendly Hanukkah concert, filled with ruach (spirit). Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 31 www.mandelljcc.org/concert www.mandelljcc.org/bookfestival

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TAST E

TASTE OF WEST HARTFORD/ ELMWOOD: Monday, January 31, 2022.

WEST H F O

EL

TFORD AR

BOWH B2B NETWORKING EVENT: Monday, December 13, 2021

MW

OOD

connecting everyone BY ALL EVENTS PRESENTED

2020 2020 MEDIA | 20MEDIA20.COM

FOR BOWH

Many thanks to our sponsors for their continued support

FOR TASTE OF WH-ELMWOOD?

Sheehan Hilborn Breen FUN ER A L

2020 connecting everyone

HOME

Congratulations, West Hartford Magazine!

20

On the occasion of our 20th anniversary, West Hartford Magazine asked three loyal friends and supporters, to help us celebrate by sharing their thoughts and reminiscences.

th

Anniversary Issue

Here’s what they had to say.

A NOTE FROM EFFIE’S

Born and bred in West Hartford, Tom Hickey is deeply rooted in our community and Park Road (he’s a former recipient of the Park Road Businessperson of the Year award).

Maybe that’s why he and I had an instant connection when my father (now deceased) and mother — for whom Effie’s is named — introduced us way back when. In fact, we’ve been partnering ever since!

Like Tom, we look forward to many more years of service to greater West Hartford! I'm certain we will continue out mutually beneficial working relationship!

John Paindiris Effie’s Family Place Restaraunt 91 Park Road West Hartford

A NOTE FROM LUX BOND & GREEN

Lux Bond & Green Jewelers has been a proud partner in the Greater Hartford community for well over 100 years and have called West Hartford our home for 67 years.

Being involved and supporting the communities we serve is central to our core values and culture and has been passed down by the Green family for generations, beginning in 1898.

Supporting the efforts of Tom Hickey, his magazines and how he promotes everything great about West Hartford these past 20 years is very important to Lux Bond & Green.

Tom and his team are cheerleaders for the town’s diversity, for its cultural and charitable events, and for the business and retail community. We have been proud to support and advertise in Living in West Hartford, West Hartford Magazine and WEHA throughout its evolution and we hope to continue to do so for the next 20 years and beyond.

Thank you for helping us tell the story of why Lux Bond & Green diamonds, designer jewelry, Swiss watches, gifts for the home, as well as our many repair and restoration services, are second to none with our non-commissioned team of professionals.

Thank you, Tom and West Hartford for helping our family to be recognized across the nation as one of the best Jewelers in the United States. At Lux Bond & Green we say “Every Box has a Story” — and we are proud to tell that story in WEHA land!

A NOTE FROM ROBIN GEBRIAN I was introduced to Tom by his brother, Craig, while he was working at West Hartford Magazine. I am a sponsor and supportive of all the magazine does for the community.

It makes sense — after all, my job is to match people with great homes in West Hartford and West Hartford Magazine makes the town and the community shine!

While I was not born and raised in West Hartford, like Tom I share the same commitment to WeHa. I have attended the magazine’s Taste of Elmwood, Taste of Bishops Corner, Taste of Blue Back, and Best of West Hartford events. Speaking of which, I’m honored personally to have been a Best of West Hartford finalist every year thus far.

I encourage everyone to participate in anything Tom and his team produce. Like me, you won't be dissatisfied!

Robin Gebrian William Raveis Real Estate 125 LaSalle Road West Hartford

John Green Lux Bond & Green 46 LaSalle Road West Hartford

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 33

My mother and father introduced me to Tom Hickey and we’ve been partnering ever since!

Congratulations West Hartford Magazine on 20 Years.

I’ve been proud to be an advertiser since the beginning!”

– Johnny Paindaris

91 Park Road, West Hartford, CT

860.233.9653 • effiesplace.net

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Voted best breakfast spot in WH 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 Best family restaurant 2017

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Congratulations

WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Tom, thank you for promoting everything great about our incredible community!

And thank you for helping our family be recognized across the nation as one of the best Jewelers in the United States. Every Box has a Story ™ and we are proud to tell that story in partnership with West Hartford Magazine.

LUX BOND & G REEN JEWELERS SINCE 1898 46 LASALLE ROAD WEST HARTFORD 860.521.3015 SOMERSET SQUARE GLASTONBURY 860.659.8510 MOHEGAN SUN WESTPORT LBGREEN.COM

WELLESLEY

800.524.7336

800.524.7336

LBGreen.com

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 35

Congratulations to West Hartford Magazine on their 20th Anniversary!

“Two Decades is a long time advertising in West Hartford’s Lifestyle Magazine

but it works!”

“Robin is supportive of all we do in WeHa! She sponsors every event and places an ad in every issue. She’s a great partner!”

WeHa I

36 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

Congratulations to West Hartford Magazine on 20 years.

We have been a proud supporter since 2010!

20

th Anniversary Issue 860-986-4282

landscapingwesthartfordct.com www.JeffHodgesLandscapeContractor.com

It’s not too late to support these non-profits!

NOW ON DISPLAY AT WESTFARMS!

FAXON LIBRARY

WESTMOOR PARK

THE RON FOLEY FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION FOR WEST HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

THE CT CHAPTER OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

FOOTWEAR WITH CARE

DOG STAR RESCUE

FOOD FARMACY

FOR ALL AGES

FAXON LIBRARY

APK CHARITIES

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Event brought to you by 20/20 MEDIA

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO ANY OF THESE NON-PROFITS

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MALL HOURS SHOPWESTFARMS.COM

GARDENING

Welcoming in the Holiday Season with Joy!

BY KARLA A. DALLEY

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t’s been a difficult couple of years and I hope that I offend no one when I say that I am ready to welcome in the upcoming holiday season with joy. Like many of you, I have experienced loss and illness. I understand if you are not quite as ready as I am to put that behind you.

Let me offer a variety of suggestions for ways to fill your homes with plants for the holidays. This way you can choose to ease back into the holidays or to celebrate them in more lavish ways if you are feeling ready to do that.

Let’s start out small because it may take some acclimating to the idea of celebrating the holidays. If that is the case, perhaps a single plant might be a nice was to ease into things—but not a green plant. There are so many flowering plants available this time of year—treat yourself to one of those, and do so at a garden center so that you understand its care and what its needs are through the holidays.

What might I suggest? For an easier plant, a holiday cactus is so pretty and almost fool-proof so long as you don’t over-water. It will bloom reliably for you every year, and do so in relatively low light.

Non-stop begonias are also a great choice, will bloom for months and prefer to be kept on the dry side, like the holiday cactus. They also don’t need a sunny window, but can take some brighter light it you have it.

If the thought of flowering plants appeals to you, perhaps you are ready to make a small holiday arrangement with a few house plants. A white begonia might look pretty with a trailing plant or two.

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Something that looks fresh and festive are brightly colored pothos—either ‘Neon,’ which is a chartreuse green, or the marbled variety, which is green and white. This is simple and easy to maintain and will look good once the holidays are over as well.

Another house plant that blooms forever (well, almost) is kalanchoe.

These come in several colors so you can even do an arrangement for Thanksgiving with yellow and orange kalanchoe and some greenery of your choice (or perhaps some pumpkins and gourds).

For Christmas or Hanukkah, or other winter holidays that you celebrate, the plants also come in white and red.

They’re quite versatile. For Christmas, choose a red plant or two and mix in some green houseplants—or even green and white ones—small peace lilies, dracaena, Chinese evergreens, or diffenbachia.

For Hanukkah, or perhaps New Year’s, use a white plant or two and stick with lighter plants—the diffenbachia, which has white in its leaves, for example.

If you can find it, try that lovely lacy euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ or ‘Diamond Snow.’

If you’re feeling more adventurous, try something outdoors. Many of the garden centers will be highlighting plants that look festive and “holiday-like” right at their entrances or in their greenhouses.

A small evergreen plant that is a holiday decoration all on its own is gaultheria procumbens, which goes by the common name of wintergreen. It’s a native plant, and has small glossy green leaves and bright red berries. It doesn’t get more festive than that! And it’s hardy for us so no worries about protecting it

from the cold.

Something that makes a less “Christmas like” outdoor planting are the true dwarf conifers that you might find at some garden centers. These come in colors of yellow, blue and bronze, as well as the traditional green, of course. Their shapes can be round, mounding trailing or conical. Plant several colors and shapes in a low concrete planter or other weather-proof container and you will have something interesting and unusual for the holidays and beyond.

Finally, hellebores (often called Lenten or Christmas roses) are often sold this time of year. They make lovely blooming plants and their foliage is often as interesting — or more interesting —t han their flowers. I have used the cut foliage of mine in indoor evergreen arrangements several years in a row and it makes very nice cut flower filler as well.

Plants and nature have long been used to soothe feelings and restore our wounded selves. With winter coming to our state, bring a little of that healing into your home and your life.

As an aside, you may have noticed that this is the 20th anniversary edition of We-Ha magazine. This is also my 20th year of writing for the magazine — I have been writing for them since the first issue. So, we are celebrating our anniversary together. Much continued success to WeHa magazine!

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

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 39

STYLE

The Art of Layering

BY MATTHEW BANEVER

I

know you’ve felt it. That crispness in the air. That enjoyable drop in temperature. That lovely evening when you must question if you’re going to leave the window open or close it. Hot coco in an oversized mug that you hold with two hands in an oversized sweater. Ah New England…the perfect place. It is also the place where you can wake up and its 30 degrees and by the time you take your lunch break its 75 degrees.

As New Englanders we have the need to develop a skill of dressing for seasonal shifts. This skill becomes an art as we add more weapons to our clothing arsenal; the sweater for 51 and sunny, the jacket 53 and rainy, the shacket for 55 and windy…one longs for those pants that zipped off at the knees and converted into shorts. (Hopefully we can all laugh at that, and not actually pull them out of the drawer).

The art of layering is subtle, but it is meaningful. Our commutes have become shorter, we walk from our door to the car, from the parking spot to our destination. Rather than bulking up our layering pieces, we should be looking for lighter pieces as well as hybrid pieces.

The lighter pieces in our wardrobes look like cardigans, knit blazers, heavier shirts. Brands today are adjusting to the ever-changing climates. Rather than wearing a light shirt and a bulky jacket, we should look for two pieces of similar weight. Cotton shirts and a merino wool sweater will accommodate most outside travels. We only need enough to bear the outside for a bit. Women’s wear has introduced what look like oversized vests; jackets almost without the sleeves. They functionally keep the individual warm, they are trending in fashion, and when you reach your destination, say a local coffee shop or the office, one can keep

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40 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

their outfit complete without looking for a place to store the layering piece.

Hybrid jackets have been making a grand appearance in menswear. This looks like a sport coat, usually in a heavier fabric, but it has a zip up bib which can be used outside. Wear this when you’re going to work or when you’re out on the town. Look for pieces that blend both fashion and function.

Those will become staples in your wardrobe, rather than searching for the perfect coat for weather condition.

This concept of layering is one we all struggle with, no matter how vast our wardrobes are. The options are out there. Rather than reaction to extreme weather, shop with the intention of blending days and the items you purchase will start to diminish and your everyday selection will be compatible, and dare I say, fashionable.

Matthew Banever Bards Clothing, Founder, Owner (860) 978-6234 Matthew@ BardsClothing.com

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 41

FINANCE END-OF-THE-YEAR MONEY MOVES Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2021.

PROVIDED BY ROBERT A. LARAIA, RFC, FOUNDING PARTNERNORTHSTAR WEALTH PARTNERS

What has changed for you in 2021? For some, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step.

Did you retire? There’s another step. If notable changes occurred in your personal or professional life, then you may want to review your finances before this year ends and 2022 begins. Proving that you have all the right moves in 2021 might put you in a better position to tango with 2022.

Even if your 2021 has been relatively uneventful, the end of the year is still a good time to get cracking and see where you can manage your overall personal finances.

Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Please consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before modifying your tax strategy.

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42 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

Do you engage in tax-loss harvesting?

That’s the practice of taking capital losses (selling securities worth less than what you first paid for them) to manage capital gains.

You might want to consider this move, but it should be made with the guidance of a financial professional you trust.1 In fact, you could even take it a step further.

Consider that up to $3,000 of capital losses in excess of capital gains can be deducted from ordinary income, and any remaining capital losses above that amount can be carried forward to offset capital gains in upcoming years.1 Do you want to itemize deductions?

You may just want to take the standard deduction for the 2021 tax year, which has risen to $12,550 for single filers and $25,100 for joint. If you do think it might be better for you to itemize, now would be a good time to get the receipts and assorted paperwork together.2,3 Are you thinking of gifting? How about donating to a qualified charity or non-profit organization before 2021 ends? Your gift may qualify as a tax deduction. For some gifts, you may be required to itemize deductions using Schedule A.4 While we’re on the topic of year-end moves, why not take a moment to review a portion of your estate strategy. Specifically, take a look at your beneficiary designations. If you haven’t reviewed them for some time, double-check to see that these assets are

structured to go where you want them to go, should you pass away. Lastly, look at your will to see that it remains valid and up-to-date.

Check on the amount you have withheld. If you discover that you have withheld too little on your W-4 form so far, you may need to adjust your withholding before the year ends.

What can you do before ringing in the New Year? New Year’s Eve may put you in a dancing move, eager to say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2022. Before you put on your dancing shoes, consider speaking with a financial or tax professional. Do it now, rather than in February or March. Little year-end moves might help you improve your short-term and long-term financial situation.

n Northstar Wealth Partners Robert A. Laraia, RFC, Founding Parnter Northstar Wealth Partners 433 South Main Street Suite

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/Sipc.

Citations 1. Investopedia.com, January 8, 2021 2. NerdWallet.com, April 12, 2021 3. Investopedia.com, August 23, 2021 4. Investopedia.com, December 28, 2020

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west hartford magazine 43

W. H. CHAMBER NOTES

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce:

Future Leaders of West Hartford

BY CHRIS CONWAY

F

or many, the typical image of a chamber of commerce is an organization made up of older and established professionals with the occasional new business celebrating with a ribbon cutting sprinkled in for good measure.

There are longstanding organizations such as Junior Chamber International also known as Jaycees - who have served younger professionals in the areas of leadership development, networking, and community involvement for over a century. At its prime in the mid-1970s, JCI had over 350,000 members. Over time, membership has diminished to approximately 12,000. This is not to say that today’s young professionals are left to their own devices. Over the past several years, chambers of commerce around the world have established committees or suborganizations to support those starting out on their professional journeys.

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In 2017, a group of young professionals in the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce founded FLOW - Future Leaders of West Hartford. It was established with three primary driving principles: social engagement, education and philanthropy. Chamber Outreach & Development Coordinator Kate Kobs and Membership Coordinator Jessie Bouclier support the committee members with program development, events, and marketing efforts. The committee creates programming, provides resources, and hosts networking opportunities to support the unique needs of emerging professionals “FLOW works to provide opportunities for young professionals (age 21 to 40ish) who live, work, or play in the West Hartford area. “We have had many social events that we use as fundraisers for local charities including Connecticut Foodshare, The Town that Cares, The Children’s Museum, and The Noah

Webster House,”” says Bouclier.

“Since COVID-19 has changed the way many of our businesses are being run and how young professionals are living their lives, we have shifted to fit the needs of the community. We have done Zoom Business After Hours, Trivia Fundraisers, outdoor events celebrating businesses launching and more!”

Maura Keating of Keating Agency Insurance is the current chairperson of the committee. Her brother Ryan is one of the founding members of the organization. “FLOW has been such a great way to connect with likeminded young professionals in the Chamber and local community by providing social, philanthropic and business events,” says Keating. “I enjoy going to any Chamber event knowing that FLOW members who I have created great connections with will also be there, as well as partnering with other young professional groups across Connecticut. Becoming

another group in winter of 2022. In addition, YPLNCT hosted a Statewide Virtual Speed Networking event and conducted a CT Statewide Survey on the initial impact of COVID-19.

While organizations such as JCI have grown smaller, this does not by any means indicate a lack of enthusiasm for today’s young professionals to engage with each other as they build the foundations for the future. Given their collective passion for addressing the evolving needs of the business landscape, the future certainly looks bright.

group open to all young professional organizations in CT,” says Strout. “The collective has over fifteen active young professional groups and is growing!

Established in May of 2020, the group meets monthly to share best practices, plan statewide events, and share resources. The virtual world has broken down existing geographical barriers to collaboration.”

In the last year, the group has had some impressive accomplishments.

They coordinated a 10-hour Racial Ethnic Equity (REE) training for 25 young professional group leaders funded

by DanburyWorks. This training was designed to introduce REE and equip leaders with the tools they need to evaluate their organizations and begin to identify areas where best practices can be applied. It also included virtual panel discussions for Diversity Equity & Inclusion in the workplace. An extension of this initiative was the AntiRacist Book Club which kicked off in late spring 2021 with plans for

the Chairperson of FLOW was especially fun since I work with my brother who helped found the organization and still attends our social events.”

Several other chambers of commerce in Connecticut have their own young professionals organizations such as The Buzz (Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce), FUEL (Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce), and SPARC (CT River Valley Chamber). There is even a statewide coalition of young professionals’ groups named CTYP - Connecticut Young Professionals.

FLOW is actively engaged with this group and, by extension, other YP groups across the state. The onset of COVID-19 created an opportunity for groups across the state to pool resources and collaborate on a number of programs and initiatives.

Melanie Strout, Director of Civic Engagement at the University of Bridgeport, is a founding member of Young Professional Network for Connecticut. “YPLNCT is a collective

Christopher Conway Executive Director West Hartford Chamber of Commerce 860.521.2300 - office 860.810.5663 - cell cconway@whchamber.com www.whchamber.com

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 45

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 47

MacCallum Family Fund for Animal Welfare

Established in 2013, The MacCallum Family Fund for Animal Welfare is an endowed field-of-interest fund. The fund accepts donations from the community to provide in perpetuity resources for sick and suffering animals who require extensive and often expensive medical treatments to prolong their lives.

The fund’s program is currently available at Sand Road Animal Hospital and the Millerton Veterinary Practice. Pet owners must fill out an application that is reviewed by a board of four community members.

In order for the fund to continue helping dog and cat owners, it needs donations. Donations are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of donations go to the foundation.

To donate, visit The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut at cfnwct.org. Pet owners in financial need can pick up applications for assistance at the two veterinary hospitals. For more information, call 860-626-1245 or email at info@cfnwct.org.

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WEDDINGS

LOVE IN THE AGE OF COVID

Kathryn Lee Newton & Matthew Redman Photos by Amber Jones Photography; amberjones.com; 860.550.5454

K

atie Newton and Matt Redman officially started dating in September 2011, when she was a junior and he was a senior at Conard High School. But although their relationship was sparked when they were both jumpers on the track team the previous spring, it really began back in 1998, when a then 4-year-old Matt met 3-year-old Katie at the Wolcott School playground, and shared his McDonald’s French fries with her.

Even during high school, it was obvious that Katie and Matt were great

together. They were silly, they baked muffins and cooked dinners together, Katie painted Matt’s No. 7 on her cheek for the Conard-Hall football game, they took walks, they washed the car.

Matt headed to UConn, and the following year Katie headed to Storrs as well. Their relationship grew stronger as they created new memories.

Nantucket has long been Katie’s happy place, and she grew up spending parts of every summer on the island with her paternal grandparents. On 4th

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of July weekend in 2018, Matt talked Katie into a pre-dinner beach walk. With the rest of the family looking on, Matt got down on one knee and asked Katie to marry him. The ring he slipped onto her finger was extra special because the diamond had belonged to her maternal grandmother, who died before she was born but shared the same birthday.

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Katie said yes to the dress at The White Dress in Clinton, plans were being finalized, and then … COVID. The wedding was rescheduled for a Thursday in late July, and ultimately postponed until Thursday, July 15, 2021.

The silver lining in rescheduling twice due to COVID was that the weather, along with everything else, was fantastic.

For many who attended, it was the first large in-person event in well over a year, and the dance floor was packed with smiling faces.

The night was filled with love and joy as Katie and Matt made their lifelong commitment to each other, surrounded

by family and friends who came from near and far.

Following a honeymoon in Hawaii, where they did lots of hiking, swam with the turtles, and jumped out of a plane, the couple lives in the West Hartford home they bought in 2019. Katie, who earned her bachelor’s and doctorate at UConn, works as a physical therapist at PTSMC in West Hartford. Matt, who has a bachelor’s from UConn and a master’s from CCSU, is a special education teacher at Avon Middle School.

Katie is the daughter of Ted and Ronni Newton of West Hartford. Matt is the son of Shirley Redman of West Hartford and Jeff Redman, also of West Hartford. n

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QUINTA DO TEDO for all the HOLIDAYS December 2021

G

rowing up, I remember watching my father make his Winter Party Glogg with port wine. As I got older I fell in love with this tradition of warm, spicey wine at the holidays. This September I focused on travel on the Douro River, and the Douro River is all about port wine. During my Emerald River Cruise I made new, delicious cocktails made with port – simple and delicious. Before the holidays, what better focus than a warm and rich wine that stars in and complements in new and old recipes to celebrate!

One of the stops on my Emerald Douro River Cruise was Quinta do Tedo. The confluence of the Douro and Tedo Rivers, home to Quinta do Tedo, which we learned was actually an ecological reserve, had amazing vistas, with vineyards as far as the eye could see. Our guides shared the history and tradition of port, leading us through beautiful grounds, and treating us to in-depth tastings of their ruby and tawny ports, learning the differences between them. Needless to say, I purchased several bottles of port in their gift store and can’t wait to share them at Thanksgiving.

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Afterwards I strolled about looking at the courtyard of their bed and breakfast and saw a door open – and in the office I met one of the owners, Kay Bouchard. As she walked us around her property, she shared part of her fascinating story with years of experience. Before I knew it, we were at their pool and restaurant, which both overlooked the vineyard – the very definition of picturesque. She told me that you can stay and relax, bike, bird watch, explore, but if you desired, you could help with the

harvest and make port. Immediately I thought, what a wonderful way to come with my family and make new traditions! What a wonderful way to connect with an ancient tradition, harvesting and making wine, outside,

connected with nature, that you could enjoy with your family and friends of any age. I asked Kay if she would allow me to interview her after I returned home so I could learn more – here is the result!

What were the influences, regional styles or wine makers, and wineries that were seminal in inspiring you?

My French Burgundian husband Vincent was looking for vineyards to buy, and we were living in Napa Valley at the time (1989). Viticultural land was already too expensive in Napa Valley, so we started to search in Europe. France was out of the question as Vincent's company Bouchard Cooperages imports barrels from France and he needed to continue to develop the export market for barrels.

What did you learn from your background in the US and France that you brought to the Douro?

Understanding that vineyard quality, location, and uniqueness is of utmost importance.

Why did you pick the port wine region? Where does this vineyard fit into the history of the Douro River?

It is the world's first demarcated (1756)

and regulated wine region for the unique port wine.

What are the differences between port and regular wine?

Port is fortified, meaning the fermentation is stopped by the addition of aguardente (brandy) that makes the wine sweet and increases alcohol to 19%.

Do you make your own brandy?

If not, please tell me about the brandy and why you use it?

We purchase the brandy from different sources, and we purchase a more expensive brandy that allows the port to be less alcoholic in taste and smell.

Our ports are known already to be more vinous (less sweet) and the alcohol is well integrated into the port.

What happens to the grapes that do not make it into your port?

Red wines (Douro DOC/Douro DOC Reserva and Douro DOC Grande Reserva Savedra and Rosé wine.

wine in Beaune, France since 1731 as Bouchard Père et Fils. However, only the first son from each branch of the Bouchard family can work at the winery, he was #5 out of 8 brothers and sisters and was invited by Robert Mondavi to come and do the harvest in California and stayed - later selling barrels with his company with an office in Napa, California. For myself, while growing up we always enjoyed wine at our dinner table, together with good food. My first job after university studies was with Heublein, at the time a big player in the wine world, that ironically was also importer for Bouchard Père et Fils, and Vincent and I would meet 7 years later. I promoted and sold for Inglenook (sold later to Coppola) and my territory was San Diego County. After that I moved to Italy and worked in the wine industry there. Then in 1988, while spending

a year in San Francisco, with plans to return to Italy I met the love of my life, Vincent, and remained in California. But we always wanted to have something of our own in terms of viticultural land and or a winery, and found Quinta do Tedo and purchased the property in 1992.

How is that wine influenced by your backgrounds?

Vincent's Burgundian family has made

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Why did you pick the vineyard that you did?

This is 18 hectares (about 35 acres) of Classification A viticulture rating, the highest in Douro Valley, similar to "Grand Cru" in Burgundy, in a location that was not too isolated and the fact that the Tedo river is also home to an ecological reserve - hence the migratory bird Oenanthe Leucurus that is our logo.

What kind of training system do you use for the vines?

Guyot or cordon training, 4 wire system, 1.3 M high What pairs well with your ports?

- Cheese/chocolates/other?

For our tawny family ports with flavors of nut/orange peel/ spices - we recommend creamy desserts

What is the best way to enjoy your ports?

In the company of others and at any time of the day! Enjoy slightly chilled -tawny ports are best enjoyed slightly chilled (55°F to 58°F) whereas ruby ports (to include Vintage and LBV) are best enjoyed slightly below room temperature (60°F to 64°F). If served too warm the alcohol is more apparent.

How do you balance tradition and still stand out?

Use modern methods in winemaking while respecting tradition. We have modern presses, and we still foot tread as we believe that the best extraction for color and flavor comes from foot treading. Purple feet = Promising Port! We have a horse, Tedo, who plows the land in January, and we have a tractor for a replanted parcel. Be stewards of the land - we practice organic viticulture, certified since 2009 - that is forward thinking, but we do so by respecting the traditional ways that are already more organic than not.

As port is a highly complex subject that needs education to explain the differences of the variations on the theme of making port, we have a very

Did you keep old root stock?

Yes, but we have replanted some parcels over the years.

How old is your current root stock?

As old as 50 - 75 years and as young as 8 years.

How long does it take for the vine to produce grapes?

Normally 4 years.

Tell me about the microclimate of the Douro.

Like the saying "3 months of winter and 9 months of Hell" - meaning 9 months of heat, and for this reason port wine excels here as do red and rosé wines!

This is a Mediterranean climate, with approximately 18" of rain annually.

What is your soil structure?

Schist

(panna cotta / crème brulée / white fruit desserts - apple pie/peach cobbler/ apricot tart, nut desserts and hard and soft cheeses - even sautéed foie gras.

For our ruby family ports - with flavors of dark berries/chocolate/cistus/ dense and complex - we recommend chocolate and dark fruit desserts (flourless chocolate cake/blackberry tart/ mixed berries/flavorful cheeses - blue and hard cheeses.

competent team at Tedo that includes our tour guides who take time to explain the details to our visitors. We have invested in our team to make a better life for all. We stand out also strongly in social media - so important today.

Our saying is "be professional, educational and personable", and I do think that the visitor feels this at Quinta do Tedo.

Tell me about your B and B and what a visitor can experience at your winery.

We have 5 rooms, and we offer a slice of our life as a working farm, located next to an ecological reserve (Tedo river) - they are cozy, and the decor incorporates what Portugal is known for - cork walls / cork/linen wall hangings / barrel hoops on the walls / warm colors/ hospitality with modern facilities, but not a 5-star hotel. We offer delicious food in a small venue overlooking the Tedo. Bikes/canoes/paddle boards/ hiking trails and bird watching are available for our guest's enjoyment and a tour and tasting is included in the price of the room.

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Where can we order your wine in the U.S.A.?

We have a wonderful DTC (Direct to Consumer) program via Farah Trading Company, one of our importers in the US, so that the US customer can have our bounty delivered to your home or business - check it out below: quintadotedo.com/usa-port-wineorders-shipping-douro-valley

I hope this story inspires you in the way it inspired me, to revisit old traditions as well as make some new ones.

Spark your sense of curiosity by trying some Port wine for the 2021 holidays.

When you are all gathered together and enjoying your festivities, float the idea of heading to Portugal and see who is up for a delicious adventure! photo credit: Odile Bouchard Marketing and Brand Ambassador at our family's business, Quinta do Tedo.

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Lisa Martin, Travel Advisor, Luxury Cruise Specialist, ACC, Cruise Planners; Land and Cruise 860.929.0708 lisa.martin@ cruiseplanners.com TotalTravelToday.com

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Assuring that every detail of you your final wishesguests, sponsors, vendors, donors and volunteers for makThank to our generous will fulfilled. ing our 12thbe Annual Ron’s Run for the Roses the most successful and spectacular ever!

For more information: ronsrun.org, e-mail info@ronsrun.org or call 860-521-0500.

With many years of experience, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you through this process.

860.688.2200 www.carmonfuneralhome.com Windsor • Poquonock • Granby • Suffield • South Windsor • Rockville • Vernon • Avon

LION’S SHARE 860.836.6531 • lionssharefamilyservices.com

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Only one company brings you the area’s BEST events producers of WeHa Bear Fair WeHa Wheels Best of West Hartford Taste of West Hartford WeHa-Ha Comedy Nights WeHa Pop ups Strategic Marketing | Event Marketing | Social & Mutli-Media Production | Publishing

CONNECTING YOU TO YOUR AUDIENCE CONTACT: TOM HICKEY | TOM@20MEDIA20.COM | 860.508.4032

20MEDIA20.COM

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60 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

We have created a new feature where you can create and publish your obituary notice.

Go to

obituaries.we-ha.com for more information A place for remembering loved ones.

A space for sharing memories.

West Hartford Funeral Homes

SHEEHAN-HILBORN-BREEN Funeral Home

Hebrew Funeral Association Inc.

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 61

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

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

Experience We-Ha brings the town of West Hartford, CT to life on a mobile device while engaging the community via a digital, multi-media platform.

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62 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation

THE HEBREW CENTER FOR HEALTH AND REHABILITATION:

Experience 5-Star Nursing Care Complemented with our HKC Certified Kosher Meals HKC

‫כשר‬

CERTIFIED KOSHER

At the Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation, we understand that maintaining your religious beliefs and principles is fundamental in continued enrichment of life.

Our Kosher meal services allow residents to maintain their dietary requirements throughout their stay with us. At the Hebrew Center, we ensure we follow all principles of kashrut including purchase, storage, preparation, and service.

At the Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation, we offer a variety of services and amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care • Passport to Rehabilitation Program • Dementia Care • Respite Care Program • Palliative Care and Hospice Services Coordination

OUR AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Barber/Beauty Shop • Café • Cultural Menus • Laundry and housekeeping services • Patient and Family education

We’re only minutes away - but miles ahead in care! Contact us today to learn more.

1 Abrahms Boulevard West Hartford, CT 06117 860.523.3800 www.HebrewCenterRehab.com

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find us online all the time at westhartfordmagazine.com

PRESENTED BY HARTFORD HEALTHCARE INSTITUTE OF LIVING

WITH SUPPORT FROM

One Elizabeth Street Hartford, CT 06105

One of the many CHS members who understands and cares.

On behalf of the Children’s Charity Ball Committee & the Bridge Family Center THANK YOU Your generous support of our virtual Ball raised $201,000 for children and families in our community A special thank you to our Diamond Sponsor – Pratt & Whitney

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64 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

There’s only one place to be seen by everyone.

And it’s FREE!

WeHaCAL Introducing West Hartford’s all-inclusive online event calendar!

List your own event by going to WeHaCAL.com and click on ADD MY EVENT.

WeHaCAL

For more information or to advertise on this free service, contact Donna Edelstein at 860-833-0839 or Donna@20media20.com Made possible in part from our sponsors:

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Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine 65

Best of West Hartford People’s Choice

WINNER

2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

W th!

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WINNER 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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ORDER YOUR Best of

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A. 8’ x 2’ horizontal banner $195 B. 4’ x 2’ horizontal banner $125 C. 2’ x 4’ vertical banner $125 D. Glass trophy $112 E. Window decal Finalist $10 F. Window decal Winner $10 G. Winner Tee-shirt front logo and back text $30.

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2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

66 Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

Front & Back Front only

To order contact

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To order contact Sarrasin Leslie Iarusso at Hillary Pasternak at 860.930.9736 or leslie@20media20.com hillary@20media20.com | 860.416.8649

Duncaster is

LESS UH-OH!

100% BACK-UP GENERATOR POWERED!

MORE LET’S GO! “When bad weather strikes, I don’t worry—I go take a dip in the pool! Or grab lunch with friends.

Or get creative in the art studio. At Duncaster, residents don’t shovel snow, clean up broken tree limbs or stress about storm damage. We don’t even worry about losing power—Duncaster has a generator for 100% back-up! When the weather gets crazy outside, we stay safe and comfortable and enjoy everything there is to do inside.”

– Susan Aller, Duncaster resident since 2015

“That’s why I made

my move to Duncaster.”

Maintenance-free living and LifeCare security—just two of the ways Duncaster makes aging easier and more fulfilling.

Learn more at an upcoming LifeCare 101 webinar:

December 1 or 10 at 11:00 a.m.

To RSVP, call (860) 265-8961 or visit Duncaster.org/Move Keep informed of your options: go to Duncaster.org/Move to receive your FREE Duncaster Life Plan Guide!

40 Loeffler Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002 • (860) 726-2000 • Duncaster.org

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