West Hartford Magazine Feb/Mar 13

The March of Dimes‌ touching the lives of our littlest residents!

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February March 2013 westhartfordmagazine.com

Getting FIT for Spring West Hartford has many options!

Vacation Homes To Rent, or Not To Rent?

february I march

2013

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43 Glen Marcella and Karen Roche from Playground Fitness.

FEATURES 19 I

DEPARTMENTS

GETTING FIT FOR SPRING Irene W. Yukash

If you are looking for a new fitness routine, West Hartford has options, and here are six of them.

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HEALTHY BABIES ARE WORTH THE WAIT Nikki A. Sambitsky

The March of Dimes (which is celebrating 75 years of life-saving achievements), touches the lives of our littlest residents!

INSERT: SPECIAL SECTION Home Design District of West Hartford – Meet the business owners who make this destination “Your road to a better home!”

8 I FROM THE PUBLISHER

Join in on the FUN raising!

10 I PEOPLE

The Bridge Family Center Covenant Preparatory School

14 I EVENTS

31 I BEAUTY

Maybe Mom was Right

33 I WINE

A Matter of Taste

36 I WEDDINGS

Barrieau & Iacovazzi Levine & Brogadir

Mayor’s Charity Ball

15 I SPECIAL SECTION

Presenting, the Art of Curb Appeal, by Jeff Hodges

22 I TRAVEL

Antarctica, The Adventure of a Lifetime!

26 I GARDEN Grow indoor herbs to bring fragrance and flavor to life

40 I FINANCE

Vacation homes: to rent or not to rent?

50 I SUBSCRIPTION CLUB Member listing

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SPECIAL SECTION Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s “Impact” newsletter

ON THE COVER: Photographer Patty Swanson has donated her time and expertise to The March of Dimes by photographing parents with their preemie babies.

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838 Farmington Avenue, Farmington 860.679.7700 monarchjewelers.com Fine Jewelry & Gifts. Open Monday-Saturday. We buy gold, silver and platinum. Free, store-front parking.

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Burst of Light

CARAVAGGIO and His Legacy

Publisher Thomas P. Hickey, II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com Chief Operations Officer Joy Brigham Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com Managing Editor Lisa Lelas editor@westhartfordmagazine.com Publication Designer Jennifer Inocencio graphics@westhartfordmagazine.com Style Editor Bridgette Larcada style@westhartfordmagazine.com Interns Trenton Jackson, Lauren Milka Publishing Advisor Jonathan Moffly Contributing Writers & Columnists Thomas J. Filomeno, Tammy Kroll, Nikki Sambitsky, Karla Dalley, Ertan S.Sener, Norma Spadola, Irene W. Yukash Contributing Photographers Brian Ambrose, Carla Ten Eyck, Ira Lippke Studios, K. Zwick Photography, Patty Swanson, Powerstation, Trenton Jackson Print Advisor Bob Carr

March 6–June 16, 2013 Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art wadsworthatheneum.org

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998 Farmington Ave., Suite 205, West Hartford, CT 06107 www.westhartfordmagazine.com office 860-523-1800 West Hartford Magazine is published six times a year by WHMedia, Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year for $29. Newsstand $4.95 each.

To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, 998 Farmington Avenue, Suite 205, West Hartford, CT 06107; www.westhartfordmagazine.com. EDITORIAL & LETTERS: editor@westhartfordmagazine.com – please include full name, town and phone number (for verification only, not for publication). ADVERTISING: 860-523-1800. ©2013 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 commissioned for articles published by West Hartford Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.

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Bookkeeper Debbie Roberts bookkeeping@westhartfordmagazine.com Proofreader Barbara Gordon

Correction The "Year Round Giving" story in the November/December 2012 issue listed the founding presidents of the Rotary Club of West Hartford, rather than the 10 past presidents. Here are the organization's recent past presidents: Elizabeth Horyn 2011-2012 Lou Vamvakas 2010-2011 Bruce Stanger 2009-2010 Michael Howard 2008-2009 Henry Mondschein 2007-2008 David Mangs 2006-2007 Eileen Rau 2005-2006 Deborah Buckley 2004-2005 David Jones 2003-2004 Peter Kovalevich 2002-2003

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PUBLISHER Westhartfordites … Join in on the FUN raising!

Tom and Shevon Hickey at The Bridge Family Center’s Children’s Charity Ball in January. West Hartford Magazine is a media sponsor for the annual event. (See page 12 for more photos).

For the past 14 years Shevon and I have kicked off each new year at the annual Children’s Charity Ball. We enjoyed the evening but most importantly, the event raised a record breaking $225,000 for The Bridge Family Center. WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE was proud to be their media sponsor, and our donated live auction item called “Night Out On The Town” raised a record $3,000 for The Bridge!

Consider this your invitation to join WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE at the first annual Town That Cares party on March 15th at the Pond House. When David Ryan Polgar introduced me to this event he said West Hartford needs LESS GOWN and MORE TOWN when it comes to “fun” raising in town. This casual attire, night out, with advance tickets priced at only $50 will benefit West Hartford’s Food Bank. We are pleased to share our Media Sponsorship with West Hartford Patch. Patch Editor Ronni Newton, and Sales Manager Kaushik Makati and I have been looking for a way to work more closely together and we feel this is the perfect opportunity. So please join us for a casual, FUN night out. (More information and ticket order form is available at: www.westhartfordnewcomersclub.com) We will welcome spring to West Hartford by spending a night under the stars on the front lawn of Town Hall on Saturday, May 11th by attending The Mayor’s Charity Ball.

WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE will be the media sponsor once again so we encourage you to join us. See Mayor Scott Slifka’s letter on page 12 and plan on joining us.

The following Thursday evening, (May 16th) The New Children’s Museum will bring their 17th annual gala to their grounds on Trout Brook Drive, under, you guessed it, another tent. We are honored to be their media sponsor as well.

Publishing Calendar for 2013 Our Team at WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE has decided to make some very important, and we feel necessary, changes to our Publishing Calendar for 2013. We will still publish six issues but they will not follow the traditional magazine publishing calendar (first of the month, every other month). We do not attract national advertising so there is no need (right now) for us to follow that schedule. It is more important that we arrive in your home and on the newsstand when you welcome us and that should not be while you are on vacation or during a religious holiday. Check out www.westhartfordmagazine.com for more details. Please let us know what you think.

Please consider joining our Subscription Club (see page42) so we can guarantee delivery to your home or office and you won’t miss a single issue. Worth noting that if you JOIN the CLUB you get lots of perks.

New Arrival

Thomas P. Hickey II Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com

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photography by TRENTON JACKSON

BEST WISHES to our Publication Designer, Jen Inocencio on the birth of her second daughter as we went to press with this issue.

Your next issue of WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE will be in your home just after we all have filed our taxes. In the meantime, no matter what cause you support, buy a ticket, volunteer, or make a donation and join us in all our local FUN raising!

JP

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PEOPLE

Emcee for the evening, Scot Haney, with ball organizer and Director of Community Services for The Bridge Judy Bierly.

Children’s

Charity Ball The Bridge Family Center Executive Director, Margaret Hann.

West Hartford community and business leaders enjoyed the “sunshine and butterfly-themed” Children’s Charity Ball, a fundraiser for The Bridge Family Center, at the Hartford Golf Club on January 19. For the twelfth year in a row, Scot Haney, Channel 3 Meteorologist and Co-Host of “Better CT,” entertained 380 guests as emcee and auctioneer for the evening. After bidding and raising their paddles (for a total net profit of $225,000), many guests danced to live band Shaded Soul until midnight. Ball organizer and Director of Community Services for The Bridge Family Center Judy Bierly said that this year’s gala set a new fundraising record. Peter and Cynthia Gutermann were the Honorary Chairs for the 2013 Children’s Charity Ball.

Find more about The Bridge Family Center at www.bridgefamilycenter.org.

Honorary Chairs, Peter and Cynthia Gutermann. Peter is Vice President & General Counsel, UTC Propulsion & Aerospace Systems.

Josh Gorman, a senior vice president for Rockville Bank, a Sapphire Sponsor of the gala, and his wife, Christina.

Olaf and West Hartford Town Council member Judy Casperson.

Dr. Jason Mielcarek and Dr. Steve Hall of Dental Associates, a Silver Sponsor of the ball.

Dr. Felicia Wilion, a pediatrician with ProHealth Physicians, a Gold Sponsor of the ball, and Jay Frankel, Pratt & Whitney, the Presenting Sponsor of the gala.

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Sean and Janice O’Donnell, representing ING, a Sapphire Sponsor of the ball.

photography by TRENTON JACKSON, and POWERSTATION

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Covenant Preparatory School ‘s Annual dinner:

(above): Keith Hubert and Marvin Coote. (above right): Jeff Digel, Joe and Pam Lorenzo. (right): Noreen Selinger, Barbara Carter, Joe Selinger, and Jim Carter.

Covenant Preparatory School held its 3rd annual 'Reach Far' dinner in the fall at the CT Convention Center. The event was a great success with more than 350 friends and supporters in attendance.

Guests bid on auction and raffle prizes, including an African photo safari, to raise money for the school. Brad Drazen from NBC Connecticut News was the emcee.

The highlight of the evening was presentations from New York Times Best Selling authors, Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. Rameck Hunt and Dr. George Jenkins, who wrote “The Pact”, “We Beat the Street” and “The Bond”, based on their true life pact that they would stick together, graduate college and become doctors.

Covenant Prep is an independent, tuition-free middle school (grades 5-8) for under-served boys in the Hartford area. ww.covenantprep.org

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February 1, 2013 Dear Friends and Neighbors: Thank you for your support of the Mayor’s Charity Ball, now celebrating its 14th year as West Hartford’s premier community event.

Though I am proud to lend my title to this event, the Mayor’s Charity Ball is really about bringing the West Hartford community together to support two important non-profits that are so vital to our town.

The 2013 ball will once again benefit HopeWorks and Playhouse on Park and will be held on May 11th under a grand tent on the front lawn of the West Hartford Town Hall. As a new twist, the ball will have an Old Hollywood Regency theme this year. In addition, if you host a table of 10, the tenth ticket is free.

As preparations are underway to make this year the most successful ball yet, the board is actively seeking auction donations, sponsors, and of course ticket sales. The website can provide additional information and can be found at www.themayorscharityball.org.

West Hartford certainly has received a great deal of national attention by earning the Top 10 “Best Cities in the Nation for the Next Decade” by Kiplinger’s Magazine, and “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the Nation” by CNNMoney.com, as well as several other national mentions.

Again, I thank you for your continued support of the Mayor’s Charity Ball and look forward to a wonderful evening.

Sincerely, R. Scott Slifka, Mayor

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Getting FIT for Spring If you’re looking for a new fitness routine, West Hartford has options! story and photography

by Irene W. Yukash

If you are like many who need extra motivation and inspiration to give yourself a fresh start to fitness, you’re in the right place!

Fitness centers are plentiful and fitness classes in abundance these days as West Hartfordites are jumping in to get fit!

D’Mario Sowah, owner and trainer at Akua Ba, Memorial Road.

february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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Akua Ba 87 Memorial Road Tucked away in the corner of Blue Back Square is this hidden gem. You might not have actually even seen it open when you drive by because this fitness center has no set hours. D’Mario Sowah and five other trainers work based upon their clients schedules. Sowah opened Akua Ba five years ago with the goals of promoting physical as well as mental health.

“Our whole methodology here is really getting to know the individual. Getting to know how you think about yourself, how you view food, find out what your environment is like, understand any tragedies you’ve had in your life, and what stress you are enduring,” said Sowah. “All those things factor into your life.”

Assisting in goals like losing weight and obtaining an envious beach body are only part of the package at Akua Ba. Sowah sets out to change lifestyles and habits by building self-esteem and leadership while maintaining a challenging environment.

In addition to personal training, Akua Ba offers programs. Indicated in the name, STF-90 is a 90-day program that holds you accountable with a workout journal and specific goals. Boxing courses and muscle confusion classes are also offered and dates can be found on akuabafitness.com.

Prices vary depending on the course and personal training hours are sold in three bundled packages starting in the $400 dollar range. New members are invited in for a free assessment.

“I want to make people happy because it makes me happy in doing so- that’s how I find my happiness,” added Sowah.

Mandell Jewish Community Center 335 Bloomfield Avenue West Hartfordites seeking a sense of community should head toward this ‘Jack of all trades’ gym, which is a fitness center, so-

Mandell Jewish Community Center, Bloomfield Ave.

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cial hub, and event space all under the same roof.

“Our motto is that you belong here, we’re really open to everyone of all faiths and backgrounds. We offer cultural programs,” said Renee St. Louis, Marketing Director. A seasonal program book can be picked up at the front desk. “We are able to do anything at this facility,” added St. Louis.

A tour is recommended to new members, as one could easily get lost in the spacious facility. Fitness wise, rooms are dedicated to a pool, basketball court, racquetball, suspension training, fitness classes, and several rooms for children’s fitness.

Apart from their babysitting room and programs, the JCC has an entire kids-only room filled with exercise machines, Wii Fit, and a rock-climbing wall. Don’t worry mom and dad, a staff member always monitors it.

Whether you’re a parent of one or ten (under the age of 24), you pay the same; $100 per month for the family. Individual memberships run at $66 per month, and college students receive a discounted rate with a letter from the registrar’s office. But not everyone has to be a member to partake in some of the JCC’s offerings.

“We offer cultural programs, film festivals, book festivals, most open to both JCC members and non members,” said St. Louis.

When the workout is over, members can visit the Spa or kosher café, both located within the JCC. Anyone thinking about joining should contact the Member Services Center at (860) 236-4571. “I think a lot of people come here for the friendships, the classes and the people that they meet,” added St. Louis.

AnyTime Fitness 340 North Main Street Maybe you’re the type of gym-goer that prefers a more intimate setting and flexible schedule. If that’s the case, this 24-hour facility might be for you.

“We’re the gym for busy people. We generally attract people who don’t really like to work out but know that it’s important to them,” said Andrew Breton, owner of Anytime Fitness. “Psychology and fitness go hand in hand, when you help your body, it helps your mind.”

Breton believes that working out is comparable to building a house in which the proper tools and instruction on how to use those tools is necessary. “We try to provide

A woman exercises at AnyTime Fitness, North Main St.

Tim Roesch, trainer at CrossFit Relentles, New Park Ave.

everybody with the education when they come in here to get them the results that they sign up for,” added Breton.

AnyTime Fitness focuses on member engagement, and in addition to offering memberships that range from $30-$40 per month, they offer personal coaching in a one-on-one, semi-private and group setting.

Not only is AnyTime Fitness open 365 days a year, but they also give members their own key to the place. It not only opens the North Main Street location but all locations in and out of the U.S. A free two-week trial is offered to anyone wishing to test drive this gym before signing up. Both yearly contracts as well as month-to-month memberships are available.

“Start sensibly, get your starting point, get your baseline, and meet with a professional to make sure you’re identifying your limitations,” Breton sums up.

Playground Fitness 635 New Park Avenue Childhood days of jumping, skipping, playing and running are no longer a thing of the past thanks to this establishment located at 635 New Park Avenue.

“We believe that adults should move like children. Our whole exercise motto is based on the premise that adults used to be children and they can still do those things they used to love doing, their bodies remember it and their bodies still crave it,” said co-owner, Glen Marcella.

Marcella collaborated with Karen Roche and opened Playground Fitness two years ago. “We want to challenge people and produce a little bit of a nostalgia feel and some laughter in the process,” said Marcella. His combined experience in the fitness industry as well as experience as a father has inspired this discipline. The establishment prides itself on creating a challenging work-

out for even the most elite athletes.

“There’s nothing wrong with having a sense of renewal. I would challenge people to say hey, let’s think of a new challenge of how to transform your body and fitness.

Start thinking simplicity and fitness,” said Marcella. New members joining in January can lock in on a $125 per month contract instead of $145 per month. Although they are primarily a gym for gym-goers, Marcella and Roche encourage anyone to try it out.

“We often ask people ‘are you playground fit?’ and we challenge them to come in and find out if they are,” added Marcella.

healthy living and social responsibility.

Within those 3 pillars, we have programming for our community,” says Executive Director, Shawn Fongemie.

Programs are based on the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. From swimming lessons to basketball teams, members of the Y work to instill the importance of these values in children.

“We’re not a class, we’re a team. We’re here to practice like a team and work like a team,” added Amanda Gorski, Program Director.

While the actual gym facility is located in the St. Thomas Seminary Archdiocese Center, 467 Bloomfield Avenue, registration can be done at the YMCA office on North Main Street.

Fongemie surmizes, “At the end of the day, we’re one of the largest non-profits. We raise money every year, so families who can’t otherwise afford to come to a swim lesson, or can’t afford to come to a camp…can!”

West Hartford YMCA 12 North Main Street

CrossFit Relentless 635 New Park Avenue

“The Y is for youth development,

If you are one for variety, CrossFit may be

a fit for you. Their concept is functional movements, constantly varied and performed at high intensity.

“Constantly varied, meaning that it’s a different workout every single time,” said CrossFit Coach, Tim Roesch. Their program consists of power lifts, jump rope, calisthenics, and more…working at a high intensity for a relatively short amount of time.

“We take any level athlete from a division one athlete to a stay at home mother and make them stronger, make them fitter, and make them more useful,” said Roesch.

Open seven days per week, the facility offers personal training in an hour long class setting. “We want to show people that this works. Most people, when they come in and try the class for the first time, realize how different it is,” said Roesch.

At $110 per month, CrossFit asks for a six-month commitment from new- comers.

More information about the classes and membership can be found at crossfitrelentless.com.

“If you want to change your life, you can have results or excuses, not both,” added Roesch before heading to teach his class.

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february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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TRAVEL

Group trekking in Antartica.

Travel Tips

The Adventure of a Lifetime!

by Norma Spadola

I

f you asked people what their “dream” destination would be, their responses might be predictable, ranging from the romance of cities (London, Paris, Rome) to idyllic or remote islands (Tahiti, Capri, St Bart’s ), or exotic cultural destinations (India, Africa, South America and Southeast Asia). So, it may surprise you to know that one of travel’s hottest “dream” destinations in recent years is in fact… cold! Would you have guessed Antarctica?

Considered a desert, it is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth! When the 2007 movie, “The Bucket List” featured Antarctica, the interest and demand by travelers of all ages to visit the “White Continent” seemed to skyrocket. Perhaps for

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some, it represents the challenge of conquering a land of unimaginable extremes, or maybe being part of the growing sustainable tourism effort, while for others, it was merely a way to mark a significant birthday milestone in a unique and memorable way.

One frequently asked question is “when is the best time to go to Antarctica?” The answer depends upon your expectations of the experience. The beginning of the season is considered late October until early November, when ice pack is thick and pristine, affording photographers extraordinary opportunities for breathtaking landscape shots. The penguins are courting and mating. Peak season runs from late December until the end of January, when daylight lasts for 20-24 hours and the weather is warmest.

During late summer (February-March)

whale watching is at its’ best and the penguin chicks begin to sport their feather coats to face the pending winter on their own while the adult penguins shed their coats.

A friend once described this experience as a cold weather safari! Wildlife on land, in the air and in the sea surrounds you. Most prolific are the penguins, with each region of the Antarctic Peninsula boasting a different species. The South Shetland Islands are home to the Chinstrap penguins, so named for the distinctive black stripe under their chin. The largest colony of Gentoo penguins can be found nesting in the islands of and around the Antarctic peninsula. Adelie penguin rookeries are found on Paulet Is-

photography courtesy of NORMA SPADOLA

• Peak season in Antarctica runs December -January, when daylight lasts for 20-24 hours and the weather is warmest.

• Travel via smaller expedition ship to enjoy a real ‘up close and personal’ experience with the wildlife.

• The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators provides guidance for all visitors www.iaato.org.

land, also home to the predator leopard seal. The Falkland Islands, most memorable to the American market for the war in 1982, is home to the Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins.

South Georgia boasts the King penguin, along with the unique South Georgia pipit, the only songbird found in Antarctica!

Here, too, one finds the southern Elephant seals (half of the world’s population) as well as 95% of the world’s southern fur seals. Minke, Humpback and the incredibly huge Blue whale abound in these waters.

While ‘inexpensive’ is not a word to be used in the same sentence when considering a journey to Antarctica, the investment in this adventure of a lifetime is warranted.

Since the season to visit is a mere 5 months long, advance reservations are mandatory.

Travel by ship is the most popular way to visit Antarctica, but understand that ships carrying more than 500 guests are not allowed to land passengers in these waters.

As a result, a true Antarctic experience can only be had traveling on smaller expedition ships where you will enjoy a real “up close and personal” experience with the wildlife .

Off-ship excursions are a great way to get up close and personal.

By law, only 100 passengers are allowed to step foot on Antarctica at any one time. Safe and stable transfer from the ships is made by sturdy Zodiac boats. Accommodations aboard small ships range from “bare bones” ice breaker research vessels to luxury small cruise ships, featuring gourmet cuisine and the services of your own personal butler!

For the extreme adventurer, tour companies like Abercrombie and Kent offer unique opportunities to begin a trek from

Elephant Island to the “final degree”- the last 70 miles of the Antarctic desert before the South Pole! A true test of body and mind, you can cross country ski and sled over the blue-white snow and ice in a land of 24 hour sunlight- before making camp on the ice each day.

Investing in proper attire is essential when planning a trip to this region and will ensure your comfort on the journey. Most upscale tour operators and cruise lines will provide the necessary parka, complimentary, as part of their package.

While this might be one of life’s most spiritual and challenging travel experiences, providing the ultimate in bragging rights, don’t forget to mail a few postcards home to friends and family that boast the rare Antarctic stamps or, as a dear friend once did, make a “snow angel” to celebrate your travel achievement!

Norma Spadola is a Luxury Travel specialist.

Nspadola@aol.com (800) 722-9955

Enter Our Fabulous Friend Contest!

Celebrating our circles of friendship We want to know what makes your BFF fabulous!

Describe your “friendship world.” Tell us her story. Share your connection and why you love and celebrate your best friend!

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february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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GARDEN

spice up your

kitchen Grow Indoor Herbs to Bring Fragrance and Flavor to Life

by Karla A. Dalley

S

pring is coming, but warm weather is still several weeks away. If you have colorful plants indoors, they are probably brightening your home right now. But, even the most colorful houseplants can only go so far to lift a mood.

For longer-term benefits (including some health benefits) try growing some herbs indoors. The flavor of fresh herbs added to soups, sauces and stews cannot be over-estimated. They can bring a little taste of summer back during these grey days and make even the most bland meal taste more exciting.

Even the scent of the small leaves when harvested for cooking, tea—or for a little aromatherapy—can help chase away some of the end of winter's gloom and remind us that spring will soon be here.

Small herb plants are easily obtained even this time of year, if not from your local nursery, from your grocer. Some will even have organically grown herbs.

Unless you are an experienced grower with grow lights, start with plants. Seeds, particularly herb seeds, can be tricky in the low light conditions of winter. Plants have established roots so they don’t have to gasp just for water and nutrition from the soil.

Most indoor herbs prefer at least 4 hours of sunlight a day. Ideally, that means a south-facing window. A few, like parsley, chives, tarragon and thyme, will make do in an east or west-facing window. (Coincidentally, these are the herbs, come next summer, that will be able to survive on partial

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sun). Since these are some of the best for the types of cooking we do in winter—stews, soups and roasts—this makes them ideal for indoor growing.

The more sun you can give the herbs, the happier they will be. Some herbs must have the full sun that a south window provides and if you don’t have that, perhaps you should consider just buying the cut variety from the grocer. Bay, oregano, herbs in the mint family, including lemon balm if you can find it, and sage (which technically is also in the mint family) are all going to need the brighter light of a south window—without it, they will languish and be prone to pests and diseases.

But, for those that do have full sun, an aromatic bay plant, or better yet, one of the mints for some tea and some sage for all the stuffing we make this time of year are great to have. Mint tea does double duty soothing indigestion and clearing our heads as well.

Herbs can be notoriously finicky indoors, as anyone who has tried to keep one of those rosemary trees, rings or topiary forms that are so popular at the holidays has discovered. Rosemary likes bright sun, extremely cool (for the home) temperatures, and moist but not wet conditions. If any of those conditions are not met (too warm, too wet or too dark) rosemary gets a substance that looks like baby powder on the leaves called powdery mildew. It’s ugly to look at and worse to think about using in cooking.

There’s a simple fix for this problem (aside from those perfect conditions I mentioned). A 50/50% solution of milk (any

kind) and water mixed in a sprayer and sprayed on the plant should treat the fungus. Best of all, since milk is edible, the plant is still perfectly fine for cooking.

Basil is another herb that is really too problematic to grow indoors. It is a true sun and heat lover and we have too little of either to make it happy during the winter. It tends to get very leggy and to produce very few leaves—and since the basil leaf is what we grow it for, again, best to just buy the cut variety until summer comes and we can grow it outdoors.

As with all houseplants, you want to be vigilant about watching for insects since you’ll be using these for cooking. As a general rule, insects often avoid herbs outdoors, but indoors, aphids can occasionally be a problem. If you catch them early, it’s quite easy to wash the plant off under a stream of water at the sink to wash the aphids down the drain. If the plant is badly infested, you should discard it since you surely don’t want to treat it with chemicals and then cook with it.

Once the herbs are growing nicely, their uses are limited only by one’s tastes and imagination!

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

Photography by Trenton Jackson and Joy Taylor

Your Road to a

Better Home

Located in the New Park Avenue area of West Hartford, the Home Design District offers everything today’s busy homeowner could need to build, renovate, decorate, repair or furnish a home. Whether you are a “do-it-your-selfer” or in need of full design and installation services, you can find it there! The independent member businesses located in one square mile make home projects easy and enjoyable. It may sound cliché to say this, but it’s true. When you visit the businesses, meet the experts and see the showrooms and the vast selection and grand array of design ideas, you’ll be blown away by the service, affordability and quality.

Turn the page to meet the faces behind the businesses shown here!

www.homedesigndistrict.com

Let Them Build Your “Sanctuary”

Since 1992, Steve Vendetta’s CT Shower & Bath is best known for their custom glass enclosures to fit any tub or shower.

But they offer so much more, including design and remodel of the entire bath.

You’ll be able to choose from an exhaustive list of quality brand name products that will fit your budget. Steve and his team want to help you build the perfect bath – your sanctuary.

555 New Park Avenue. 860.236.6500 www.CTShowerandBath.com.

If These Walls Could Talk

Glass Samples in a variety of textures.

Steve Vendetta in the showroom.

Bartlett Brainard Products Owner Cathy Davis.

For 76 years Bartlett Brainard has been known as the contractor in Greater Hartford that stands behind their products and service. From roofing, siding, windows and doors – they’ve got the outside of your home covered! A two-time winner of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Outstanding Marketplace Ethics testifies to their quality you can trust.

Cathy Davis represents the third generation of Yandows at Bartlett Brainard and the first woman owner. With over 30 years of experience and knowledge, she also adds a woman’s perspective in her design services and attention to detail.

75 Talcott Road.

860.233.4475 www.BartlettBrainard.com

Trusted Framer for Forty Years

(left) Marvin Janow shows a frame. (above) Every color of the rainbow

The guys at Coastal Tool & Supply know their tools. Coastal Tool has been in business for over thirty two years and the extemely knowledgable staff can sell you the right tool for any job at their everyday low prices.

They pride themselves on the relationships that they have established over the years by serving home owners, contractors, industry, and state and federal agencies. If you can’t get to their store, visit them on line at www.CoastalTool.com. 510 New Park Avenue. 860.233.8213.

Marvin Janow’s Custom Framing Depot at 485 New Park Avenue has been providing creative framing for home owners, offices and artists for more than 40 years. They have hundreds of mouldings in stock and ready to frame your cherished pieces! They are also known for very creative, custom mirrors. Marvin and his daughter Laurel, are ready to meet with you to plan your framing projects. Stop in to see the vast selection and their new computerize mat cutter will do wonders for your art pieces.

860.236.0800 www.CustomFramingDepot.com

They Know the Drill... and more!

Gerry Abriola,Andy Ludgin, Wayne Miner, Rob Ludgin, and Art Gold.

Holland Kitchens & Baths features a spectacular showroom with all the top-rated kitchen products such as Wood-Mode & Brookhaven cabinets, Cambria Quartz countertops, Grohe faucets and sinks and Sub-Zero refrigerators. Their experienced designers, who are renowned for their ingenuity, are happy to assist you with the design of your project. And with over 40 years of experience in home remodeling, their staff has the ability to take your project from design to completion. They have the quality craftsman that will make your dream project a reality and something you will be proud to show off! 590 New Park Avenue. 860.236.3111. www.HollandKitchens.com

Owner James Corthouts

Kitchen Designs for Your Lifestyle Dalene Flooring Carpet One: With a vast array of flooring options to choose from, Dalene Flooring offers the latest trends in wood, laminate, tile, vinyl, carpet (broadloom, area rugs and runners) and linoleum. They also specialize in dustless sanding and finishing of existing hardwood. As a local, family-owned & operated flooring store for over 63 years, they have the knowledge and experience to help you create the space you imagined.

They work with many local designers and are accustomed to handling custom fabrications, intricate installations and carry a high-end selection of wool carpets.

588 New Park Ave. 860.231.1576 www.DaleneFlooring.com

Got Floors? They’ve Got You Covered

Robin Everson, Camille Hill and Rich Dalene.

His Team Rocks!

Sal Camera and his loyal team of skilled tradesmen know the stone business and give great attention to detail. Surfaces in Stone provides custom countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds and other custom pieces in almost every color you can imagine, in Granite, Marble, Limestone, Soapstone, and more. They also have many engineered quartz based stones. Visit their showroom in Tile America for examples of their fine work. 585 New Park Avenue 860.236.1931 SurfacesInStone.com

Sal Camera with a granite slab in his yard.

Detail of a custom kitchen island counter in process

Creativity in These Walls Jerry at Joe Cornfield’s Wallpaper has over 600,000 wallpaper patterns, and over 1,000 wallpaper books on hand. If you can’t find it there, you won’t find it anywhere! A select group of books can be borrowed to allow you to look at the patterns in your own home. New to the showroom are designer blinds & shades as well as custom closet designs on display.

485 New Park Avenue 860.233.0070 www.WindowsWallsClosets.com.

Jerry and loyal side-kick Corky in the wallpaper “library.”

Bartlett Brainard Products

Dalene Flooring Carpet One

Category:Windows, Doors & Siding www.BartlettBrainard.com

Category: Floor Covering www.DaleneFlooring.com

CT Shower & Bath

Joe Cornfield’s Wallpaper

Category: Bath Design & Products www.CTShowerandBath.com

Category:Window Treatments, Wall Covering www.WindowWallsClosets.com

Coastal Tool & Supply

Holland Kitchens & Baths, LLC

Category:Tools www.CoastalTool.com

Category: Kitchens & Bath Design www. Hollandkitchens.com

Cunningham Supply Category: Plumbing Fixtures & Supplies www.CunninghamSupply.net

Surfaces in Stone

Custom Framing Depot

Tile America!

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Wood-textured floor tile.

Wholesale or Retail...

They have THE Kitchen Sink, and more!

Tiles Tie a Room Together Joe Limiero’s enthusiasm for new and artistic tiles is obvious.

The variety of colors, textures and patterns on display at Tile America! at 585 New Park Avenue will blow your mind! (The 5,000 sq. foot showroom is Joe Limiero in a corner of his tile showroom full, neat and inviting.) The glass tiles are still popular as an accent, as are the metallics. One of the newer styles that is growing in popularity Tile is the tile made to look like wood! samples.

860.236.1931 www.TileAmerica.com

Brothers Kevin and Dick Cunningham.

Kitchen sinks in the Kohler Premier Showroom

Cunningham Supply is a third-generation, familyowned and operated residential and commercial plumbing and heating supplier. They have been providing top notch service to homeowners and contractors since 1948. Their “Kohler Premier Showroom” at 705 Oakwood Avenue Extension in West Hartford will surprise you – it is a virtual Kohler catalog! 860.953.2101. www.CunninghamSupply.net

BEAUTY

Best Beauty Tips Maybe Mom Was Right After All!

by Tammy Kroll

A

lthough we may hate to admit it, many of our health and beauty pitfalls could have been avoided early on had we listened to our mother’s ‘well meaning’ advice.

While there are plenty of good products and programs to get us back on track that truly do work, perhaps the best advice for looking and feeling good came from dear sweet mom (and dad)! Come stroll with me down memory lane as we recall some of our mom’s sound advice.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away Turns out, mom was right! As most of us are now aware, that daily fiber from an apple keeps weight down, lowers cholesterol and keeps us, let’s just say, ‘regular’. When your inside is functioning well, the outside shows it. Since apples are high on the pesticide list, make yours organic.

Don’t make that face or it’ll stay that way The truth is, our expressions and what we do with our face has a lasting impact over time. You’ve probably heard, ‘It takes many more muscles to frown that to smile – so smile.’ Well it’s true…the muscles you build from frowning are not flattering ones with age.

So, upload an uplifting novel, rent comedy from Netflix, and simply smile at passersby to lift those cheek bones and define that jawline.

Eat your Vegetables Were you one of those kids last at the dinner table staring into that green blob on your plate? Were you the family dog’s favorite?

Well, now, as adults, we can make our veggies taste very good with some amazingly simple recipes. Just add a little garlic, olive oil, sea salt and parmesan cheese to broccoli under a broiler for a few minutes and voila! I can’t keep my kids from eating it. Vegetables are key in keeping our body’s ph balanced and maintaining our health and good skin. Top a colorful salad with lime and olive oil dressing.

The more variety the better to insure we get the most benefit and vitamins.

Go To Bed! Why did we fight it? Didn’t want to miss anything I suppose. But everyone needs sleep. 7-9 hours is most effective for adults. Getting plenty of rest is important in a few ways. You detoxify through your pours as you sleep, which in turn, sets your body up to better absorb the nutrients you get from eating those vegetables. Your brain also needs time to sort and process the information from the day.

And did you know that your hair grows faster when you sleep?

(Hello? Sleeping Beauty’s gorgeous blonde locks!). That fact alone makes me want to curl up with my blankie for a marathon nap.

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Stand Up Straight

Take your Cod Liver Oil

Remember this one? Bad posture not only changes how you look but also how you feel. It can compress your lungs, crowd your stomach causing digestive issues, and even put a strain on your heart muscle!

There are undergarments of course to correct this, but for lasting results, keeping in mind to stand up straight, and even practicing exercises that build up back and ab muscles, are key. Not only will your clothes fit and look better, you’ll feel better and think clearer with increased oxygen, blood flow and better digestion.

‘You want me to drink, what!?’ This one is mostly remembered by Baby Boomers.

Believe it or not cod liver oil is one of the best sources of EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids (important for brain and nervous system function), vitamin A (key vitamin in assisting the uptake of minerals and water soluble vitamins in the diet), and vitamin D (linked to immune system function and prevention of cancer), all of them contributing to healthy glowing complexion, hair and overall beauty. However, salmon and other oily fish may be more palatable sources.

Drink your Milk And while we are talking posture, how about some calcium for those bones. They are the foundation and framework for your whole body. Growing up drinking milk, especially in combination with Vitamin D and Magnesium for absorption (older boomers may remember a dose of Milk of Magnesia as well – yum!). Try to power pack your calcium and get it from high protein sources such as organic Greek yogurt with acidophilus for digestion.

Go Outside And Play (Get Some Fresh Air) Remember the days of heading out after lunch or school and not coming back in until you heard the 6 o’clock siren, dinner bell, or mom’s whistle? Well, those days seem to be gone as all of us, young and old, sit mesmerized in front of a glowing screen, at work, school and even…for ‘playing’! We may be exercising our brains but our bodies are slowly atrophying. Do yourself a favor

and get off that chair and walk thru that front door - even if it’s just a walk around the block at lunch-time. Ride a bike into work if possible. Take Buster for a jog when you get home. A walk on a tree-lined path has added benefits of de-stressing you.

Adding just one new outdoor activity can do wonders for your waistline, skin and overall physical and mental health.

So, I’m gonna say it: “Stand up straight while you eat that apple and don’t forget to drink your milk! Don’t you make that face at me or I’ll give and extra dose of cod liver oil with your vegetables. And before you go to bed I want you to play outside and get some fresh air. Oh… and BE NICE! Tammy Kroll is a District Manager with Arbonne Skin Care & a licensed Zumba instructor. Contact her TammyKroll2@yahoo.com.

All content within this BEAUTY column is provided for general information and educational use only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional (or your own mother).

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WINE

A Matter of TASTE Trust your instincts and become your own wine connoisseur

by Ertan S. Sener

T

his month I wanted to share interesting research my friend Jordan Ross, a UC Davis Oenology Graduate, has documented. I had the pleasure of working with Jordan on a presentation about sensory and perceptions of wine tasting.

Taste vs Smell Preferences: Innate or Learned?

Whether taste and smell preferences are innate or learned represents a fundamental difference between these two senses. We know that humans have an inborn preference for sweet and an aversion to sour and bitter. Evidence comes from experiments, which monitored the facial expressions of infants. A drop of sugar placed on the tongue resulted in a slight smile and licking of the lips, while a drop of quinine (bitter) produced a grimace.

Researcher, Pelchat explains how inborn aversions can be modified, “We all know that we’re supposed to like dry wines, but many start out liking sweeter wines because we’re pre-wired that way. At first, people don’t like bitter or astringent, but you can learn to accept less sweetness and more bitterness and astringency in a wine, but it’s a learning process often requiring repeated exposure.” The bitterness of coffee and beer and the burn of chili peppers (not a taste) are examples of sensations that are normally considered unpleasant at first but with repeated exposure can result in liking, even craving. Pelchat adds that exposure alone doesn’t mean you’ll like the wine: “I would say that it is more a question of temperament. When I go to the Philadelphia Academy of Music, some people walk out if they play a modern piece. With wines,

are you willing to put up with a few glasses of a tannic Cabernet so you learn to appreciate it? Some are thrill seekers saying, ‘I’m going to learn to like this,’ others draw the line.”

While preferences for taste can change, those for smell are even more modifiable by experience.

This may be because we continue to learn novel odors through our entire life, whereas we experience the basic tastes early on. In any case, odors take on meaning when they are paired with experience because memory and smell (not taste) are processed in the same part of the brain. When we encounter an aroma that has been previously paired with a positive experience, our response to that wine will be favorable and certainly different from someone without this experience.

An example of how we learn to like an aroma is the barnyard scent caused by the spoilage yeast Brettanomyces. Brett, as it is called, used to be more common in European wines and if you grew up tasting these wines (Chateau de Beaucastel, for example) you learned to associate the smell with a luxury wine. Due to the increased use of new oak barrels and stricter winery hygiene, Brett is less common today. But when it is encountered, instead of being considered an attractive nuance, it is considered a flaw by tasters more attuned to the ripe fruit aromas of new world wines. Brett demonstrates a key point related to liking: familiarity is the most important determinant of preference.

While there are personality types that seek out the unfamiliar, generally, you like

Based on their unique prior experiences, critics are converting their feelings about a wine into a number.

The system is not perfect but it’s easy for consumers to use and therefore, good for wine consumption.

february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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what you know. However, repeated exposure to a strange, new wine, particularly in favorable contexts such as a fine restaurant, an endorsement from a respected friend, wine critic or social factors (‘I’ll have a glass of merlot’) can result in an increase in liking.

Smell, Memory and Emotion.

If you have ever smelled an aroma and been transported back to a specific time or place, you will agree that smelling a wine can evoke highly individual, even emotional reactions. Herz, another wine researcher states, “Odors may trigger a memory of uncommon emotional potency. And that emotional connection is rooted in the way that smell, emotion and memory are entangled within the brain.” Because wine aromas go directly into the brain’s limbic areas where emotion is processed, your first response can be an emotional one.

Herz’s findings show that memories evoked by odors, in contrast with memories triggered by sights or sounds, have an emotional quality, so much so that the same odor may evoke different feelings in each of us, an important source of variation be-

Ertan’s wine

Cabinet • Because wine aromas go directly into the brain’s limbic areas where emotion is processed, your first response can be an emotional one.

• Smell and emotion are so entwined with experience that each of us may perceive the same odor with far different feelings.

• Today, in most cases, quality is defined by the media scores a wine receives from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator.

tween tasters. If you grew up on a farm, you may find the smell of earthiness in a wine pleasant, while someone else may find it objectionable or not even notice it.

wine receives from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator. The system is not perfect but it’s easy for consumers to use and therefore, good for wine consumption. What users of scores should bear in mind is that numerical scores are not quality ratings, but liking or preference ratings. Based on their unique prior experiences, critics are converting their feelings about a wine into a number. A wine with a microbial nose such as Domaine Tempier Rouge may receive 80 points by a reviewer who does not like nonfruit aromas. The same character may be a positive one to another critic who may give it 90 points. Is a wine that scores 90 points higher quality than one that scores 80 points? It’s a difficult question to answer but it is clear that there is, in fact, a psychology to quality.

Is there such a thing as an objective quality rating?

Ertan S. Sener, wine educator, has been seen in Wine Spectator Magazine, and is the buyer/manager at West Side Wines & Spirits. 860-233-1241. westsidewines.com.

What is quality? Today, in most cases, quality is defined by the media scores a

a

Thursday, May 16, 2013

night on the

Nile

Save the Date

17th Annual Gala!

Celebrity Emcees:

Join us for an exciting evening filled with exotic food, specialty cocktails, science fun and visits from our animal friends.

Laurie Perez & Jim Altman of FOXCT

For reservations or corporate sponsorship opportunities, call 860.231.2380 x23 or visit www.thechildrensmuseumct.org Media Sponsor:

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Available at: BARNES & NOBLE Blue Back Square

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You can subscribe at westhartfordmagazine.com. Thank you for your support

Toulouse-Lautrec & His World Through May 12, 2013 at the New Britain Museum of American Art Now open Mondays!

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Toulouse-Lautrec & His World is from the collection of the Herakleidon Museum, Athens, Greece.

february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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WEDDINGS

Congratulations

Jackie Barrieau & Drew Iacovazzi photography by Carla Ten Eyck A perfect ‘candidacy’ for marriage! Although they attended different schools, Jackie and Drew, life long residents of West Hartford, knew each other since childhood through The Hartford Golf Club. Despite staying in touch via social networks, the didn’t reconnect until college graduation. Both were involved with the 2010 mid-term elections, supporting separate candidates, and began dating as a result. It turned out to be a winning ballot for the couple!

The bride is the daughter of Gerard and Joan Barrieau, of West Hartford. Jackie graduated from Syracuse University with a B.S. in Communications and Rhetorical Studies. She is currently employed by the State Government Affairs Division at United Technologies, in Hartford.

The groom is the son of Cathy Iacovazzi, of Bloomfield and Vito Iacovazzi, of West Hartford. Drew graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, VT with a B.S. in Business. He currently works for Lindberg & Ripple, in Windsor.

An August wedding took place at St. Peter Claver Church with a grand reception at The Hartford Golf Club, where guests danced the night away to the sounds of ‘The Sultans of Swing’. The couple honeymooned in Turks and Caicos and reside in West Hartford.

Visit westhartfordmagazine.com for more WEDDINGS.

(above): Drew and Jackie as husband and wife, (right center): entertainment by the Sultans of Swing band.

(Inset,left): Wedding cake by A Little Something Bakery, (inset, below): Jackie and her father, Gerard Barrieau, (below): The groomsmen and bridesmaids pose with the bride and groom.

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february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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WEDDINGS

(left): Jennifer & Nathaniel in Westmoor Park. (above): Bride and groom under the Chuppah at Beth El Temple, West Hartford.

Congratulations

Jennifer Levine & Nathaniel Brogadir photography by Ira Lippke Studios

(above left): Bridesmaids Michelle Schwadron, Lindsay Firger; bride Jennifer, maid of honor, sister Alison Levine; bridesmaid Elizabeth Weiner, Rachel Yura; mother of bride, Annette Levine.

Hair and makeup by Milanos Day Spa of Bloomfield. (above right): Groomsmen wearing their groomsmen gift—official baseball shirt of their favorite team and number.

Wedding party: Nick Spiro, Michelle Schwadron, David Rocco, Rachel Yura; best man, twin brother of groom Benjamin Brogadir; Alison Levine, maid of honor, sister of bride; bride & groom; Lindsay Firger, Ben Spira, Elizabeth Weiner, and Mark Friedman.

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Call it destiny! They were just 13 years old when Jennifer and Nathanial first met at summer camp in New Hampshire. As they got older, they dated one summer and became close friends, as a result. As fate would have it, they rekindled their relationship after randomly bumping into each other at a party in New York City, where they both had moved after graduating college.

How fitting that Nathaniel proposed to Jennifer, lakeside, while visiting the camp where they first met!

The bride is the daughter of Annette and Jack Levine, of West Hartford. Jennifer is a graduate of Hall High School and the University of Michigan, and will graduate with an M.B.A from New York University Stern School of Business this year. She is a marketing specialist for Schroder Investment Management in New York.

The groom is the son of Ilene and Dr. Stuart Brogadir, of Bedford, New Hampshire. Nathaniel graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvannia. He is employed as a Senior Equity Research Associate, specializing in internet and digital media for Stifel Nicolaus, in New York.

A September wedding took place at Beth El Temple in West Hartford. The newlyweds honeymooned in Bora Bora and currently live in Manhattan.

Visit westhartfordmagazine.com for more WEDDINGS.

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february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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FINANCE

Vacation Homes To Rent, or Not to Rent?... That is the Question

by Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA

W

ith housing prices looking more attractive than they have been in a decade, are you one of those who is saying “I’m bored and cold and daydreaming of potentially purchasing a vacation home”? If you have thoughts of the sun or the slopes, there are some important tax and wealth management implications to consider.

While in the short term, all assets fluctuate in value, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate because of their desirable locations on shorelines, golf courses, etc. Demographers also point to the growing number of baby boomers approaching retirement as potentially creating demand for vacation properties. However, just because it is likely to hold or increase in value, “likely” is not a guarantee. If you do decide to make this investment or, like many people have done already, a key consideration becomes: Should we rent it?

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To Rent?

Many second home owners become vacation home landlords to help defray the cost of ownership. Perhaps one of the greatest freebies in the tax code is the ability to rent a vacation home for 14 days or fewer with the house still considered as a personal residence. Under these circumstances, you can charge whatever you wish and pocket the cash tax-free.

But, renting for more than 14 days is where the breakdown between personal and rental use gets complicated. From day 15 and beyond, you must report all rental income (even the first 14 days). You can deduct rental expenses, but it is essential to keep solid records since costs will need to be appropriately allocated between personal and rental use and because the tax treatment of rental losses differs greatly depending on how much the property is used for personal purposes.

If the property is used significantly for personal purposes (more than 14 days or 10% of the days rented), it is considered a “second home” and rental losses are not deductible. If instead, it is used less than that for personal purposes, it is considered a

“vacation home” and the losses may be deductible against other income.

For example, let’s say Mr. and Mrs. Smith own a second home in Vail, Colorado. If the Smiths or their family use this home 30 days out of the year and rent it for 90, 75% of their costs (90 divided by 120), such as interest and property taxes, insurance premiums, utilities, etc., would be rental expenses. Any property management services can be written off entirely. In addition, the Smiths could claim depreciation deductions based on 75% of the value of the house. While the expenses are considered rental expenses, the extensive personal use means they can only be claimed to the extent of the rental income. Therefore, no rental loss can be claimed. However, the personal portion of the mortgage interest and taxes can be claimed as personal itemized deductions (subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax rules – a topic for another day).

In another scenario, let’s say the Smiths decide to designate the home as a business and only visit Vail for 14 days or 10% of the total time the property is in use. In this scenario, up to $25,000 in losses might be de-

ductible each year. But by limiting personal use the Smiths do lose the write-off for the portion of mortgage interest and taxes that don’t qualify as a rental or personal residence expense.

In addition, one essential point is that time spent maintaining the property is not counted as personal use, but the Smiths should take time to thoroughly document their fix-up time since the IRS has become very wise to those trying to use these “maintenance days” as a means to squeeze in extra personal use days under the radar.

Think receipts, logs, photos, and any other means to document legitimate maintenance.

Finance Tips • If you have thoughts of the sun or the slopes, there are some important tax and wealth management implications to consider.

• Many second home owners become vacation home landlords to help defray the cost of ownership.

• Interest on the mortgage is deductible for a vacation home used exclusively as another personal residence, in the very same way as the mortgage on your first home.

Not to rent?

If you choose to use the vacation home exclusively as another personal residence, interest on the mortgage is deductible in the very same way as the mortgage on your first home. In addition, you can deduct property taxes paid on any number of homes you own. And, remember, you can still take advantage of the 14 day tax-free

rental; however, that will be all of the rental income for the year so you must be in a position to cover the remainder of the costs of owning and maintaining the home.

Looking ahead Many people buy vacation homes for the here and now, but do you have a long-term

plan? Will you sell the home? Retire there?

Gift it to a relative? All of these scenarios have their own pros and cons that should be proactively considered.

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to the rental question, but the options are unlimited. How to use a vacation home is an individual choice that depends on your lifestyle, income and other variables.

Be sure to get guidance from your wealth manager and/or tax advisor so they can help you decide what is right for you and help you navigate the complexity of the tax code.

After that all you have to worry about is whether or not you want an umbrella in your drink!

Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA, CEO/President of Filomeno & Company- for business advising, succession planning, accounting, auditing, tax planning, and estate planning. www.Filomeno.com 860.561.0020.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial advisor/tax/legal consultant regarding your personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.

february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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Healthy Babies are worth the wait The March of Dimes‌touching the lives of our littlest residents!

by Nikki A. Sambitsky black and white photography by Patty Swanson additional photography by K. Zwick Photography

february I march 2013 west hartford magazine

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We are encouraging moms to let nature take its course.

They may be uncomfortable, but those healthy babies are worth the wait in the end.

“Three’s Company”, by Patty Swanson, is on exhibit at the Tender Moments Gallery at UConn Health Center in Farmington.

E

ach year more than 4,000 babies in the state of Connecticut are born too soon.

On August 25, 2011, my son became a part of those statistics. November 6th was originally scheduled to be my due date, but I found myself in labor, about to give birth at the end of August.

It seemed like an eternity. After going through that very uncertain and frightening time, I am now thankful each and every day for the life of my son, my husband, family, the doctors, nurses and staff at The UCONN Health Center in Farmington, and lastly, for the great support I received from the March of Dimes.

Recently, in November, the March of Dimes held their annual Signature Chefs Auction at The Hartford Golf Club in West Hartford. The event, which featured both a live and silent auction, hosted some of the area’s premiere restaurants, such as Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bartaco, Besito Mex, Bricco Trattoria, Salute, and Union Street Tavern.

This particular event was The March of Dimes “Sweet 16th” year of hosting its Chefs Auction event. Galas such as this one, however, were initially celebrated in conjunction with the birthday of Franklin De-

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lano Roosevelt, the founder of the March of Dimes, said Marc Spencer, community director for the Connecticut Chapter which is located in Glastonbury.

“The March of Dimes has been around for 74 years, and 2013 will be our 75th anniversary. The event came about because our founder was FDR, and every year when he started the charge to fight polio, which he had, they held galas for him and large parties around his birthday,” explained Spencer. “ So over time since 1938, this has come to be our version of the original FDR celebration. We have foodie style events with artistic restaurants, but at the root we still honor FDR, who was our founder in 1938.”

For those who may not be familiar with the March of Dimes or what the organization does, Spencer added that the main goal of the charity is to provide support for families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU, advocate for the rights of pregnant women and babies, as well as educate. The main mission of the March of Dimes is to prevent premature births, birth defects and infant mortality. The organization continues to have a strong presence in hospitals such as the Connecticut Children’s NICU at UCONN as well as NICU Family Support at Yale New Haven Hospital

and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. The March of Dimes continues to educate women and pregnant women on the importance of taking care of their health and their body, both before and during their pregnancy. They also provide support to families with babies in the NICU by means of support groups, scrap-booking events, education and emotional support.

The organization also works with elected officials to pass laws for healthcare for pregnant women and their babies.

The charity’s current campaign “The 39 Week Initiative” educates pregnant women on the importance of letting nature take its course by opting out of early Cesarian sections.

“One of our current messages is “Healthy Babies Are Worth The Wait.” A lot of moms are getting an elective C-section and end up having that Cesarian prior to when the baby is due…dramatically prior. Not just a few days but a few weeks…possibly 3-5 weeks early,” Spencer explained. “This is very dangerous to the baby. A percentage of those babies end up in the NICU for no reason at all beyond that of the mother or doctor choosing to have a Cesarian too early. We are encouraging moms to let nature take its course. They may be uncomfortable, but those healthy babies are worth the wait in the end. We want them to make sure they are doing the right thing for themselves and their baby.”

November’s recent fundraising auction was hosted by Channel 3-WFSB-TV’s, Irene O’Connor, a West Hartford native. Although the atmosphere was light and filled with food, laughter and fun, it was clear to

all who attended, they should keep in mind why they were there. Every year, the March of Dimes selects a family to be the ‘Ambassador Family’ for the organization to attend the events and share their own personal story of how prematurity affected their life.

This year’s Ambassador Family, The Boccasile family, shared their harrowing story of how prematurity twice affected their lives. The first time with their daughter, Isabella, who is now 11, and the second time with their late daughter, Lily, who was born prematurely at just 24 weeks.

“We did this so that hopefully we can make a difference, and so that perhaps somebody else won’t have to go through what we went through,” said April Boccasile of her experience. “Be grateful for what you have in your life because you never know when it is going to be taken from you. We are eternally grateful for all of the equipment that kept Isabella alive. And we are thankful for all of you who came out to the fundraiser.”

Boccasile has two other children, Max and Ava. With her husband, Aaron by her side when Isabella and Lily were born,

March of Dimes 2012 Ambassador Family. Parents, April and Aaron Boccasile with children Max (13), Isabella (11), Ava (10), (Lily, 19wks premature deceased).

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(above): West Hartford native and Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar Executive Chef Adam Greenberg, was bestowed the honor of being called Lead Chef for the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction. (above, right): Emcee for the Auction, Irene O’Connor, News Channel 3 anchor. (right): Grants Owner and Executive Chef Billy Grant with his son Billy Grant.

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Boccasile became an NICU nurse as a result of their experience with premature birth. The family still keeps the memory of daughter Lily alive by sharing their story in a blog called “Lily’s Amazing Grace,” as well as a memorial garden at their home.

Irene O’Connor’s life had also been affected by prematurity when her twins, now three-year old boys, Robert and Quilty, were born six and-a-half weeks early at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Because of experiencing this life-changing event, she was also selected a few years back to be the Ambassador Mom for The March of Dimes.

Although she describes her experience as not as difficult as what some families go through, O’Connor said she and her husband still had to endure the health concerns that most premature babies suffer from.

“We were told that one of the boys could go home and then that same boy, who we were told could go home that afternoon, stopped breathing for a little bit. He’s fine now, thank God he was there in the neonatal unit, but I always felt as though he didn’t want to go home without his brother; that

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he wanted to stay there, together with him, in the neonatal unit,” O’Connor recalls.

“Even though my boys were not in as serious condition as many other babies, these are the types of conditions prominent with premature babies. They have a lot of serous health problems. Some premature babies are born months early marking a real problem because they really need to be in the womb as long as they can. Moms need to be pregnant as long as possible, and with that said, it was a harrowing experience for me.

My husband and I were really worried about these boys. But, I always say there were angels in the neonatal unit at St. Francis Hospital who got us through it every step of the way.”

O’Connor continued to recall why the March of Dimes is an organization that stays near and dear to her.

“I decided to get involved with the March of Dimes after my own experience because I really think it’s important to give pregnant women the education they need to try to prevent these types of things from happening, and to try to give people more informa-

tion about the complications associated with having a premature child,” she said. “If someone is born really premature, there are usually a lot of problems later in life. Many children in this country don’t make it simply because they are born prematurely.”

On the culinary entertainment side of the fundraising evening, West Hartford native and Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar Executive Chef Adam Greenberg, was bestowed the honor of being called Lead Chef for the auction. He noted that taking part in the auction not only helps a great cause, but also allows local restaurants to showcase their cuisine.

“Director Mark Spencer called me and I started doing the event four years ago. He asked me if I wanted to be the lead chef to get other restaurants involved and I said yes,” said Greenberg. “He (Spencer) is really proud of his foundation, and all that it is doing for the community. It’s a cool opportunity to really do something. I like being an ambassador as part of my career and for this charity. I especially want to see West Hartford continue to be educated on food and

continue to be excited about the culture of food. Overall, we just want to help and we want to be a part of the local community. For us, it’s a great thing that Marc’s local; we are all local, and we are spending our time together helping a cause. The March of Dimes is a good organization, it’s a very good front forward charity.”

Author, Nikki Sambitsky’s son, Ryan Joseph, now almost 20 months old, was born four months premature but doing well after support from The March of Dimes since his birth.

Contributing Photographer Kimberly Zwick is a self taught visual artist and family lifestyle photographer, specializing in Family and Children portraiture. As an active supporter of The March of Dimes because of close family connections, Kim photographs many of their events. www.k.zwickphotos.com Contributing Photographer Patty Swanson’s twins were born 10 weeks premature in 1995, motivating her to donate her time and expertise to the March of Dimes by photographing parents with their preemie babies. Many photos can be seen in UConn’s NICU Gallery. www.pattyswanson.com .

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“The Club” Members Honorary Club Members In Memory of Betty Ann Ambrosi In Memory of Judith Gengras McDonough Gold Club In Memory of George & Jean Brigham In Memory of John & Joan Hickey

Charter Club Lee and Angela DeFelippi, Monarch Jewelers Friend Club Phil Bonee Joan B. Brigham David Brown Associates Carl & Amy Cianci Business Friend Susan and Ned Dunn Plus Hall John & Tracey Heslin Mary & Ed Kycia Rick & Kathy Liftig Mercy Community Health, Inc. Governor Dannel & Cathy Malloy Jim & Fran McNally Pompanoosuc Mills Robert & Kathleen Spencer Tom & Kerry Spignesi Bruce Stanger, Esq. J.J. Tillinghast Entertainment Tim Tuell, CPA Jeffrey & Nicole Whitlock

Consider joining our Subscription Club so we can guarantee delivery to your home or office and you won’t miss a single issue. Join the Club and receive lots of perks such as the free event tickets and a complimentary copy of our holiday gift guide DAZZLE. Join the club at westhartfordmagazine.com Thank you for your support.

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ADVERTORIAL

Winter 2013

Together, we do extraordinary things We believe in the strength of a people! We believe in the power of community!

The Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign is a responsive and collaborative effort, dedicated to Jewish education, engagement and outreach, and social commitment. The campaign fuels the strength of our people through dollars raised and allocated to 49 local programs, all with an immediate and personal impact on Jewish faith and values.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford is the sole organization whose mission ensures the continuation of our unique Jewish story by reaching out to Jews even with limited or no affiliation. It promotes Jewish core values through acts of loving kindness for the elderly, the most vulnerable within our community, as well as within Israel, and 70 countries around the world.

Only the Federation continually re-imagines our future by creating and funding innovative initiatives while also providing for basic needs – whether by supporting overnight camperships for children, connecting parents and young children through Jewish storybooks provided by the PJ library, funding counseling for the unemployed through Jewish Family Services, supporting teen trips to Israel through Taglit-Birthright Israel, or feeding hungry seniors in the former Soviet Union.

Thank you for believing in the POWER of community, the STRENGTH of a people, and for believing that together we can make the world a better place.

Judith Schlossberg, Chair of the Board

www.JewishHartford.org

ADVERTORIAL

Kosher Food Pantry Morris Fine has noticed one big difference in his refrigerator this year – it’s full. Morris, a homebound West Hartford senior was eating one meal a day until he discovered The Kosher Food Pantry, a Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford-funded program.

Today, Morris receives his weekly groceries from Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford’s food pantry. During the holidays, there are even special items such as a kosher turkey for Thanksgiving and traditional foods for Passover.

Demand for kosher food has risen steeply over the past three years.

In fact, more than 4,300 bags – roughly 53,000 pounds of food – were delivered through this program last year alone.

A gift to the Federation is a promise that social services and community organizations will continue to provide life-saving food to those like Morris and our aging loved ones.

Taglit Birthright Israel

Seth Cohen grew up hearing a lot about Israel from his parents. But it wasn’t until after a Jewish studies class in college that the interest to visit his family’s homeland hit him.

“As an art major, I was really interested in understanding Judaism from a cultural and artistic perspective,” Seth said.

The Taglit-Birthright Israel program is a threeway partnership between the State of Israel, the Adelson Family Match and the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Annual Campaign. Each $1,000 gift to Federation’s Annual Campaign allows one student to travel on a free 10-day trip to Israel.

Seth spent his 10 days in the country last year learning as much about himself as the arts he intended to explore. In fact, Seth is one of more than 1,000 Hartford TaglitBirthright Israel participants who said that

Page 2 IMPACT Innovative Programs of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Winter 2013

ADVERTORIAL

One Happy Camper When is camp more than just camp?

When it’s Jewish camp.At Jewish overnight camp,“the summer of your life” is more than just an expression. It’s a gift. It’s a place where your child can discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having a total blast.

For your child, Jewish camp is just plain fun. But it’s also so much more than that—it’s camp with a soul.

At camp, your child will have an amazing summer racing down a zipline, singing under the stars, and making lifelong friends.They’ll also learn values like self-confidence, independence, and leadership that will last them long after the summer’s gone.

This year a $1,000 grant (per camper) from the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign, with matching support from the Foundation for Jewish Camp, will help provide first-time campers from the Greater Hartford region with their first Jewish overnight camping experience.

At Jewish camp, ruach (spirit) is part of every activity—from dancing to hitting a home run—allowing campers to explore their connection to Judaism in a meaningful way while having the summer of their lives.

PJ Library the trip made them feel like Israel is their second home. Research also shows young adults who experience programs such as Taglit-Birthright Israel feel more connected to their Jewish roots and stay connected to their Jewish community as they age.

Currently, many young adults who apply are not accepted into this program due to lack of funding.This year, we want to double the number of students we send, but have only been able to fund 20. Our goal is to raise an additional $30,000 to meet this important community commitment of sending more Greater Hartford students on this once-in-alifetime, life-changing experience – and securing our community’s future.

These days, Seth is not just hearing about Israel – he’s talking about it too.

Six-year-old Michael Roth waits eagerly by the front window as the letter carrier walks up to the house with a package addressed just for him. Each month, Michael receives a Jewish children’s book or music CD from The PJ Library, a program of the Mandell Jewish Community Center, that he insists he and his parents listen to or read immediately.

The program, which is free for the first year, is designed to give parents and children up to age eight one of the most powerful and nurturing learning experiences – reading and listening to music together.

The PJ Library has distributed more than 32,000 books to families in the Greater Hartford area over the past five years. Families love to report the new and treasured memories created each month with their PJ Library package.

Little does Michael know his package addressed to him, is really for the whole family. Now that’s a storybook ending.

Page 3 IMPACT Innovative Programs of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Winter 2013

ADVERTORIAL

Why a Women’s Gift?

(860) 232-4483 | www.JewishHartford.org

Zachs Campus 333 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite C West Hartford, CT 06117

Our Mission The mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford is to enhance, build and perpetuate Jewish life in Greater Hartford, in Israel and around the world.

The Federation fulfills its mission through its annual campaign, financial resource development, planning, community relations efforts and by working in partnership with local, national and international Jewish charitable organizations, social service agencies, educational institutions and synagogues.The Federation is guided by the Jewish values of Tzedakah (righteous giving),Tikkun Olam (improving the world) and Klal Yisrael (The unity of the Jewish People).

Women’s giving in the Federation system is the fastest growing component of the Annual Campaign.

Nationally, women’s gifts represent nearly 25 percent of the total funds raised in annual Federation campaigns.

In Greater Hartford, women’s giving tops that number at nearly 30 percent of the Annual Campaign.

Our Women’s Philanthropy annual women’s campaign invites you to join us in an environment where every Jewish woman can enrich and strengthen her identity both as a woman and a Jew. For generations, Greater Hartford’s Jewish women have worked together to preserve our community's heritage. We encourage women to share their time, intellect and financial resources with our local, national and international Jewish community, supporting Jewish life through fundraising, educational programs and community service.

We offer many opportunities for women to take a stand on issues affecting our community and inspire other Jewish women. Making a gift means more than writing a check; it’s about being part of the collective strength of our community. It signifies power.The more we give individually, the greater our power as leaders and policy makers, and the stronger our influence in determining how our gifts are spent.When support for Israel and our local community are measured, government leaders count the number of donors. Making an individual gift in your own name enables every woman to stand up and be counted!

Come and connect to other women, our Jewish community and the good work we do here every day.Thank you for believing in the power of community–that helping people in need, and nurturing and supporting our Jewish community is both our privilege and our responsibility.

The Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy (HJCL) has begun its 15th year of promoting literacy in the Greater Hartford area. Approximately 50 new volunteers were trained in September. For the 2012-2013 year, HJCL has a total of 142 volunteers to read with 165 kindergarten through third grade students in our Elementary Express Program.

connect with us JewishHartford NextGen of Greater Hartford Jewish Community Relations of Greater Hartford The Koopman Library

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HJCL held a successful kick-off event in September with guest author and illustrator, Deborah Freedman.With over 50 volunteers in attendance, it was an exciting event for the volunteers to get together and discuss their experiences, as well as learn from each other and enjoy a wonderful guest speaker.

Page 4 IMPACT Innovative Programs of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Winter 2013

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