WeHa Magazine • September 2020

Vol. 10, No. 3 2020

$4.95

10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine I 1 • GARDENING •Vol.FINANCE • WINE ART • SENIOR LIVING

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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contents Vol. 10, No. 3 2020

DEPARTMENTS 24

GARDEN Fall Gardening

28 BEAUTY

Keep Healthy

34 FINANCE

Retirement Tips

39

CHAMBER NOTES Staying Connected

Pictured on the cover: Glass emulsion artwork by Mathieu Jean, from the Nebula Series

TRENDING

FEATURES 10

12

HOMETOWN HERO TEEN STEPS UP AS ESSENTIAL WORKER NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR A FACEBOOK GROUP CONNECTING WH RESIDENTS

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THE ART OF TRAVEL ARTISTIC INSPIRATION FROM TRAVELS LUX BOND & GREEN A NEW CHAPTER

Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

Senior Living 2020

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DREAM OF A LIFETIME HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR GETS HER DIPLOMA JESSIE’S GARDEN PUTTING DOWN ROOTS

SPECIAL SECTION TRENDING:

SENIOR LIVING

“I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is

Marketing and Technology

with a connection to

a great International Network.”

Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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Dedicated to Service for over 50 years

WeHa 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

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

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

Contributing Writers & Columnists: Whitney F. Burr, Chris Conway, Erin Fox, Karla Dalley, Stacey Dresner, Ertan Seyyar Sener, Lisa Martin Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT Intern Hunter Marotto Publishing Partner Ledger Publications 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

40 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105 westhartfordmagazine.com office: 860.508.4032 West Hartford Magazine is published by 2020 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. ©2020 WHMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. West Hartford Magazine is a registered trademark owned by WHMedia, Inc. The opinions expressed by writers published by West Hartford Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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

#weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy follow us on

FIRST IN DRIVES First in exhilarating with our 18-hole golf course.

First in delicious with 40 restaurants.

First in comfort with 1,600 guest rooms.

Be Social. Be Safe.

MOHEGANSUN.COM I 7

Vol. 10, No. 2, 2020 west hartford magazine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Decisions, Decisions.

Dear Readers,

A

pandemic. A hurricane.

Several tornadoes.

If you’re anything like us, you’re left wondering WHAT NEXT?!

Well, hopefully, nothing. We’re all praying for the good old days when the answer to “what’s new?” was a slow and boring “not much.”

But while we hope this issue finds you and your family and friends well, and that you stay safe and healthy, there is no escaping the fact that the exigencies of the past six months have taken their toll, impacting life not only in Connecticut, but all across the country and around the world.

For us, the uncertainties of these challenging times have left us with some big decisions to make.

One of those decisions occurred in the days immediately following the March statewide shut down, when we were forced to postpone the SPRING TASTE OF WEST HARTFORD… which was subsequently cancelled and later re-emerged as the FALL TASTE OF WEST HARTFORD…which has now been merged with our popular BEST OF WEST HARTFORD event…which will take place sometime at the beginning of 2021 at a location to be announced, as per Connecticut Health Department directives.

Please note: voting for the BEST OF WEST HARTFORD is underway right now. Voting ends on October 12 at midnight.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

As you will recall, in our last issue we announced the launch of WeHaCal.com, a comprehensive calendar of communitywide events serving West Hartford and its surrounding areas. The first of its kind in West Hartford, WeHaCal.com is off to a great start and we’re happy to report that we’ve been averaging 12,500 visitors weekly.

WeHa Wheels, which was so successful its first year out — chauffeuring West Hartford residents to and from locations all across our town at no charge — has, of course, been sidelined during the pandemic. Beginning this fall, however, while you may not see WeHa Wheels driving around town, you can catch it on display at WESTFARMS mall, thanks to our new sponsor, Westfarms.

We do hope that you will support our sponsors (listed below) and join us in thanking them for all they do to make our beautiful town the best in Connecticut!

Black Diamond Body Piercing EDENS: Float 41, Harvey & Lewis, Poke-City, CT Pediatric Dentistry The Fix Hartford HealthCare Keating Insurance Lux Bond & Green Modern Tire Mohegan Sun Udolf Properties Westfield Bank Westfarms Mall

Please note, for the safety of all our readers, this FALL ISSUE will be digital only!

We welcome you (if you haven’t already) to join us: Facebook West Hartford Magazine We-Ha.com Twitter @westhartfordmag @wehartford Instagram @westhartfordite Hashtags #wehaevents #bestofweha

#weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy

Thomas P. Hickey, Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com

Better banking has come to West Hartford.

Our new Financial Services Center at 977 Farmington Road in West Hartford is officially open!

To celebrate, we’re offering special promotions and a chance to win great weekly prizes.** So stop by today. And see what better banking’s all about.

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when you open a new checking account* *One offer per person available to new WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account customers only. Order a debit card and enroll in online banking to receive $50. Enroll in eStatements and receive $50. Sign up for direct deposit and receive $200. The bonuses will be deposited into your account within 45 days after the criteria is met, which must happen within 60 days of account opening. Minimum balance to open a WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account is $10.

As of 7/6/2020, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on the WB Portfolio Checking account is 0.10% and may change after the account is opened. Minimum balance to earn the APY is $10. Fees may reduce earnings. Offer available at the following locations only- Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford.

Offer may be rescinded at any time. Promotional code: $300CTConsumer

Offers Valid at All CT Offices

for the first 6 months

Prime +0% for the life of the loan

$500 Bonus Credit for first-time buyers*

*Borrower will receive a $500 lender credit towards closing costs at closing. First time homebuyer will receive an additional $500 lender credit towards closing costs at closing. A first time homebuyer is an individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period preceding the date of the purchase of the property. Subject to underwriting and loan approval. Property must be located in Western or Central Massachusetts or Northern or Central Connecticut. Offer available at the following locations only- Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford. Refinances of current Westfield Bank loans are not eligible. Offer may be rescinded at any time.

Bloomfield

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*This Home Equity Line of Credit requires monthly payments to be automatically deducted from a Westfield Bank checking account. Account must be opened prior to closing. After the initial 6 month introductory period, the interest rate will be Prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, currently 3.25% as of 3/15/2020, with an APR of 3.25%. After 6 months, the interest rate will be variable and may increase.

The maximum APR is 18%. The minimum interest rate is 3.25% with an APR of 3.25%. Rates are for owneroccupied properties only. Maximum loan-to-value (LTV) is 80%. Processing fee of $99 will apply if line of credit is approved and closed. Borrower-paid appraisal required for loans equal to or greater than $400,000 or for loans less than $400,000 where the bank is unable to determine a value using the standard method. Appraisal costs are $490 for a single family property or $640 for a 2-4 family property. Other closing costs may vary based on the line of credit amount requested. Property insurance is required.

Offer may be rescinded at any time.

10 Hartford Avenue

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What better banking’s all about . sm

westfieldbank.com

**No purchase or account required. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older.

All entry forms must be completed in full. One entry per person. All entries must be received on or before September 30, 2020. Charity must be a recognized 501(c) charitable organization located in northern and central Connecticut. See us for official rules.

Member

FDIC

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HOMETOWN HERO

WEST HARTFORD TEEN STEPS UP AS ESSENTIAL WORKER AT HOFFMAN SUMMERWOOD

BY STACEY DRESNER

Elizabeth Gomez preparing to deliver meals to a resident at Hoffman SummerWood.

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ince the COVID-19 pandemic began this spring, “essential workers” – those whose jobs are critical to the safety and wellbeing of the public – have shown their dedication by working hour upon hour, shift upon shift, to get the job done.

To many, “essential” workers are the doctors and nurses and first responders who have risked their own health to take care of patients, both with and without the coronavirus.

But there are many others who have worked throughout the pandemic despite their own worries about health and safety.

One of those workers is 18-year-old Elizabeth Gomez, a 2020 graduate of Hall High School.

In August of 2019 Elizabeth got a job on the wait staff in the dining room of Hoffman SummerWood Senior Living Community, an independent and assisted-living center in West Hartford.

Hired as a part-time waitress, Elizabeth began working two dinner shifts a week after school, on Mondays and Wednesdays. She also took on extra shifts when she could.

At SummerWood, the independent residents had always enjoyed gathering in the community dining room for meals and social time with friends. But when COVID-19 struck, SummerWood restricted communal dining in an effort to keep residents and staffers safe.

And so, says Elizabeth, “During COVID we began serving their food in their apartments.”

Taking extra safety precautions – wearing a mask and gloves at all times and washing hands on a regular basis – Elizabeth continued her essential work at SummerWood.

“I knew I had to be super careful,” she says.

When two of Elizabeth’s friends who had been working at SummerWood left their jobs when the pandemic hit – one whose parents were uncomfortable with them working there, and another who was immunocompromised – Elizabeth began covering their shifts.

“I was working back-to-back shifts, sometimes Monday morning and then Monday night, or Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.”

Despite her concern about the coronavirus, Elizabeth says she never considered quitting.

“There were moments that it did scare me because I’m close with my grandparents. I’ve been with them all my life and I love spending time with them,” she says. “But I would put a smile on my face and deliver the meals to the residents and talk to them for a few minutes.

That was my favorite thing to do. I was going there to make someone smile and make someone’s day better.”

Elizabeth’s work ethic comes from her parents, Rose Remicio-Gomez and Nicholas Gomez, who for the past 30 years have run their own commercial cleaning business.

“She is an essential worker and she never gave up,” says her mom. “She is a very compassionate person.”

Elizabeth’s affection for seniors comes not only from her relationship with her beloved grandparents, but from her experience as a middle school volunteer at the Hebrew Home in West Hartford.

“I would deliver mail to the residents, and there was this one lady who would ask me to paint her nails,” she laughs. “I saw how happy they would get and it just made me feel so good.”

Her work at Hoffman SummerWood has spurred her interest in healthcare as a career.

“After I got the job, I thought, ‘Wow, this is really interesting. I really like working with seniors”, Elizabeth explains.

Now, she is thinking of pursuing a career in nursing, possibly in geriatrics, as she begins studies this fall at Curry College in Massachusetts.

But even while she was busy packing for college in early August, Elizabeth didn’t forget about the residents at Hoffman SummerWood.

“I told them if they needed any help they could call me,” she says.

And they did. She spent one of her last Saturdays at home in West Hartford on the job, delivering meals and bringing cheer to SummerWood residents.

After all, she is an essential worker.

“I wanted to be there for them,” she said.

“If other people weren’t going to do it, I wanted to be that person who stepped up.”

more care when you can’t be there

You can’t always be there, in person, to assist the ones you love. We can help.

Hartford HealthCare at Home offers a complete range of services to support your loved one in their home. You can trust our well-trained team to safely deliver outstanding and compassionate care. And being part of the state’s most comprehensive healthcare system means our caregivers have access to the latest training, technology and resources, including personal protective equipment.

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or visit hartfordhealthcareathome.org

NEIGHBOR to NEIGHBOR

BY JUDIE JACOBSON

A Facebook group that connects West Hartford residents is ‘liked’ by all Scene 1: It’s Thanksgiving eve and, in the middle of cooking up a storm for the monster dinner you’re hosting the next day, the drain backs up and your sink is quickly filling with sludge that won’t budge. You would quickly call a plumber. If only you knew one to call.

Scene 2: Your nephew’s wedding is coming up this weekend and you finally decide to try on the outfit you’re planning to wear — the one you last wore during the Eisenhower administration.

Let’s just say you need a tailor STAT.

the sense, is a woman in perpetual motion — constantly making things happen and getting things done. Small wonder that the Facebook group she founded from a small gathering of friends is today an active and involved assemblage of townspeople, numbering close to 19,000.

Recently, we caught up with Patti to find out more about Neighbors & Friends of West Hartford and the vital role it plays in the lives of town residents and their families.

Patti Albee

Scene 3: The good news is, you have no need for a plumber or a tailor. The bad news is, you sure could use a safe space to vent your post-pandemic, town-related fears and woes.

Scene 4: Not to worry. The Facebook group “Neighbors & Friends of West Hartford” is here to help. So don’t make a scene.

Created in June 2012, “Neighbors & Friends of West Hartford” is the brainchild of town native Patti Albee. A graduate of Hall High School, Patti still lives in West Hartford, just three houses away from the home she grew up in, with her husband of 28 years and their four children — two daughters, ages 23 and 14, and two sons, ages 20 and 18.

A stay-at-home mom, Patti, one gets

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of people had also had their homes broken into, using the same MO [modus operandi] and things like that. It made me realize that there was no way for a neighborhood to know that information — and it’s helpful information for homeowners to have.

So I started it to fill people in on information like that through a new Facebook group, thinking the group would be a small neighborhood kind of thing — and it just kind of exploded.

Now, the page is used for things like recommendations. Right now obviously, the big talk is the school re-opening and how COVID-19 is affecting things.

But it’s really meant to provide information, like if you’re looking for a plumber; is school open or closed today — sort of town-related information. But there was no central place to give you this type of information. You know, the town has a Facebook page and a website; the public schools have their own website; etc.; but there was no real way — no central place — to pull it all together and make it easy for people to find.

Q: DOES THE GROUP TARGET A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE?

Q: WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO LAUNCH THIS GROUP? I started Neighbors & Friends of West Hartford because I had posted on my personal page that my father’s house had been broken into, and I discovered that in the blocks surrounding us a lot

It’s totally residents of West Hartford or people who may not live in town but may work in town. We also have a small percentage of people who may no longer live in town but their parents or family may live here.

We attract everyone from high schoolers all the way up to people in their 80s; both male and female. We’re just trying to connect neighbors in a variety of ways — whether it’s through

Q: IN THESE HIGHLY CHARGED TIMES, DO PEOPLE GET POLITICAL WITH THEIR POSTS?

a recommendation; whether it’s finding that #2 balloon for a birthday party that’s happening the next day. Those are the kinds of questions we answer.

80% to 90% of what we do is dispense valuable town information, and answers to questions.

They try, but we have a no-politics rule. A few things kind of sneak in, but there is also a West Hartford political Facebook page, so we try to steer people towards that. Our admin team consists of 4 people and we try to pay attention to the postings. We put it on post approval, which means that things can’t just be posted to the group; we see it first and must approve before it goes up.

We do post information about the upcoming election, absentee ballots, and things like that, but often we’ll post it and turn the comments off, so that it’s strictly for the purpose of relaying information. So if they want to find more about it they can go looking.

Q: HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO GATHER SO MANY FOLLOWERS? When I started it, i simply added my Facebook friends. To be honest, that first year the numbers were kind of low; there wasn’t a lot of discussion and it just kind of meandered on. To be honest, I’m not sure why it suddenly took off. My friends started adding their friends and if you [went online and] searched West Hartford it would come up. Right now, I believe we’re at over 18,000 followers.

And there’s lots of engagement. We probably get anywhere from 40-60 posts a day and upwards of about 1,000 comments a week on various posts. It ebbs and flows, but overall engagement is really good.

Q: DO YOU VET PEOPLE WHO WANT TO FRIEND THE GROUP? We get anywhere from 50 to 150 requests a day to join. When people request to join, we ask them to answer several questions, like where they’re from and why do they want to be a part

of the group. If, for example, we find that they live in some other country or that their reason for joining the group is to promote their business or something like that we don’t allow them to join.

We also ask them to repeat some of the rules which we have listed on our public feed. And we see how long they’ve been on Facebook; if they really have any connections to the town.

Q: IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU MONITOR THE POSTS PRETTY CLOSELY. We try not to allow people to name call and bash other people, etc. We don’t want it to get out of hand, but it’s the only place where people can talk about what’s happening in town. We try to let the discussion go. We really try to give people that chance because it’s the only forum they have for the residents of West Hartford to talk about these issues, whether it be the school reopening or a business closing or whatever. There’s no other place to talk about it. There are a few other West Hartford Facebook groups, and it’s the same thing — those ARE the places to talk about these issues of concern.

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Fall

The Bitter Prescription:

INTO COMFORT

Engineering Your Diet, Digestion and Hormones After 35

Plant Based Comfort Foods

Thursday, October 15 | 7:00 pm

Thursday, October 1 | 7:00 pm

Mandell JCC Facebook LIVE @Mandell JCC Virtual JCC www.virtualjcc.com

Mandell JCC Facebook LIVE @Mandell JCC Virtual JCC www.virtualjcc.com

Author, Dr. Jennifer Stagg gives us the bitter truth about how your dietary needs change with age, and how getting rid of bitter feelings will set you up for your greatest potential.

Coming this Fall to the Mandell JCC Zachs Campus | 335 Bloomfield Ave. | West Hartford, CT 06117 | 860-236-4571 | www.mandelljcc.org

Announcing

COMING THIS FALL!

J BAKER’S

TABLE A safe, nurturing and social environment for students in kindergarten – 5th grade.

An after school baking class with Chef Lindsay

The program will follow the West Hartford Public School’s reopening schedule.

For details, please contact Brett Manion, bmanion@mandelljcc.org, or kwyckoff@mandelljcc.org 14 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020Karen west Wyckoff, hartford magazine

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MACHINE-LIKE ACTION OF A BACTERIOPHAGE

Proudly Helping Navigate the World of Insurance for 50+ Years “Dealing with my insurance” is no longer something I have to worry about . One call to Keating and you take care of the rest. Thank you! Customer since 2017 Extremely dependable service for over 40 years!!! Never gave a thought to changing insurance agents. Philip P, customer since 1973 You contacted me before a renewal. Expressed how you monitor plans and explained why it might be good to change and provided another plan plus how to save an additional discount.

Your proactive approach confirms your clients are personally taken care of.

Susan C., customer since 2012 Keating Agency has always been responsive and willing to take the time to answer questions and solve any difficulties. We have been with the agency for long enough to remember Mike Keating Sr. and think he would be proud of the way the agency has continued to serve his clients.

Wilfred C., customer since 1978 The agency’s response to my my request for a quote was prompt and professional. The sales representative was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions and provided me options to consider to enhance my coverage. The quote provided exceeded my expectations and my coverage was increased at a much lower cost than my previous company. Additionally, all the staff are friendly and welcoming. I would recommend Keating insurance to anyone who wants good service and excellent coverage at a very fair price.

Paul H., customer since 2018

www.keatingagency.com 860-521-1420

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The GIFT of

GOLD STAR

MEMBERSHIP 10

$

=

10

$

It pays to join Costco!

Join today and we’ll give you a $10 Costco Cash Card, and a $10 Costco Cash Card to the member who referred you.

Bring your friend (existing Costco member), along with this invitation, to the Costco membership counter. When your membership is activated, you’ll each get a $10 Costco Cash Card on the spot.

Referring member name

Referring membership number

Offer is valid for new membership activations only. Limit two membership referrals per primary member per year. Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with any other savings offer. Separate forms are required for each referral. Costco Cash Cards are not redeemable for cash, except where required by law. Costco employees are excluded from this offer.

Awareness code: 22165 • Offer expires: June 30, 2021

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We provide top-notch reliable service!

SUPERIOR TIRE & AUTO SERVICES Oil Change • Brakes • Tires • Battery

Call today to make an appointment - 860.233.5177

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Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation

At the Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation, we understand that comfort and familiarity is a key part of the journey to wellness.

We also 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 Kosher including purchase, storage, preparation, and service.

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

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

HKC

‫כשר‬

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

For more information on our Kosher program, please contact: DIRECTOR, PASTORAL SERVICES - (860) 523-3800 Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation One Abrahms Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06117

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LIKE US ON

The art of travel Travel is a pathway to discovery; read on to learn Mathieu Jean’s journey to create.

Mathieu Jean is an American artist, based in West Hartford with an orbit of notable figures, collectors and collaborators. He is widely regarded as a painter, pyrographer (woodburning), and photographer.

Times Square Jumbotron 2019; ArtSquared NYC

Having navigated through a lifetime of artistic experimentation, he identifies more with shamans and mystics than any specific artist or art movement.

Much of the inspiration for his work is drawn from wanderings across Africa

photo credit Jose Renee Martinez

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and Asia. Mathieu’s background in biology and his travel experiences are inextricably linked with his artwork.

“I love exploring what’s beneath the surface, looking for what’s possible.

The oceans influence me; places like Haiti, India, Kenya, and Indonesia and the colors are so substantial and primal. Beneath the ocean is a whole world ablaze with adventure and freedom and complete relaxation.

In my travels diving off these coasts, exploring the coral reefs, I become a conduit and the paintings are manifestations of these impressions.

Each of my pieces is conceived as a vision; the execution of which often

Novel experiences through travel are his biggest art inspirations, and he likes primitive and unconventional ways of doing things. By being immersed in the environment and among his subjects, he feels connected through all of his senses. This intimacy translates these impressions to his artwork. The emotion or sensation he experiences is the catalyst. His artwork is a manifestation of the travel experience. In the studio, using his science background, like an alchemist, he mixes different media and tools to push his expressions to the next level. He uses tools such as syringes and modified utensils, mixing paints with unusual elements like argan or walnut oils, charcoal, minerals, all to achieve unusual outcomes.

“The night sky in the desert is simply awe-inspiring, and the source of inspiration for the ‘Nebula’ emulsion series.”

It was in Moab, Utah that Mathieu

leads me down and unpredictable and transformative path.”

– Mathieu

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Exhibition at Elevee: Manhattan

delved into astrophotography; holding the shutter open for extended periods, the galaxy and Nebulas beyond revealed their dark and dramatic splendor. On the monitor, the gamut of color was remarkable; far from black and white, the stellar sky is “is a blast of color”, and balanced as if each star and patch of dust were placed on a canvas by skilled hands. He began to create nebulas of his

Abstract emulsion: Nebula Series own design, abstract emulsions rendered in glass, creating large scale wall art for commercial and residential and high-rise spaces.

Mathieu’s background in biology and his travel experiences are inextricably linked with his artwork. He has traveled solo three times to Africa exploring Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. On an overland trip from Nairobi to Cape Town, his intention was to shoot portraits and whale sharks, humpback whales and giant manta rays in Mozambique. On another adventure he set his sights on diving the Red Sea, but not before meandering through Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Travel and dives through India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia left an indelible mark. The color below the surface is other-worldly. Much like the cosmos, the ocean is every bit the frontier. He feels the last great diving in the Western Hemisphere is off Bonaire, because of its biodiversity and remarkable accessibility.

On this tiny island, a diver need only pull the car off the road and “suit up” to encounter unspoiled reefs; few places are this easy. The architecture below is every bit as remarkable as the surface.

Mathieu was inspired to develop his wood-burning (pyrography) technique Pyrography on Latin Percussion Cajon

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during a trip to Japan, while climbing Mt. Fuji. During the ascent, kanji characters were branded on an obligatory walking stick at stations along the mountain slope. In 2013, Mathieu was chosen to represent the Latin Percussion drum company in celebration of their 50th anniversary.

He designed and hand-burned a special edition series of drums which debuted in Los Angeles; shortly thereafter, Mathieu collaborated with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drum legend Matt Sorum (Guns and Roses, Velvet Revolver). Together, with Gretsch drums, they produced the Matt Sorum “Signature Series,” a boutique line of snare drums were produced, in very limited quantities and marketed worldwide. The themes reflected the collective interests and travel experiences of Matt Sorum, who is a tireless wildlife advocate and ambassador to the “Dolphin Project” and IFAW. Mathieu Jean’s often surreal imagery or “neo-expressionist” art has been adapted to a wide gamut of media, including KARO Swimwear, which has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Harpers Bazaar, and countless other publications worldwide. The “Mathieu Jean” line of KARO swimwear was launched in 2016 at Miami Swim Week.

The suits feature designs with vivid colors and surreal content, reflecting the Artist Mathieu Jean

many exotic destinations he has visited. https://www.karoswimwear.com/product-category/mathieu-jean-by-karo-artist-collaboration-line/ It is Mathieu’s desire to make his art more accessible by having his artwork adapted to apparel and everyday objects. To this end, he collaborates with product designers to

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help spread his interpretation of the world of nature and culture he has personally experienced through travel.

For more information: Please visit: Mathieujean.art Alexglassdesigns.com Instagram: Pyrokraft Model: Hannah Jackson

If you are looking to be inspired through travel as Mathieu is, please contact Lisa Martin.

Gretsch Drums: Matt Sorum Signature Series Mathieu Jean by KARO Swimwear Pyrography on Latin Percussion Cajon

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GARDENING

What to do in the fall garden

BY KARLA A. DALLEY

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t’s been a long, hot, dry summer— and that doesn’t begin to explain the challenges we have all faced this year! Even very experienced gardeners might be tempted to throw in the towel and say “I’ll deal with it next year!”

While that approach is fine for many things, there are a few things that you do not want to neglect right now. I once saw a plaque that said: Do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, the way it ought to be done, whether you feel like it or not. While that saying can apply to just about anything, I apply it to gardening.

So here’s what absolutely has to be done in the fall—whether you feel like it or not, so to speak.

First, if you intend to plant bulbs, do not delay in ordering them. It’s still a little early to plant. But to get the best varieties, spring flowering bulbs are best ordered early—I ordered mine in late July but you needn’t be quite that obsessive.

I know that many in West Hartford have given up on bulbs completely because of critter problems. But each year the growers come out with more spectacular varieties of critterresistant—or completely critterproof—bulbs. The alliums are wonderful and will bloom for a very long season, and they are poisonous to critters. They start blooming in late spring and go into early summer. There’s even a variety that blooms in late summer. Their colors range from blue, purple, white, yellow, maroon and even green! And if you have a quirky streak, allium is definitely the bulb for you!

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24 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

If you like native plants, camassia is your bulb, and it too is critter-proof.

It will naturalize, grow in shade and provide lovely blue or white flowers. It will even grow in wet soil.

Whatever bulbs you choose, planting time is sometime in mid to late October—about the time our soil cools to around 50 degrees.

What I have just said may surprise you—that our soil stays so warm so late in the season. Think of it like Long Island Sound—it’s slow to warm in the spring, but equally slow to cool down in the fall. So September and even early October is the perfect time to plant new plants or to divide existing plants.

If the weather continues to be dry, you will need to water—at least 1” of water per week for new plants or divisions of perennials.

If you are dividing plants, almost any perennial can be divided in the fall. Irises are a little finicky and like to be divided only in August—but they are finicky for more reasons than can be explained here. You may choose to wait to divide early spring blooming perennials in the spring, after they flower, so you don’t lose any of their flowering potential.

Many people also use the fall to do pruning. I do not. Pruning live wood tells a shrub to wake up and put on new growth. Since our weather has been unpredictable at best over the last several years, the last thing I want is to prune a shrub in the fall and have it put on new growth that is not hardened off before winter. That tender growth will be immediately winter-killed and all I have done is to make more work for myself in the spring.

I prefer to prune in the spring—or even on a balmy day in early March, say—when the danger of winter kill is past, and any new growth that a shrub would put on is suited for the new spring. It’s a philosophy but it’s served me well.

I also don’t cut back my roses. They go into winter at just the height they were over the summer. My rose garden is two feet from the street and gets battered all winter by the heavy, wet snow thrown by snowplows. So the argument that I have always heard—that one cuts back roses to protect them from whipping winds—should doubly apply in my case.

But when spring comes, there is rarely much damage, maybe few small broken canes. I am much happier removing a few broken canes from a 5’ shrub than I would be from a 2’ shrub, had I cut it back, as the prevailing “conventional” wisdom says I should. So if you’re cutting your roses back in the fall—you can stop now.

Spend the time rooting out perennial weeds instead. You really don’t want those to overwinter in your garden. And if you have any extra time, try to get out any annual weeds as well. If you can keep those from going to seed, you’ll save yourself some heartache next year.

So that’s how you should spend your gardening time this fall. Be well, and happy gardening!

Karla Dalley is a garden writer and speaker from West Hartford. kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com Photo courtesy of the Olive Gypsy Boutique,

by ADRIANA LAJOIE PHOTOGRAPHY

VOTE TODAY FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL BOWH! Each category includes this year’s finalists

2020

(a composite from the past 5 years) as well as space to write in your personal favorites... even a new category to include who you love that we missed! Go online and vote, and remember to share, share and share some more! Businesses are counting on your support and we know of several that are determined to retain their “best” title, so don’t be shy about sharing this contest everywhere!

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TO VOTE, GO TO WEHACAL.COM/2020/06/08/BESTOFWESTHARTFORD.COM

Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine I 25

THE Next CHAPTER

BY JUDIE JACOBSON

Lux Bond & Green Jewelers begins a major remodeling of its flagship location Like a good book, the page is turning on the next chapter in the life of one of West Hartford’s most cherished retail establishments — and that new chapter couldn’t be more electrifying.

This summer, Lux Bond & Green Jewelers announced plans to remodel its store at 46 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center, which the family-owned store has called home since 1957.

Did we say “remodel”? Talk about an understatement. More precisely, LBG’s flagship store will undergo a breathtak-

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26 Vol 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

ing head-to-toe transformation that will result in a new and exciting shopping environment for West Hartford Center.

“We have been talking about this for a couple of years, given the dramatic changes to the retail landscape and our family’s desire to ensure that our customers feel comfortable when shopping at our store,” Lux Bond & Green President and CEO John A. Green recently told WeHa Magazine.

“Several areas of our store have experienced significant growth over the years and we wanted to devote smarter space with technology and comfort in a remodeled environment. We are expanding our Rolex watch area, our David Yurman men’s, ladies’ and bridal selections, our entire diamond department from engagement to custom work

and, of course, our always busy service and repair department.”

News of LBG’s ambitious plans won’t come as a surprise to loyal customers.

After all, being bold and resourceful — and keeping in step with the changing times — have been key ingredients of the store’s success since its inception 122 years ago. Founded in 1898 in Waterbury with just one store, Lux Bond & Green is today a fourthgeneration family business that has grown to include six locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It is well-respected all across the country as a premier jewelry, watch and gift establishment.

Throughout the months-long pandemic, LBG continued to safely help the store’s treasured customers celebrate

special occasions with iconic gifts, many of which may well be cherished for generations. In fact, since reopening in Connecticut in May and in Massachusetts in June business has been surprisingly robust. How has LBG managed not only to stay alive, but thrive, during these challenging times when, sadly, so many other local retail establishments have been forced to shutter their doors?

“We do believe that we deliver on our promises and core values to celebrate life’s special occasions and fulfill our customers’ desire for exceptional beauty and luxury and value by offering the world’s finest diamonds jewelry watches and an array of distinctive gifts and services in an elegant yet comfortable store staffed by professionals,” says John Green. “We are not on commission so our customers never feel pressured

as we look to a lifelong relationship. In fact we have many multigenerational customers, which is very rewarding for our family.”

As the construction on the remodel moves forward, Lux Bond & Green will temporarily close its 46 LaSalle Road location Labor Day through early November. During that period of time its operation will temporarily relocate just around the corner to 970 Farmington Ave. The store will feature several new collections.

“As our business continues to expand, this exciting chapter will give our customers an environment to shop, design, learn and relax like no other in the area,” says John Green.

“We are excited for this next chapter of our 122-year history. 2020 has highlighted our strengths of shopping online,

by appointment, curbside and in-store.

Whether you want to talk with us, text with us, Facetime or another virtual experience, we listen and we promise to deliver quality, selection, value and a lifetime of great service.”

For the safety and protection of customers, Lux Bond & Green’s six locations are strictly following CDC and state guidelines.

Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 27

For more information on products and services, or to shop in-store, online, curbside or make an appointment, call (860) 521-3115 or visit www.LBGreen.com.

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BEAUTY STAY HEALTHY. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP. AND TAKE YOUR VITAMINS. Your beauty strategy for the fall!

“When grass was green and grain so yellow.”

Did you know that Agatha Christie, Andrea Bocelli, Beyonce, Brigitte Bardot, Bruce Springsteen, Confucius, Freddie Mercury, Greta Garbo, Leonard Cohen, Sophia Loren, Stephen King and Truman Capote were all born in September?

“Try to remember that kind of September When people strolled and sipped lemoncello.”

“Try to remember that kind of September When life without covid was oh so swellow.”

September. Back to school?

Maybe.

Flus and colds?

Possibly.

Ragweed and allergies?

Definitely.

Stay healthy. Get plenty of sleep. And take your vitamins.

“Try to remember that kind of September When life was slow and oh so mellow.”

The Fix IV Therapy is a wellness boutique spa at 1000 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford. Please check with the store for current store hours during these unusual times.

Each Fix or Booster is administered by highly trained professional registered nurses, under the supervision of the spa’s Medical Director.

Contact: Erin Fox, Owner of The Fix. Thefixivtherapy.com 860-206-3677.

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28 Vol. 10, No. 2, 2020 west hartford magazine

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Vol. 9, No. 3, 2019 west hartford magazine 31

For a Holocaust survivor, the dream of a lifetime is wrapped up in a diploma.

W

EST HARTFORD – Miriam Schreiber was just six years old when World War II began. When the Nazis invaded, she and her family made their way from their small village of Długosiodło in Poland to Russia seeking safety.

Several of Schreiber’s childhood years were spent in a Siberian work camp, where her older relatives were forced into hard labor, and suffered from freezing cold temperatures and malnutrition.

Not freed from the Russian camp until a year after the war ended, Schreiber and her family made their way to a displaced persons camp in Germany, before her journey took her to several countries, including Israel, and then finally, the United States.

After more than 50 years in West Hartford, where Schreiber, who is now 88, and her late husband Saul raised their two sons, the great-grandmother of three still has one big regret – that she was never able to go to school and did not receive a high school diploma.

“It’s been a real dream of mine for all my life, because I never got a diploma from any school – not from kindergarten, not from grade school and not from high school,” she says. “I have never had reunions; I have never had schoolmates. I have never had the kavod – the honor – to get a diploma.”

Schreiber finally got that kavod on when the New England Jewish Academy (NEJA) presented her with her very own honorary high school diploma.

A small crowd of her family and friends – masks on and socially distanced – gathered for an outdoor ceremony at the West Hartford school to witness NEJA graduate Shoshana Olkin present

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32 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

BY STACEY DRESNER

Schreiber with her honorary diploma on Sunday, August 16. It seemed fitting – after all, it was Schreiber’s conversation with Okin and fellow NEJA senior Moshe Koenigsburg last October that was the impetus for the diploma presentation.

While she had given her testimony to the Fortunoff Video Archives at Yale University, Shreiber had never talked to a group about her experiences. But her son, Bernhard “Bernie” Schreiber of West Hartford, encouraged her to open up.

Miriam Schreiber “I had been telling her that her story is important and that she should tell it,” Bernie Schreiber says.

Through Miriam Brander, Jewish Family Service’s state coordinator for the Program for Holocaust Survivors, and JFS social worker Erica Kapiloff, a case manager for Holocaust survivors, NEJA was put in touch with Schreiber.

“We are always looking for opportunities to connect our survivors to the next generation and to help them tell their story,” Brander says. “NEJA also looks for ways for their students to connect and this was a great match. Miriam is one

of the most inspiring people I’ve had the opportunity to meet.”

The students, also with NEJA Upper Division principal, Dr. Richard Nabel, and the two JFS professionals, sat down in Schreiber’s home to hear her story.

After escaping the Nazis and making the long hard journey to Russia, Schreiber’s family was detained at the border. When they were allowed in, the Russian army sent them to Siberia.

“My memories are horrible,” Schreiber recalls. “It was hell on earth. We were in a camp…. There was no way out of there. It was cold. We were hungry. It was misery.”

Schreiber was too young to work, but her 12-year-old sister was forced to work with the adults, who cut down trees for lumber, among other kinds of work. Little Miriam sat scared and alone all day in the small log building her family shared with three other families.

“The frost was inside as well as outside,” she recalls. “It was 60 below zero on any given day.”

One day a family member died and they were forced to leave the body outside because it was too frozen to dig. It was assumed that wild animals had dragged the body off into the woods.

In the meantime, her father, who had been in the Polish army at the beginning of the war, tried to get to Russia to find his family, but was then conscripted into the Russian army to fight. At the end of the war, Schreiber’s family was finally freed from the Russian work camp. Her father found them as they walked along the route back to Poland. But when they arrived back in Długosiodło, the antisemitism was still so strong they had to leave.

Once at the DP camp in Germany, Miriam met Saul Schreiber and they were married. Their son Bernie was born five

Miriam and Saul Schreiber days after Miriam Schrieber’s 16th birthday. A year later, they made it to Israel where Schreiber’s older sister had settled.

Years later, they moved to the U.S. “Wherever she went she learned a language,” her son Bernie says. “She spoke Yiddish, Polish, fluent Russian; then she went to Israel and she spoke Hebrew, which she still does to her family members there; and German and now English. So she is quite accomplished.”

Shoshana Olkin says Schreiber’s story of survival was inspiring.

“She went through so much and she did not even get to graduate from high school and school meant so much to her,” Olkin says.

It took less than three minutes for NEJA’s senior class to vote unanimously to present Schreiber with a diploma at their 2020 graduation. Due to COVID-19, however, that ceremony was cancelled in favor of a virtual graduation that was held online in June. Schreiber was presented with her diploma at a ceremony attended by family and friends at the school on Sunday, August 16.

Dr. Nadel was so moved by Schreiber’s story, he planned the event himself.

“Every Holocaust survivor has their own unbelievable story and Miriam’s was just so touching, but the tie into education really hit home for the seniors – how fortunate they were to be able to graduate and here was this woman who had lived her whole life not being able to fulfill that basic achievement,” said Dr. Nadel.

When Olkin called Schreiber to tell her she would be getting a diploma, the older woman was thrilled.

“She was so happy and I just felt so good that this woman who had gone through so much would finally get the diploma she had wanted for so long,” says Olkin. “When Miriam told her story, I felt like I had this connection to her, and I told her that we really look up to her…so it’s a real honor for me.”

Says her son Bernie, “This is one of the best things that has happened to her in such a long time. It’s huge.”

The diploma aside, Schreiber says she is glad she was able to tell her story.

“I want people to understand what we

went through – it was an unbelievable horror,” she said. “I want people to stop discriminating and stop thinking that they are better than somebody else. I

want people to understand each other a little bit more and be more courteous and loving. You will accomplish a lot more with kindness than with hate.”

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 33

WINE

Champagne: No occasion required!

BY ERTAN SENER

D

o you remember the last time you opened a bottle of Champagne? Well, I should ask, “Do you remember the last time you opened a bottle of Champagne without a special occasion?” Champagne is a wine and can be, well, I’ll stress, SHOULD be enjoyed for the great wine it is, with all the pairing possibilities!

Well, I know, Champagne is expensive and doesn’t fit into that Tuesday night dinner budget. WRONG! Well, maybe not for a Tuesday night, but there are Champagnes that are affordable, good quality and made with family pride. I’m speaking about Grower Champagnes!

These fantastic gems are wines that need not be judged by the color of their label or what their initials are! We will get into the specifics of these Growers, but first let me clarify some of the mystery of Champagne.

First of all, Champagne is only Champagne if it comes from the region in Northern France of the same name.

What’s so special about this place? The word Champagne is derived from the Latin term campania, which translates to rolling countryside, and is used today to describe the area just north of Rome! In the middle ages the term was applied to this area in Northern France.

Second, the Champagne Region is the first region to create sparkling wine in any quantity. So, the term Champagne became synonymous with this fine quality wine that dances in the glass. Strict regulations keep the name safe, and no

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34 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

other sparkling wines can bear the name Champagne, even if it is from France.

Now a little bit about this special place.

Champagne is France’s northernmost wine making region, about an hour and a half north of Paris. This is pretty far north! If we followed the latitude from the town of Reims in Champagne, across to North America, we would be at the island of Newfoundland. Why is this northern location so important?

Well, it helps in creating grapes very high in acidity, and that is one of the appealing points, balanced with fruit, backed up with bubbles, that creates good Champagne. There are four main areas of Champagne that grow three grape varieties that are used to make the sparkling treat. These grapes are: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Yes, that’s right; the first two varieties are red! Make wine with no contact from the grape skins, and you get white wine! We’ll save that topic for a whole other article! Well, let’s get onto the topic of Grower Champagne.

“I’ll speak not as a wine grower, but as a wine drinker now; when I drink a wine, worked by people who spent three times longer in their vineyards, who always followed their grapes, who suffered the same climactic conditions as their vines, I dream. I dream, and it gives me pleasure, because I know there is a story, work, patience, passion, and the unique beliefs of the wine grower.” –Alexander Chartogne. Wow. This is no joke.

This is his belief system, this is the belief system of a lot of growers, and

this is my belief.

Champagne is a wine and should be enjoyed as one, with food! Pair not only with cheeses or the classic gougère (fun little French cheese puffs!), but let it be the accompaniment to a course or even a meal. The high acidity is great to get your mouth prepared for a bite of something savory. Next time you have sushi, try a bottle of bubbles with a variety of rolls or sashimi. Champagne, the right Champagne, can stand up to soy as well as a little heat from our friend wasabi.

You’ll never look at a California Roll the same way! Try Champagne with a favorite dish that would normally call for a glass of white. Who knows, it could be the perfect pairing. Champagne likes to play with food, it doesn’t always want to be the opening solo act, it wants to become a part of the symphony of flavors and help support the other players. So, be a little daring an open a bottle of bubbles during the week, for nothing more than the pure pleasure.

You deserve it!

Cheers!

Ertan Seyyar Sener Maximum Beverage 333 North Main St. West Hartford 860-761-2541 ertan@maximumbev.com

Ertan Sener is also an accomplished musician working as a Conductor/Music Educator at the Hartt School, University of Hartford, Music Director of the Simsbury Community Band and former conductor with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 35

FINANCE

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL YOU NEED FOR RETIREMENT?

BY WHITNEY F. BURR

“Will I outlive my retirement money?”

That is one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.

So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, “Here’s how much money Americans think they need to 1 retire comfortably.” $1.9 million is the number, according to a nationwide survey of 1,000 employed 401(k) participants by a well-known financial services company. In 2019, the same survey reported the number was $1.7 million. But this year’s pandemic 2 increased the total by $200,000.

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36 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

Is $1.9 million a realistic figure for retirement? It is hard to say. The survey did not ask participants how they arrived at that figure or what information they used to draw that conclusion.

Determining how much money you need in retirement is a process. It should not be a number that you pull out of thin air.

There is no cookie cutter solution.

It should be customized to each individual and family’s unique situation.

The process should include looking at your current financial situation and developing an approach based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The process should take into consideration all your potential sources of retirement income, and project what your income would look like each year in retirement.

A significant figure like $1.9 million does little good if you are uncertain what it means for your retirement years. Here at Burr Capital Advisors, we can help you develop a retirement strategy tailored specifically for you and your family and

show you investment ideas designed to help you pursue the retirement of your dreams.

Call our office at 860-678-6260 for a complimentary consultation and a review of your current investments and retirement strategy.

Contact: Whitney F. Burr Burr Capital Advisors, LLC 10 North Main Street Suite #213 West Hartford, CT 06107 860-678-6260 www.burrcapital.com Investment Advisory Services and Securities offered through LPL Financial - A Registered Investment Advisor.

Member FINRA & SIPC 1. FoxBusiness.com, August 4, 2020 2. Pressroom.aboutshwab.com, August 4, 2020 Investing involves risk, and the return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 37

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38 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

find us online all the time at westhartfordmagazine.com

W. H. CHAMBER NOTES

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce:

Staying Connected

BY CHRIS CONWAY

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have often used this forum as a means of educating readers on the relevance of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and its role in our community. Due to the slowdown brought on by COVID-19, we have been unable to facilitate frequent ribbon cuttings or hold large celebratory events.

Networking by leveraging technology is not all that has changed. In order to meet the needs of our businesses and non-profits, we have found the need to pivot…yes, I said pivot. While this will easily win the “Most Overused Word of 2020,” it does adequately describe the events of the past several months.

In-person semi-monthly networking has transitioned to weekly on Zoom and continues to draw large numbers of engaged participants.

In addition to networking meetings, we have partnered with the town to co-facilitate a series of townhall-style events called Virtual Small Business Forum. We created these as a way for our businesses to interact in real-time with leaders and policy makers. Mayor Cantor, DECD Commissioner David Lehman and members of our local state delegation have all made themselves available to share updates and hear concerns. The most recent concern in this series was on issues related to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and the countless mixed income employees who have fallen thought the cracks in the system. State Representative Jillian Gilchrest moderated and helped organize this forum with both Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy. We had over 50 online participants and some guest speakers who shared their very personal struggles with this issue. The CARES act allowed for self-employed

workers to receive benefits for loss of income. This was a change to previous regulations, which historically have not allowed for these people to receive unemployment. The issue at hand is that some of these people had earned small amounts of W2 wages. Regardless of the amount, their unemployment benefits were based on this income, not the loss of wages from their self-employment.

The story shared by longtime West Hartford business owner Bonita Weisman vividly illustrates this issue.

Weisman is the owner of West Hartford Massage Therapy. According to what she shared, she earns approximately $60K per year as a wellness practitioner.

She is also a trained dancer and dance instructor. In early 2019, she taught a dance class at the University of Hartford, for which she was paid a little over $1000. When Bonita applied for the newly available PUA, she began receiving benefits of less than $20 per week. She was told by CT Department of Labor that this was based on her W2 wages, not her self-employed income.

Bonita reached out to the Chamber for assistance. I reached out to some of my contacts at DOL and other agencies. I also referred her to the town’s Economic Development Specialist Kristen Gorski.

The result was connecting her with Jilian Gilcrest. The state representative had been hearing similar stories from other constituents as did other members of our local delegation.

“I am a 25-year veteran of the West Hartford Chamber,” said Weisman. “Due to a ‘glitch’ in federal legislation, my self-employment earnings from West Hartford Massage Therapy currently render me ineligible for Unemployment Insurance. Chris Conway has been truly supportive. He steered me to Kristen

Gorski (our town’s Economic Development Specialist) who gave me guidance and offered recommendations to free resources for small businesses. I received free help applying for the SBA and DECD loans. I am very grateful for this town service (and the networking is fun!).”

As this “glitch” was largely a federal issue, it was important for our leaders in Washington to hear these stories directly from those affected. While this still remains an open issue, there was some immediate progress. Three days after the forum, a letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Chuck Grassley and Senator Ron Wyden. The 2-page letter illustrated to concern of these mixed income earners and asked for their consideration on future legislation related to PUA. Senator Blumenthal was among the signatories, which also included Senators Elizabeth Warren, Edward Markley, Martin Heinrich, Dianne Feinstein, Christopher Coons, Amy Klobuchar and now Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

The Chamber can hardly take the credit for this recent development, but it is an excellent example of how by listening to the concerns of our members, we can be a partner in assisting them to be heard by those who implement change. As always, we will continue to serve our business and non-profit community in this capacity.

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. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 39

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40 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

SAVE THE DATE

Save the Date

Saturday, September 12, 2020 Drive-In fundraiser to benefit the Ron Foley Foundation 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (gates open at 2:30) Folly Farm Equestrian Center, Simsbury, CT

COMMUNITY GET-TOGETHER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER MEDICAL RESEARCH AND PATIENT FINANCIAL AID

We Are All In This Together And Together Drive-In fundraiser to benefit the Ron Foley Foundation

We Will Continue Saturday, September 12, 2020

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 41

Jessie’s Community Garden puts down roots at Hoffman SummerWood

BY JUDIE JACOBSON

Hoffman SummerWood, a West Hartford senior living community, has partnered with the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and the Kostin family of West Hartford to install and manage Connecticut’s newest location of Jessie’s Community Gardens.

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42 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

Established by the Kostin family to celebrate the life of the late Jessica Lynn Kostin, daughter of Dane and Michele Kostin and sister of Elisabeth, Jeremy, and Whitney Kostin, Jessie’s Community Gardens is an initiative managed by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and maintained by volunteers. Primarily located throughout Connecticut, the gardens can also be found as far away as San Francisco, California. They are located at schools, synagogues, churches, parks, community centers — and now at Hoffman SummerWood, marking the seventeenth garden installation.

Jessie’s Community Garden at SummerWood

Most of the gardens feature vegetable plants and produce, and one contains a fruit tree orchard. Fresh produce from Jessie’s Community Gardens benefit a variety of organizations, including Jewish Family Services’ Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry, which is currently providing food relief to Connecticut residents adversely affected by COVID-19.

“Michele and I needed to find a way to give memory to our dear daughter, whose untimely death 10 years ago at the young age of 26 was so devastating to our family,” says Dane Kostin. “We chose this project as it ties together Jessie’s love for gourmet cooking with fresh vegetables, paired with her passion for social justice in helping to feed those in need.”

Above: Michele & Dane Kostin on the far left Right: Volunteer Dave Wolansky proudly shows off the Jessie’s Community Garden he helps maintain at Hoffman SummerWood.

In May of 2020, the Kostin family and the Jewish Federation donated four raised planting beds for installation on SummerWood’s back patio. This marks the second Jessie’s Garden installation featuring specially raised beds that allow wheelchair accessibility for gardeners with mobility issues.

The ability to garden outdoors in the fresh air during the pandemic has been a gift to SummerWood residents, especially longtime garden volunteer Dave Wolansky.

“The garden provides a great deal of satisfaction for all of us,” says Wolansky.

“This is the first time we have been able

to produce such a great crop of vegetables. It is especially rewarding because our senior community here is growing produce to be donated to Connecticut’s senior community. It’s seniors helping seniors.”

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 43

Sharp Minds Shine Brighter Satisfy your love of learning in a community of active, engaged seniors.

At The McAuley, intellectual curiosity is worth celebrating. With stimulating on-site lectures and classes from Trinity College and the University of Hartford, free courses next door at the University of Saint Joseph, thought-provoking book discussions, and access to cultural events across West Hartford, there are plenty of ways to keep learning while enjoying the lifestyle you deserve.

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44 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

TRENDING Senior Living 2020

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 45

This is where I still celebrate.

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46 Vol. 10, No. 3 2020 west hartford magazine

Helping seniors with all their financial needs

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 47

LEDGER

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contents

TRENDING SENIOR LIVING 2020

PAGE 50

PAGE 56

PAGE 62

PAGE 66

Cooking for just you

Reading keeps aging

Innovative gizmos

A Massachusetts man

can be empowering.

minds agile. Start

and gadgets to

helps quarantined

with this list.

improve the aging

seniors stay in touch

experience.

with family.

PAGE 64

PAGE 67

Experts talk about

Older adults are

how seniors can

mostly concerned

survive and thrive

with others during

during the pandemic.

the COVID-19 crisis.

Table for One

PAGE 52

Second Acts For retirees, no work doesn’t mean no play.

Get a hobby!

Book Worms

PAGE 60

Beautiful Music If you want to exercise your brain, turn on the tunes.

Bright Ideas

Feeling Groovy

Face Tim

Worry Warts

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 49

GOING SOLO 9 tips on how to cook just for you

Some say cooking for one is a downer, not worth the effort, more expensive than eating out.

We say, no, no, and no. Well, okay, maybe sometimes. But cooking for one can also be downright fun and even empowering. After all, what could be bad about cooking exactly what you want, whenever you want it, without giving a thought to someone else’s taste buds or dietary needs. Best of all, if your meal is a flop, you don’t need to apologize for ruining someone’s dinner! So give it a try… and keep these tips in mind.

1. PLAN AHEAD. If you find yourself scarfing down a cold bowl of Cheerios or a bag of freshly popped popcorn 7 nights a week, you’re simply not planning ahead. And you should be. Well thought out menus make for more delicious, fresh and healthy meals. Planning ahead also cuts down on impulse buying at the grocery store, which saves you money.

2. SHOP THE DELI News flash! You can buy a single chicken breast at the deli counter — no need to buy a pack of 4; or buy 3 slices of your favorite cheese instead of a whole wedge and 1/4 pound of just about anything else instead of a full pound. Plus, deli counters usually run weekly specials, so keep an eye out for great deals!

3. AN APPLE A DAY If you fill up your food cart before you make it past the produce section, chances are half the produce you buy will go bad before you get to enjoy it. Resist the urge to overbuy; most pieces of produce can be bought individually. Do it.

4. FILL THE FREEZER. The freezer is your friend. Use it to store leftovers you might not be in the mood for tomorrow; or frozen vegetables that’s still half full; or go-to meals like frozen pizza.

Bottom line: the freezer can help you resist impulse drives to pick up take-out on nights you just don’t feel like cooking.

7. CUT TO THE CHASE. Most recipes are designed for at least 2-4 servings. So if you’re cooking for just you it’s helpful to learn how to scale down a recipe for a single serving. You can do the math calculation on your own — or you can ask Google for help or buy (or make) a conversion chart. Of course, it’s sometimes more economical to cook on a larger scale and freeze the leftovers. Up to you.

5. BUY A TOASTER OVEN. If you don’t own a toaster oven, what are you waiting for? It’s hands-down the quickest and easiest way to bake/roast/toast/reheat all sorts of single-serving recipes. The microwave oven makes reheated food — like pizza and veggies — soggy. The toaster oven makes them crispy. And while you’re at it, invest in a small-size slow cooker.

dishes, or don’t feel guilty about breaking out the paper plates (Look, Ma, no dirty dishes!). Eat your meal sitting at the kitchen table reading a good book…or cozied up on the couch watching TV…or on the deck while the sun sets. Bottom line: If you’re having fun cooking for one, you won’t want to stop!

8. GO-TO RECIPES ROCK. Sandwiches, omelets, quesadillas — recipes like these are easy to make for one person without recalculating ingredient measurements. When you know a handful of simple recipes that are already meant for one person, you can make a meal in no time. So make a list of favorite meals you can throw together at a moment’s notice.

6. SPREAD THE WEALTH. Buying in bulk at food warehouses like Costco can be cost-effective — except if you’re one person who can’t possibly use all that food before much of it goes bad.

The alternative: Buy one membership with a friend, or group of friends. Sharing groceries is a great way to be able to buy the food you want to buy, especially if prices are better in bulk.

9. HAVE FUN! Cooking should be creative and enjoyable.

Some tips: Put together a play list of your favorite music to cook to (and maybe take a minute or two to dance around the kitchen while you’re cooking. After all, nobody’s looking!). Serve your meal on your favorite

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 51

BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. GET A HOBBY. Looking for something new to do in retirement? Something that will illuminate your life and make it more interesting? Here’s a novel thought: Don’t choose something that interests you. Or, more to the point, don’t choose something you THINK will interest you. Try something new. Be Bold.

Be Brave. Don’t shy away from something just because it sounds like it’s too much of a challenge. Give it time to take root. If you do, you could hit upon unexpected and ultra-awesome life experiences. Here are a few ideas to get your fearless juices flowing.

BLOGGING

If there’s some topic you care passionately about, you’ve got what it takes to start a blog. No, you don’t need technical skills — if you can turn on a laptop, you’re good to go. Blogging lets you share your knowledge about a topic with people the world over, and as your blog grows so does your audience. Once you have a decent size audience you can easily monetize your blog through ads, email marketing and e-commerce. Ready to give it a go? Check out one of the many online courses to help you get started.

PICTURE TAKING

Grab a digital camera (so very easy to use!) and shoot away. Take photos of nature, vacations, family gathering, portraits and landscapes…whatever strikes your fancy. You don’t have to be an artist to tap into your creative impulses.

COFFEE KLATCHING

Stop in at your local diner on a weekday morning and you’ll catch groups of retirees sitting around chatting. Some do it once a week, some almost every day. Want to give it a try? Just call up a few friends, agree on a time and place…and you’re off and running. If you can’t think of any friends to invite, join an existing group by striking up a conversation with one at your local diner, or post a note on the message board of a local senior living community or retirement home.

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GARDENING

Nurturing a garden and watching beautiful flowers come to life can be so uplifting — something we can all use these days. Time was gardening took a toll on one’s joints and knees, but there are so many tools on the market nowadays that it’s infinitely easier to bend down and lift heavy loads.

VOLUNTEERING

Homeless shelters, animal shelters, children’s literacy groups, houses of worship…there are so many ways to give back to your community. A side benefit: Volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a few new friends and infuse your life with purpose.

HOUSE SITTING

Those with wanderlust can travel the world inexpensively as house sitters. Often, these houses will have a pet that needs to be cared for. So, if you don’t like animals, house sitting is probably not for you. But for those who like animals, this can be a great way to spend your retirement. House sitting isn’t a paid job, and you’ll have to pay for your expenses, like transportation and food. But the free accommodations make it a great way for travelers to save money. There are great resources out for those interested, such as Trustedhousesitters.com.

8

DIGGING DEEP

Once you start digging deep into your family history you won’t be able to stop! Find out who you are and unearth family stories and secrets. You may even discover a relative or two whom you never knew about.

KNITTING

Knitting is relaxing and fun, affordable and portable. You may even end up crafting gifts for loved ones that they’ll treasure forever.

Plus, you can do it solo…or become part of a knitting group and make new friends.

LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE

Learning a new language is extremely challenging — and incredibly rewarding.

Just choose a language, then visit one of the many websites and apps out there today, such as Rosetta Stone and Babbel.

Once you’re done learning, put your new skills to work by visiting that country. Sure, learning a new language takes a lot of time and you’ll probably never be perfect at it, but that’s hardly the point. Just being able to communicate in another language with someone from another country is its own reward.

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Vol. 10, No. 2, 2020 west hartford magazine 53

OVER 2 DECADES OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY We would like to thank all our customers!

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“Happy feet move faster”

54 Vol. 10, No. 2, 2020 west hartford magazine

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

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 55

THE JOY OF READING When it comes to older adults, reading not only provides entertainment and knowledge, it also enhances memory, sharpens decision-making skills, delays the onset of dementia, reduces stress, and helps you sleep better. With so many good books out there to choose from, it’s hard to decide which ones to crack open. Here are just some of the most popular books for senior citizens.

The100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

by Jonas Jonasson On his 100th birthday, Allan Karlsson ducks out on his dreaded party and begins an unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. A huge bestseller across Europe, and a fun and feel-good book for all ages.

Driving Miss Norma: One Family’s Journey Saying “Yes” to Living

by Tim Bauerschmidt When the 90-yearold Miss Norma is diagnosed with uterine cancer, she foregoes treatment, and instead hits the road with her son and his family in tow. With each passing mile, the meaning of home, family, and friendship expands.

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The Things We Keep

by Sally Hepworth With honesty and true understanding, Sally Hepworth pens this poignant story of one of today’s nightmares: early-onset Alzheimer’s.

A Man Called Ove

by Fredrik Backman This bestselling fiction novel features a cranky, bitter, 59-yearold widower, whom you can’t help falling in love with. It’s also a film, so when your parent is done reading, you can both watch the movie.

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940

by John Bishop Told in the style of 1940s melodramas, this book is an excellent mystery with a touch of comedy. It’s a great read-outloud book, as you and your loved one will share lots of laughs.

I’m Too Young To Be 70

by Judy Viorst A wonderful collection of poems that are witty, wise and touching. It’s the perfect book for any older adults who don’t feel their age.

56 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age

by Jo Ann Jenkins Written by AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, this book changes the conversation about age. Jenkins focuses on three areas: health, wealth and self, and inspires people to live each year to the fullest.

Ivy Malone Mystery series

by Lorena McCourtney This series of mysteries is popular for its likable characters, including detective Ivy Malone — who’s also in her senior years.

Prime of Life

by P.D. Bekendam For anyone who likes unexpected storylines. This one is about a doctor who leaves his luxurious career behind to become a janitor at a retirement community.

It’s filled with humor and quirky characters.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

by Helen Simonson Set in England’s countryside, this book features a retired British army officer and a Pakistani shopkeeper. They’re drawn together and over time, fall in love. However, the challenges from culture and tradition, akin to Romeo and Juliet, make it a compelling read.

The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules

by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg This book is about a group of seniors who are fed up with

early bedtimes and soft foods and decide to reclaim their independence by committing a robbery. It’s a comedy of errors that keeps you turning pages until the very end.

Rules for Aging: A Wry and Witty Guide to Life

by Roger Rosenblatt commentator on PBS’s NewsHour, Roger Rosenblatt gives practical advice through a wry sense of humor for those wishing to live longer, fuller lives.

Call It a Gift

by Valerie Hobbs A novel about two people who meet each other late in life and fall in love, even though they are an unlikely pair. It’s a heartwarming, sentimental read — your loved one may need tissues.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 57

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58 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 59

Keep Your Brain Young with Music This article courtesy of Johns Hopkins University If you want to firm up your body, head to the gym. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to music.

“There are few things that stimulate the

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Sharp Minds Shine Brighter Satisfy your love of learning in a community of active, engaged seniors.

At The McAuley, intellectual curiosity is worth celebrating. With stimulating on-site lectures and classes from Trinity College and the University of Hartford, free courses next door at the University of Saint Joseph, thought-provoking book discussions, and access to cultural events across West Hartford, there are plenty of ways to keep learning while enjoying the lifestyle you deserve.

275 Steele Road, West Hartford TheMcAuley.org • 860-920-6319

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60 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

brain the way music does,” says one Johns Hopkins otolaryngologist. “If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the

aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.”

Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.

The Brain-Music Connection

Experts are trying to understand how our brains can hear and play music. A stereo system puts out vibrations that travel through the air and somehow get inside the ear canal. These vibrations tickle the eardrum and are transmitted into an electrical signal that travels through the auditory nerve to the brain stem, where it is reassembled into something we perceive as music.

Johns Hopkins researchers have had dozens of jazz performers and rappers improvise music while lying down inside an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) machine — a large machine that uses

powerful magnets and radio waves to see

inside your body — to watch and see which areas of their brains light up.

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“Music is structural, mathematical and

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between one note and the next. You may not be aware of it, but your brain has to do a lot

of computing to make sense of it,” notes one otolaryngologist.

Learn an Instrument

When 13 older adults took piano lessons,

their attention, memory and problem-solving abilities improved, along with their moods and quality of life. You don’t have to become a pro, just take a few lessons.

Jump-start your creativity

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

Listen to what your kids or grandkids listen to, experts suggest. Often, we continue to listen to the same songs and genre of music

that we did during our teens and 20s, and we generally avoid hearing anything that’s not from that era. New music challenges the brain in a way that old music doesn’t. It might not feel pleasurable at first, but that unfamiliarity forces the brain to struggle to understand the

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new sound.

Recall a memory from long ago

Reach for familiar music, especially if it stems from the same time period that you are trying to recall. Listening to the Beatles might bring

you back to the first moment you laid eyes on your spouse, for instance.

Listen to your body

Pay attention to how you react to different forms of music and pick the kind that works for you. What helps one person concentrate might be distracting to someone else, and what helps one person unwind might make another person jumpy.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 61

9 NEW GIZMOS & GADGETS TO MAKE SENIOR LIFE EASIER CARRY YOUR COOL!

The Blaux Personal Fan blows a constant stream of clean, refreshing air at you while you wear it. With enough juice to work for up to 30 hours on a single charge, this fabulous fan moves a massive amount of air, with positionable air flow and 3 fan speed modes. You’ll feel cool and comfortable all the time.

Visit buyblaux.com.

WHAT PAIN?

clean your glasses, leaving your lenses as clean as the day you got them. Used by NASA on the Space Station, Peeps can be used over 500x and cleans lenses 4x faster than traditional cloth.

Kailo is a non-invasive patch that’s embedded with billions of tiny nano capacitors that help turn down the volume on your pain. Just stick a Kailo to the part of your body experiencing pain and within moments you’ll feel the pain easing away. Kailo is reusable and lasts for years.

The only maintenance involves replacing the adhesive every now and again.

PEAK-A-BOO!

FitTrack is a new home wellness technology that allows you to measure, track, and trend your health data in real time.

THE DRIVING FORCE

FIXD instantly tells you why your “Check Engine Light” is on and how much the repair should cost (all in easy-to-understand terms).

Plug FIXD into any gas, diesel or hybrid car from 1996 onwards.

It’s like having a mechanic in your pocket! FIXD alerts you to 7,000+ potential issues with your car in real-time. Link multiple FIXD sensors to one account to monitor every car in your driveway.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Peeps Carbon Technology utilizes soft carbon microfiber pads to eliminate oil and fingerprints, and safely and easily

THE MEMORY BANK

FitTrack data includes body fat percentage, muscle and bone mass, hydration levels and other important information that can help you make smarter decisions about your health. Kind of like taking a free physical exam right at home, whenever you want!

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It’s a fact of life — computers can suddenly quit, crash, catch a virus or get hit by power surges that can wipe away all of your precious memories. To the rescue comes PhotoStick — a USB thumb drive that instantly backs up your priceless memories. Its custom designed interface is easy to use and understand. No software to install; simply plug it into any Windows or Mac computer and watch it run!

SWEET DREAMS

For people who can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, Dodow created waves in the market in early 2018

by helping millions of people fall asleep naturally, without having to resort to toxic pills & OTC drugs. Simply place the Dodow device on your nightstand, turn it on, breathe in and out with its rhythmic glow — and

you’re off to dreamland. Built by insomniacs, Dodow combines the latest research in cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and

LOST & FOUND

Do you find yourself misplacing things more and more often?

XY Find It is here to help, by

allowing you to geo-locate lost items from up to 300 feet away.

And with Crowd GPS technology your odds of finding your lost luggage across the country just got a lot less stressful. Just attach the coin-sized XY4+

risk of contact with bacteria or viruses. And, because copper is inherently antimicrobial, it even sanitizes itself! No maintenance or cleaning required.

Note: Senior Living magazine has not tested these products and does not endorse their use. Readers are advised to investigate what consumers and consumer product organizations and reports have to say before purchasing any of these products.

to any item – your phone, keys, wallet,

mindfulness with cutting-edge technology to retrain your brain to sleep naturally. It’s simple to use, helps you fall asleep faster AND improves your sleep quality.

purse, car, or even your dog – and the free XY Find It app will locate it in seconds.

HANDS OFF FOR GOOD HEALTH

Aviano Copper Protector

allows you to “touch” things without making direct physical contact with your

hands and fingers – making it easy (and anxiety-free) to open doors, press buttons (it even works on touchscreens and phones!), turn handles, knobs

and locks, flush toilets, and much more – all while reducing your

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 63

HOW TO KEEP THE ELDERLY SAFE AND HAPPY IN A PANDEMIC

By Nicky Blackburn

The numbers of those suffering from COVID-19 continue to rise — and hardest hit of all are the elderly. What can seniors do to help survive and thrive during these tough times? israel21c. org asked four professionals in the gerontology field for guidance: Prof. Efraim Jaul, Director of Geriatrics, and Yonit Zabari, Director of the Department of Social Work, Herzog Medical Center; Dr. Amnon Raviv, a professional medical clown and college instructor; and Dvora Corn, a family and marital therapist specializing in aging, illness and end-of-life issues, and co-founder of Gisha L’chaim – Life’s Door — helping people cope with death and loss.

The number of COVID-19 patients is rising in the U.S., yet some states are keeping everything open. What should seniors do?

Dvora Corn — The question of how elderly people, or any individual in what has been identified as high-risk groups, ought to behave during this health pandemic is complex and highly personal. As with many choices, decision making may be based on a risk-benefit equation which takes into consideration not only physical health but other factors which influence quality of life.

In this corona time, which is fraught with so many unknowns, the capacity to plan is further challenged by the reality that we have no clear endpoint and as such one may be challenged to sustain plans or may want to reconsider choices as time progresses.

During these challenging times, it is often helpful to begin with an examination of values that one senses are core elements of that person’s meaningful existence. For instance, in asking oneself the question “What makes my life worthwhile?” or even “What makes a day a good one for me?” we begin to understand those unique activities without which one’s life becomes less satisfying or even, tragically, unbearable.

As such, one may opt to run the risk of

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serious illness and even death, if they deem that a life without these elements (e.g. family connection, or other social interactions, time in nature) is not a “life worth living.” While this may seem harsh or even irresponsible behavior, as a society we owe this right to every human being – to choose how he or she wants to live.

It’s been said that Vitamin D helps one fight COVID-19. True? Are there other vitamins or food supplements that might help?

Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari — Assuming one is eating healthy as outlined above, Vitamin D 4000 units is recommended on a daily basis. Vitamin D is known to keep bones healthy and reduces depression. If one is not eating a healthy and balanced diet, Vitamin B and B complex vitamin are recommended as well.

Dr. Amnon Raviv — Important vitamins you should have: vitamins L, E & H (love, empathy & humor). It would be great if you could have a big quantity of those, as they would strengthen your immune system as well.

How can families lift the spirits of senior aunt family members who are isolated in a nursing home?

Dr. Amnon Raviv — It is highly recommended to do something enjoyable together. For example, if you have good memories from a vacation that you had in the past, try together to remember every funny detail. You can sing songs that you like together, or you can tell jokes to each other.

The emphasis is on doing enjoyable things and less on discussing negative feelings.

Dvora Corn — We have found that setting goals and engaging in activities that are meaningful to both parties – even if they are not done in the same space – provides a sense of connection. This may include doing a “book club” and setting times to share thoughts about the books or doing creative arts and showing one another how each is progressing in such projects. The benefit of these sorts of activities is that they carry us forward and allow us to plan for interactions with family members which are content based (“Show me the scarf you are knitting” or “How is your orchid plant doing?”). These corona times have actually opened up new or dormant vistas for engagement and

sharing. While none of us chose to live through a pandemic, we can find deeper meaning and connection, despite the physical space between us.

How can we tell if an older person may need professional help?

Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari — Try to determine if they are following a daily routine, i.e. sleeping well, eating healthy and balanced meals, and if they have an appetite. These are all indicators for depression. Frequent phone calls and use of video calls are important.

Encourage them to go out for a short walk outdoors.”

HASSLE FREE LIVING There’s no place like

Dvora Corn — Loneliness has been a growing problem in the Western world over the past decade. The challenges of corona have exacerbated the demographic trends in the increased number of elderly (what has been termed the “Gray Tsunami”), with social isolation being the cause of many serious health problems ranging from depression to malnutrition and cognitive decline. While we want to support an older person’s need to feel a sense of dignity and autonomy, as concerned family members we want to monitor and take action if we see early signs of these sequelae.

In such situations, an assessment by a professional who understands the needs of the elderly would be advised.

FEDERATION HOMES Affordable Living for Older Adults 62+ and Individuals with Disabilities 156 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield, CT

Call (860)243-2535 or visit us at www.federationhomes.org Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford with funding from the Department of Housing & Urban Development

Party Platters

t Take Oicue Serv New: ee Fr Gluten-nu Me

Some older adults are hard of hearing and find it difficult to follow the understand someone wearing a facemask. Is there a solution?

The Taste of Quality is Long Remembered.

Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari — Remove the mask and keep your distance, more than 2 meters. Speak loudly and directly but be careful not to spit while doing so. Avoid shouting.

Traditional New York Style & Jewish Deli...

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Dr. Amnon Raviv — There are really small pocket amplifiers and microphones that can produce good volume that you can use. They will hear you loud and clear.

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BREAKFAST SERVED AT ANY HOUR! Full Bar - Take Out Service Catering • Private Meeting Room

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This article is an edited excerpt of an article that appeared on www.israel21c.org, where it may be read it in its entirety.

860-875-1344

435 Hartford Turnpike • Rte. 30 • Vernon, CT • I-84, Exit 65 www.reinsdeli.com

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 65

COMING FACE TO FACE WITH FAMILY

Massachusetts Man Keeps Seniors Connected with iPads

By Stacey Dresner

L

ike so many assisted living facilities across the country, the Jewish Healthcare Center (JHC) and its Eisenberg Assisted Living Center in Longmeadow, Massachusetts had been having trouble finding ways for residents to stay connected to their families

mother still has family there.”

Father and daughter brainstormed about what organizations like Eisenberg might need during the COVID-19 crisis. They came up with iPads. That, they concluded, would help all the assisted living facilities residents, who were barred from leaving the facility or

Presbyterian medical professionals received tablets to double the amount of telehealth visits they facilitate. Each recipient organization will be able to use the tablets even after the coronavirus period, something that was important to the Tappers.

Through his philanthropy, Al Tapper —

came along.

Natives of Worcester, the Tappers wanted to give Eisenberg residents another option for communication. And so, in April, they donated 20 iPads to the assisted living center through the Tapper Charitable Foundation.

“We are very fortunate that we have a foundation and we are able to donate to charitable organizations,” says Eve Tapper, who now lives in Newton. “My sister and I grew up in Worcester and my parents grew up in Worcester and met in high school. My

Just a few short days later, residents had 20 iPads in hand.

David Price said that the iPads have been a welcome gift to Eisenberg residents.

“The tablets have been great because they require minimal set up and can be used more flexibly in terms of time of day,” said Price.

The Tapper Charitable Foundation spread their good will across several organizations, donating a total of 400 iPads to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Boston Medical Center and New York-

and humorist. In 2014, he won the prestigious Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting for his 2013 documentary “Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy.”

Schimmel credited the Tappers’ ingenuity for the speed and efficiency in which the donation was made.

“We are accustomed to things taking a long time with planning meetings and difficulties that come up. But here we were, in the middle of one of the most complicated situations that any of us had ever been in in our lifetimes, and this was such a smooth

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They tried Zoom and FaceTime meetings, even meetings in which residents on one side of the window chatted with family members on the other side using microphones.

Then Al Tapper and his daughter Eve

[maternal] grandfather was at the Jewish Home when it was an orphanage. So, we

have a very tight connection to Worcester, although none of us live there anymore. My

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welcoming visitors, maintain their connection to loved ones.

Eve called Steven Schimmel, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Central Mass., who brought Eisenberg Assisted Living Center into the mix.

Presbyterian Cornell Medical Center. The iPads for the Boston Medical Center went

to the maternity ward for new moms forced to give birth without their partners; and NY-

who now resides in New York and Florida — has supported many Worcester projects over the years. And, in addition to his generosity, he has a creative spirit.

A successful businessman, Tapper is also a Broadway composer, lyricist, playwright,

operation. It all happened in the course of a week,” recalls Schimmel. “It’s beautiful when one of those things happens!”

Study: Older adults worry more for others than themselves

By Brian Blum Older adults are significantly more worried about their family and friends during the current coronavirus crisis than they are about themselves, according to a new study of adults aged 60 and over conducted by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Prof. Galit Nimrod of BGU’s department of communications studies and Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging surveyed 407 older Internet users during the fourth week of the lockdown in Israel, mid-April.

Nimrod asked how they felt about their current wellbeing, what they were anxious about, and how their Internet use had changed following the onset of the pandemic.

The results showed that concern about health, finances and social isolation from the coronavirus ranked higher than the lockdown on older adults’ worry list. But their concern for family and friends was significantly higher than their concern about their own circumstances.

Nimrod found, not surprisingly, that Internet use — especially Zoom, WhatsApp and Skype– had spiked dramatically for older adults. How those technologies are used, however, could either generate stress – when used for interpersonal communication and online errands – or enhance wellbeing, when used for leisure activities such as watching movies or taking online classes.

Nimrod recommends that older adults spend less time video conferencing and more on online games, music, videos, classes, exercise and volunteering, which“may bring both distraction and satisfaction, even if they are not as enjoyable as elders’ normal routines.”

The most amount of anxiety was exhibited by those already in ill health, those with less education, and immigrants to Israel. However, perhaps paradoxically given the greater risk for COVID-19 complications, the older the individual the lower the levels of anxiety reported, Nimrod said.

The study was carried out under the auspices of the Ben-Gurion University’s Coronavirus Task Force.

A similar report conducted in the United States by USC’s Dornsife Center for Economic and Social research found that, during the coronavirus crisis, 34% of adults aged 60 and over reported feeling anxious or nervous, increasing to 38% for older adults living alone. However, that was less than the rate reported for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 – at 59%.

This article is reprinted with permission of israel21c.org.

To honor our loved ones With respect to tradition and heritage

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Our family has served the Jewish community for over 70 years – with compassion, understanding and dignity.

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 67

HEBREW FUNERAL ASSOCIATION, INC. est. 1898 and MOLLOY FUNERAL HOME, est. 1909 Serving Greater Hartford for 4 generations Member Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA), Past-Presidents & Board Members of CFDA

We are here to serve your family with dignity during these challenging times.

We practice social distancing protocols along with using Zoom technology to engage mourners at home. Stay safe, stay home.

We recognize the seriousness of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and are doing everything we can to keep our facility, staff, and the families we serve safe as we comply with the ever-changing protocols.

Pre-paid funeral trusts • Currently graveside and military funerals only Non-traditional choices handled in collaboration Teaching & performing Tahara according to traditional Jewish burial rituals 24-hour response • We accept Funeral Trusts from other Funeral Homes

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68 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine 69

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70 Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020 west hartford magazine

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