Issue1 2015 westhartfordmagazine

TRAVEL • FINANCE

Issue no. 1 2015 We-Ha.com

$4.95

FIT FASHION • WEDDINGS •

Business Buzz Leaders of the local business & neighborhood associations open up about what they love about We-Ha

This can be yours this summer! Call me for a consultation.

– Jeff

860-986-4282

www.JeffHodgesLandscapeContractor.com

ISSUE ONE

2015

18

34 DEPARTMENTS 10 I FROM THE PUBLISHER

38 I GARDEN

12 I PEOPLE

42 I FINANCE

Fascinating Fascinators

West Hartford’s Cookin’ The Bridge Family Center Taste of Elmwood Kara Sundlun Book Signing

FEATURES 18 I

BUSINESS BUZZ Lisa Lelas

Leaders of the local business and neighborhood associations open up about what they love about working in West Hartford.

26 I

Seasonal Transitions

FIT FASHION Stephanie Blozy & Michelle Kurnik

14 I WEDDINGS

Johnston & Wolf Bain & Hussain

34

I

TRAVEL

Estate Planning Essentials

44I

SUBSCRIPTION CLUB Member Listing

26

The World is Waiting!

FOOD 37 I Twin Tasters visited HB Seafood

In conjunction with fitness instructors and enthusiasts from all over town, Fleet Feet Sports showcases the Fit Fashions for spring.

ON THE COVER: Local business leaders gathered for the taping of the premier episode of “We-Ha MAG” television show at the WHCTV studio.

See page 16. Photo by TODD FAIRCHILD/SHUTTERBUGCT.COM

6

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Spring Fashion Week 2015 Monday, April 20 - Sunday, April 26 Spring Fashion is front and CENTER in West Hartford Center and Blue Black Square!

What’s NEW and TRENDING in clothing, jewelry, gifts, home decor and so much more...

Fashion Shows, Designer Trunk Shows, Product Launches, Informal Modeling, Free Consultations, Free Drawings, Free Demonstrations, and Spring Fashion Preview on the Stage Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Strut your Spring Fashion on the West Hartford Center Red Carpet Eat and Drink IN STYLE with specialty menu items and flirty cocktails Guide coming to print and online at TheCenterWestHartford.com & We-Ha.com

Publisher Thomas P. Hickey, II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com C.O.O. & Creative Services Joy Brigham Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com Managing Editor Lisa Lelas editor@westhartfordmagazine.com Guest Style Editors Stephanie Blozy & Michelle Kurnik, Fleet Feet Sports Guest Style Hair & Make-Up The Hair Color Company Intern Mishaal Tanveer Publishing Advisor Jonathan Moffly

Let Your Imagination Flourish – Right Here in The Center!

Preschool 950 Trout Brook Drive, West Hartford, CT 06119

Accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year.

For More Information, contact: Wendy Hartling, Head of Preschool whartling@thechildrensmuseumct.org 860.523.7449 • www.thechildrensmuseumct.org

A

The Children’s Museum Preschool, located in The Center of West Hartford, has a strong tradition of fostering creativity by providing wide array of rich multisensory experiences. Our innovative, play-based curriculum guides children as they explore, experiment, and make discoveries. They take part in museum-based “meet the animals” classes, planetarium shows, and physical science lessons.

Come for a visit and discover why our preschool is an outstanding place to begin your child’s journey into lifelong learning.

For your convenience, Full Day and Part Day Preschoolers have lots of options, including: Extended lunch time care, we like to call “Lunch Bunch” Early drop-off available Camp offered during vacation weeks Summer Options are Full day or Part day

WHM EDIA , INC . COMPANY

PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 www.we-ha.com office 860-508-4032 West Hartford Magazine is published six times a year by WHMedia, Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year for $35. Newsstand $4.95 each. To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127; www.we-ha.com. EDITORIAL & LETTERS: editor@westhartfordmagazine.com – please include full name, town and phone number (for verification only, not for publication). ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©2015 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.

8

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Contributing Writers & Columnists Lydia Brown, Karla Dalley, Linda Knierim, CPA, Twin Tasters.

Contributing Photographers The Bridge Family Center, Todd Fairchild Photography/ShutterbugCT, Lacey Gabrielle Photography, Danny Kash, Stuart Levy Photography, Paul and Krystal McNearney/Studiofoto.com, Amy Melvin, Ronni Newton, University of Saint Joseph, Print Advisor Bob Carr Bookkeeper Debbie Roberts bookkeeper@westhartfordmagazine.com Proofreader Barbara Gordon

Correction In the “Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork” story featuring Westfarms in the Holiday Issue, 2014 , the following corrections were submitted: Page 27 photo cutline shoud be: Stephen Merkent, Kevin Keenan and Joe Leiberis, at one of the entrances during remodeling. Page 28, the biographies for Paul Listro and Joe Leiberis were swapped. Our apologies.

$

10

of every $35 helps*

SUBSCRIBE TO TODAY! Guarantee delivery to your home or office and support a local organization at the same time!

*For every NEW or RENEWED $35 Subscription to West Hartford Magazine, we will donate $10 to the organization of your choice.

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS • Conard High School Safe Grads • Ron Foley Foundation • West Hartford Communty TV Please help support your favorite cause!

Visit We-Ha.com/subscribe to fill out the order form today!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

We’ll add you to THE LIST, for FREE! Include your email address to be added to the We-Ha.com Newsletter list, for FREE! Of course, you can visit We-Ha.com 24/7/365 for hyperlocal news!

editorial@we-ha.com sales@we-ha.com.

PUBLISHER Fascinating Fascinators this May! This May we celebrate two fascinating annual events in town … Ron’s Run for the Roses benefiting the Ron Foley Foundation and the Mayor’s Charity Ball benefiting the Playhouse on Park and The Town that Cares. We are Media Sponsors of each event so please join us!

Because Run for the Roses celebrates the Kentucky Derby and ‘people watching’… of course, the hat watching will be the fascinator, at least for me! And, you don’t have to attend a royal wedding to wear a fascinator! This year you can buy your own special hat at BK & C0. on LaSalle Road. Years ago, when I first saw purple lights on Stoner Drive, I asked residents Kevin and Cathy Dowd what they were all about. This was when I first learned about Pancreatic Cancer and that Ron Foley had lost his battle. Years went by and this past Fall, Barbara at BK introduced me to Tony Sisti who was interested in spreading the word about the Ron Foley Foundation. This year, I’m sure many of you saw purple lights all over West Hartford as Tony met with associations in town to generate more awareness. I even lit up the trees in front of my house to show support. This November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, join us in lighting up purple. Check out www.ronsrun.org to learn more and please join us on May 2nd.

I’m sure the Mayor’s Charity Ball won’t mind if you wear your fascinator to their annual gala the following Saturday, May 9th under the Taylor Rental Party Plus tent in front of Town Hall. Max Catering puts on an amazing presentation and a meal you won’t soon forget. You don’t have to be political to attend or even a season ticket holder to the Playhouse … all are encouraged to come out and enjoy dinner, dancing and auction items, all to support the Playhouse on Park and The Town that Cares. For more information, visit: www.themayorscharityball.org. Hope you can join us!

Held on Kentucky Derby Day each year, Ron’s Run for the Roses is a fun and elegant afternoon, complete with mint juleps, southern fare, Derby Day attire and Dixieland Jazz, as well as live and silent auctions.

The event culminates with the viewing of the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. (May 2, this year. Visit www.ronsrun.org).

GOLF is in the air and we also invite you to join us at any of the many GOLF CLASSICS to support local charities: Please go to We-Ha.com and click on the GOLF icon to learn more. What better way to support these charities … ok if you don’t have time to golf like me, then at least attend the dinner!

Photos courtesy of RON FOLEY FOUNDATION.

SUBSCRIBE and help raise money for Safe Grad @ Conard, Ron FoleyFoundation, l and West Hartford Community TV. $10 of every NEW subscription or RENEWAL will go to your selected charity (see page 9). Remember, the only way to guarantee delivery of every issue to your home or office is to subscribe … we’ll make each issue worthy of a corner on your coffee table. As always our Subscription Club Members (see page 44) are acknowledged and thanked in each issue.

WE-HA.COM Every issue past and current of WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE is on-line! For years we have been trying to figure out the best way to reach you while the kids are on school break, or you are vacationing for the summer … so via We-Ha.com we can reach you and you can find us no matter where you are. Please be certain to subscribe to We-Ha.com so you don’t miss a beat! When you subscribe to WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE we will automatically include you as a We-Ha.com subscriber.

Our next issue will be in your homes as we get out of school at the end of June!

Best wishes,

The annual Mayor’s Charity Ball (held under the “big top” tent on the lawn of Town Hall), is full of fun and will take place on May 9 this year.

Photos by TODD FAIRCHILD/SHUTTERBUGCT.COM

10

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Thomas P. Hickey II Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com

NOMI NATE NOW! !

NOMINATE NOW! GO TO WE-HA.COM Many of Connecticut’s best restaurants, stores, activities, and people are right here in West Hartford. In fact, “We have it all in West Hartford!” And in a community that has so many diverse offerings, it’s about time we have our very own “Best of” contest! That’s why we’re asking our readers to choose their favorites in a number of categories.

The best part: If you participate in our Readers’ Choice Poll, you will automatically be entered to win four general admission tickets (valued at $240) to our inaugural “Best of West Hartford” event on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at the West Hartford Conference Center.

Thank you and have fun!

Nominating period goes through April 27, and Voting on the “Best” is from May 1 through Celebrate West Hartford (June 7)

TITLE SPONSORS:

Jeff Hodges Landscape Contractor SILVER SPONSOR: S HB

SHEEHAN-HILBORN-BREEN Funeral Home BRONZE SPONSORS:

StangerLaw.com Stanger & Arnold, LLC., Attorneys and Counsellors at Law

PEOPLE

Visit We-Ha.com for complete stories and photos from the following events ... and MORE! Celebrity Chefs Came to the Table The annual West Hartford's Cookin' event drew a crowd to Town Hall on March 21, 2015 to support the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools. Local celebrities prepared signature dishes including meatballs by town council member Chris Barnes, and bread pudding by Claire Kindall, also on town council. Dollars raised at the event will fund the Foundation's 2015-2016 teacher grant program.

The Foundation awarded over $70,000 in grants for 2014-2015.

Bristow Middle School Principal Steven Cook, King Philip Middle School Principal Joy Wright and Sedgwick Middle School Principal Andrew Clapsaddle. Photo by STUART LEVY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Bridge's 16th Annual Ball Was Illuminating On Janurary 17, Bill Hann and Bridge Executive Director Margaret Hann celebrated with Honorary Chairs Jane Lehman and Matt Winter, Allstate Insurance Company (pictured), at the Bridge's 16th annual Children's Charity Ball. More than 370 guests gathered at the Hartford Golf Club under a canopy of lighted cream, white, and champagne paper lanterns reflecting the gala's theme, "Light Up A Life." The event netted more than $240,000 that will support Bridge services for children and families in need. The Bridge is grateful to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees at the event. Photo courtesy of THE BRIDGE FAMILY CENTER

Robin

GEBRIAN One of the area’s top realtors for over 18 years Robin.Gebrian@cbmoves.com RobinGebrianHomes.com

I LOVE what I do, and I’m here to help with: Relocation • First Time Buyers Luxury Properties • Buyer Representation Lots /Land – New Construction Retirement Living ... and more!

Give me a call! 860-985-7807 36 LaSalle Road, West Hartford, CT 860-231-2600

12

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

We are here to make a difference in her life and in yours The Bridge is a comprehensive, regional family service agency offering prevention and intervention programs for young people and families in West Hartford, the Greater Hartford region, and beyond.

We provide counseling, youth shelters, parent education, in-school groups, a Teen Center, early-learning playgroups, after-school support and enrichment activities.

The Bridge’s Mission is to foster the courage and strength in children and families to meet life’s challenges and build fulfilling lives.

1022 Farmington Avenue • West Hartford, CT 06107 Tel: 860.521.8035 www.bridgefamilycenter.org

Don’t miss out on THE hyper local news!

Visit We-Ha.com to sign up for the 3-time-per-week newsletter.

Elmwood Tasted Great!

Saint Brigid School hosted more than 200 people at the second annual Taste of Elmwood in February. Favorites included HB Seafood’s lobster bisque, Greek salad from Tapas, shepherd’s pie courtesy of the Corner Pug, a selection of pizza from both Pepe’s and Elmwood Pizza, a Peruvian chicken stew from Cora Cora, and several quiches as well as ravioli from Fernwood (pictured). Sliders’ raspberry wings were also a crowd pleaser. Desserts came from Classic Cakes as well as Rita’s Italian ices. Two Pour Guys provided beverages. This is a fundraiser for both the Elmwood Business Association and Saint Brigid School. It was sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama and J.P. Carroll Construction. Photo by RONNI NEWTON

Kara Sundlun Book Signing at University of Saint Joseph Dozens of students, faculty and guests from the University of Saint Joseph attended a book signing and discussion featuring WFSB-TV journalist Kara Sundlun, author of a new book, Finding Dad: From Love Child to Daughter. Joining Kara, pictured third from right, at the University of Saint Joseph on Feb 12 were, from left, Kate Mordarski, Kaitlyn Keddy, Vivian Carlson, Ph.D., Sarah Lentini and Lindsey Dionne.

Photo courtesy of UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH

Think of us as the post party clean up crew!

64 LaSalle Road West Hartford CT www.bkcostyle.com 860-232-6225 Mon-Sat 10-5:30 Thurs til 8:00 Sunday 12-4:00

The experts at French Cleaners can handle all your fabric care needs from khakis and jeans to couture.

Our award winning service will delight you.

Don’t settle for anything less.

FREE PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICE

(860) 233-3736 935 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford www.frenchcleaner.com

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 13

WEDDINGS

Stephen Bain walks his daughter Sarah down the aisle of the Makeshift Theater space of the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.

Congratulations

Sarah Bain & Syed Hussain photos by Danny Kash www.dannydash.com

Sarah and Syed on the grounds of the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.

(Right) Syed is surrounded by his groomsmen.

Visit we-ha.com for more photos and more WEDDINGS.

14

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

When Sarah and Syed first met, while out one night in West Hartford Center, they knew right away their connection was real and one of a kind. They never looked back. After a year of dating, Syed secretly asked Sarah’s dad for his permission, before popping the question on a Friday night after Sarah got home from work. The couple spent the entire weekend celebrating with family and friends in Boston.

The bride is the daughter of Stephen and Janice Bain of Hampstead, New Hampshire. Sarah graduated from UCONN and is employed by the Tribune Events Group.

The groom is the son of Syed M. and Najma Hussain, of Bloomfield. Syed grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Hall High School before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also attended Johnson and Wales University and Central CT State University. He is employed as the Business Development and Marketing director for Doctors Express Urgent Care and as a firefighter for the City of Hartford.

Their New Years Eve candlelit wedding ceremony took place at the Hill-Stead Museum Estate in Farmington with a reception at The Pond House in West Hartford to ring in a very special new year!

Sarah and Syed honeymooned in the Riviera Maya, Mexico to relax, unwind and get some sun. The couple currently resides in West Hartford.

WEDDINGS brought to you by

and Tailors, Clothiers, Tuxedos Up Do’s & Hair Styling

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 15

WEDDINGS

Congratulations

Brie Johnston & Nicholas Wolf photos by Paul and Krystal McNearney www.studiofoto.com

Brie and Nick were married on a (muddy) but beautiful day at Rosedale Farms & Vinyard in Simsbury.

It has been said you can always rely on the instinct of your pet. It worked for this bride.

When Brie went hiking on her first date with Nick, she brought her 20-pound dachshund, Max, for ‘protection’! Max fell in love with Nick…and so did Brie!

Three years later, Nick proposed on a beautiful mountain cliff overlooking the ocean in Acadia National Park. The couple tied the knot last fall.

The bride is the daughter of Meryl and Alan Johnston, of Newington.

Meryl grew up in West Hartford. Brie holds a BA in Political Science and Urban studies from UCONN and is employed as a lobbyist with Gallo & Robinson, LLC in Hartford.

The groom is the son of Sharon and Joe DeLuca (step dad) of St. Petersburg, FL and David Wolf and Deborah Zulauf (step mom), of North Wales, PA. His mom, Sharon, met Joe DeLuca when they worked at Imprint, in West Hartford. Nick attended Green Mountain College in Vermont and holds numerous professional certifications. He is currently employed as building information modeling manager and MEP specialist with KBE Building Corporation in Farmington.

The October wedding took place at Rosedale Farm in Simsbury. Brie and Nick love the outdoors and fell in love with this rustic farm and vineyard location. They honeymooned in Vermont and plan to travel crosscountry this summer. The couple currently resides in Manchester.

Visit we-ha.com for more photos and more WEDDINGS.

16

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Brie and Nick with Nick’s parents Joe (step dad) and Sharon DeLuca

838 Farmington Avenue, Farmington 860.679.7700 monarchjewelers.com Open Monday-Saturday. Open late Thursday. We buy gold, silver and platinum. As Always: Beautiful FREE Gift Wrapping!

Gift Cards Available

Business Buzz

by Lisa Lelas

photos by Todd Fairchild/ShutterbugCT.com

E 18

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Leaders of the local business & neighborhood associations open up about what they love about We-Ha

ven if you didn’t grow up here, chances are you’ve already witnessed some positive changes in West Hartford over the past few years. At the helm of the metamorphosis are four strong association pillars that have served as the foundation for change and development: The West Hartford Center Business Association, The Elmwood Business Association, The Park Road Association and The Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association. And alongside them, all the way, is the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

West Hartford Center Business Association (WHCBA) Meet Barbara Karsky… president of the West Hartford Center Business Association (WHCBA). Barbara has been a member of the association for 20 years as owner of BK & Company. She has been serving as the association president for the past two years and vice president for two years prior.

“The brand of the WHCBA is Shop, Dine, Stroll,” says Barbara, “we try to wrap all our events into a stroll, or a shopping or dining experience! The Center is such a pretty section of town. A great place to come with your family and have a great time. It’s a vibrant community. We have wonderful members, great stores and restaurants…some of the best-rated businesses in the state are found right here in the Center!”

Barbara is the owner of BK & Co., a business wrapped around its own brand of ‘selling sophisticated clothing for fabulous women like you!’ As she explains, “it’s all about feeling comfortable in fashion, in your own style. We keep it friendly and non-intimidating…just like the sense throughout the Center in all of the businesses!”

Good customer service is important to the members of the WHCBA. “Most businesses here offer exceptional service. We are all about the customer. We really celebrate them and make the customer experience friendly and non-intimidating. Unlike big chain stores, in our businesses, you’ll find the owner or a local manager there to help you every day.”

While the center of town is becoming known for its fabulous events, Barbara laughs as she admits, “We need to make our events especially fun because parking is still an issue here in the Center!” and adds, “people will park and walk, if needed, because the events here are always such a big draw!”

Annual events such as the West Hartford Center Sales Days (January and July) are three days of shopping extravaganza twice a year…one being a very popular sidewalk sale every July. “During Fashion Week, in the fall and spring, we do a week of multiple events for many of the clothing retailers, culminating in one big fashion show event highlighting the best of the best from many of our local retailers.” There are other popular events, including a Holiday Stroll every December (they even had a flash mob this past year!), a Halloween Stroll, an exclusive Ferrari Event, and an annual Kids Card event, which benefits the Children’s hospital (this particular event has raised over a quarter million dollars, so far).

“Our Association is really a great collaboration of different minds. We try to have events not just geared to retail sales but also for giving back to the community through charity events and just fun family days to bring the community out and about.”

The WHCBA has about 60 members now. “We are campaigning this year to generate more local businesses to join the Association. We’ve really evolved in many ways over the past 20 years. We’ve always had a board of directors, requiring a 2/3 majority vote on special issues, such as how to spend money on marketing and events, and so on.”

Linda French was the original face, for many years, behind the WHCBA and the Chamber, since she ran both for a long time. “When she retired,” Barbara explains, “the Board of Directors took over and we were forced to go in an all new direction. We have a great board of directors and very informative meetings. Everyone in the community gets involved, from the public works department to the police department. All the pieces of the community are discussed.”

Reflecting most of the country post 9-11, the association had dwindled. The Board of Directors took it over, but it was a challenging time trying to get members involved because it was a tough time economically. “It’s gone thru many evolutions. It’s been hard for many mom & pop stores in recent years. Many years ago, taking one small ad in a local newspaper was enough to bring customers in, but now, as we discuss in our meetings, the issue is, ‘how and where do I spend my advertising/ marketing dollars?’ There are so many choices now from radio, satellite radio, cable TV, newspapers, magazines, social media, digital advertising…it can be overwhelming! The business association has been very helpful for everyone in collaborating ideas, generating events to bring in business, and offering solutions to many common challenges.”

In recent years, the WHCBA has since resurged incredibly. “Our meetings are much more fun and social now. This year, the Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month and every couple of months or so, we do an evening ‘mixer’. We combine our business meetings with a social aspect for networking. All issues are discussed, from marketing and parking issues to whatever current challenge might be happening…but combining the meeting with a fun social event has allowed business owners to really get to know each other for cross-marketing purposes. It’s been very beneficial in sparking new interest for joining.”

Barbara continues, “The social aspect of our meetings has been great.

We want them to be fun! For instance, we had a Halloween mixer last year where members came dressed as their favorite super hero! We had a ‘white elephant’ gift exchange, whereby everyone wrapped something from their business and explained the meaning behind it when it was opened. We’re always coming up with new ways to learn about each others’ businesses.”

Coming up next, Barbara says the association is going to feature a ‘speed dating’ type of business networking, where everyone will have a few minutes one-on-one to engage personally with another business.

Camaraderie is key. It is important to members that they address the personal side of businesses as well as the business side.

“Things are looking up now!” smiles Barbara, “people are feeling more connected. It’s gone back to feeling like more of a ‘community’ again. Smaller groups within our own area recently started collaborating for mini-events, which help make the entire community prosper.

They’ve been very instrumental in our growth and our success!

People are feeling more connected, as a result. But of course, it goes without saying that a good economy is always helpful to get people in better moods!”

West Hartford Center Business Association Barbara Karsky, president Bfk2@comcast.net www.thecenterwesthartford.com

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 19

Elmwood Business Association Dr. Rick Liftig, president eba@drliftig.com

The Elmwood Business Association Dr. Rick Liftig is a local dentist in the center of Elmwood. He has been the president of the Elmwood Business Association for the past 15 years.

As Rick explains, “the original association began in the 1950’s, post WWII when soldiers were coming back home. Business growth lasted about 15-20 years. Then, with the influence of national chain stores moving in, people began to retreat and the business association became dormant for about 30 years. Eventually groups of ‘charettes’ were assigned for businesses and for citizens (groups designed to help people decide where to go in a series of meetings over 6 months to a year). Out of this, the core business group became re-invigorated.”

The Association was back up and running circa 2000, with Rick steering the ship as President. “We have about 30 members, but of course, there are many more businesses in the area. You have to understand that many small business owners don’t always join or have the extra time to get involved.

We meet monthly, with very informative discussions.”

Rick admits that the growing success of their association comes largely as a result of borrowing ideas from another business association in town. “Actually, we have come to model our structure after The Park Road Association (from John Paindiris & Tracy Flater). Like them, we started a large community outreach effort, we got a lot of information out to the public, we have a representative from the police department for regular police reports/updates on our community, we discuss and try to solve any challenges that come up for our members and plan terrific community events each year, such as A Taste of Elmwood.”

Along with the resurrection of a viable business association, it appears that the original beauty of the Elmwood area is back also. “It was the culmination of many small changes over the years that added up to a big change,” explained Rick, “it certainly wasn’t overnight.” From transforming an old school building into beautiful condos to upgrading many retail storefronts for fresh, modern appeal, the “frosting on the cake,” as Rick put it, “was the refurbishment of New Britain Avenue as a whole. All of a sudden you looked around and said, ‘wow, this

20

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

place really has changed!’ It’s really been a joint effort between the town residents, businesses and even the state, over the years.”

And another thing Rick and the entire community are proud of…the trees are back!

“We’ve replaced a lot of asphalt with trees. And, a lot of Elm trees too! Tree lined streets is a beautiful feature right through our community center.” Rick actually planted the first Elm tree on the Elms Green back in 2007 and the tree-planting effort has been going strong ever since.

Current shopping trends in the area have assisted with Elmwood’s sudden boom of business. “As the center of town becomes more congested and pricey, we are seeing the Elmwood area as an alternative. More and more restaurants are coming in.

The economy is better now. We have a tremendous support system in place for small business owners in this community.

Elmwood offers business owners a great location!”

And Rich admits that there is something very unique about West Hartford as a whole. “While nobody has a crystal ball for the future, we all know that West Hartford,

by nature, keeps reinventing itself. Residents in this town really like shopping local.

It’s a hometown that people like coming back to and it’s also a great place to start living in the town. Helping with affordability, you can walk to Elmwood center. There’s good mobility in town.”

And the cherry on top? “We are anticipating amazing growth in the future,” Rick says excitedly, “honestly, we were all very surprised about the new CTfastrak bus route (New Britain to Hartford). We were all initially against it, but surprisingly it has spawned a new interest. With that, there is confidence that it will springboard into a whole new train-line from New Haven to Hartford, with an Elmwood stop. There is a whole corridor of old factories and abandoned buildings for the past 15-20 years that will surely come alive again with an active train stop right here in this part of the community. The whole area has really morphed into the future. I remember we started with sharing our dreams at an association meeting years ago, each of us sharing how we’d love to see this or that happen in the future. I look back now and say, Holy cow…dreams really come true!”

The Park Road Association Johnny Paindiris and Tracy Flater are names most locals know very well, indicative of their community involvement.

Johnny is the owner of Effie’s Place Restaurant and Tracy is the founder of Playhouse on Park theater. Together, they have stepped into the role of co-presidents of the Park Road Association.

As Johnny explains, “We no longer call it a ‘business’ association. We changed our title a few years back. Our goal is to attract more residential members from the stigma of an all-business association. It’s our goal to really start growing the membership.”

Back in 1991, the association was started by several prominent business people in town. “My father was involved too,” says Johnny, “Unfortunately, crime was growing at that time in this area. They found that having this association as part of the Chamber would provide residents and business owners with a voice to town officials and the police department.”

“There are about 20 members,” adds Tracy. “Johnny & I are newbees. We took over the association in September. We haven’t yet had a formal membership drive.

We meet at Playhouse on Park, the third Friday of every month (except August) at 8 a.m. The meetings are open to everyone.

Usually about 20-40 people attend. Different people may come at any time. Our data base is hundreds of businesses and residential neighbors, but you have to keep in mind that there are a lot of small business and retail shop owners who can’t leave their business to always come to the meetings.”

Those considered the founders of the association were Pat Daly, Angelo Faenza (first president) and Richard Patrissi (vice president). “When I first co-founded the theater (it was under different ownership) in June 2009,” explains Tracy, “we created a brand new non-profit theater company.

Richard and Angelo, at the time, were very much engaged in helping me make my decision of taking over that empty theater space. Their care was prevalent. I was invited to participate in meetings right away.

They were instrumental in helping me network to meet people in the community and financially support my decision. Part of the reason I decided to jump in and help out on as an association leader was to ‘give back’!”

Park Road Association John Paindiris & Tracy Flater, co-presidents jcpfeta@aol.com tflater@playhousetheater.com

“And the Association has been just as helpful to me over the years,” adds Johnny, “Effie’s Place Restaurant has been on Park Road for 25 years. I was a young kid when I started getting involved in our family business. I knew a lot of the town’s people from the restaurant. That’s been very rewarding to me over the years, but being a part of this Association proved to be invaluable…for gathering news and information about happenings in the town, networking, public relations, and more. The Association is great for new businesses in the neighborhood needing advice or help. It’s an opportunity to really meet key people who can help you in the future, such as the mayor, public works people and the chief of police.”

Tracy explains, “Currently, we are reevaluating and formulating our membership and our website presence. We now have a strong Facebook presence with a solid connection to the town.”

The leaders are fully aware that their association has been an inspiration to others.

“We’ve been a model for the Elmwood Association. They saw the value of having the residents of the town and local business owners come together with regular meetings,” said Johnny. “When Park Road underwent a huge construction project in 1997 (building a new road, sidewalks, etc.) business owners wanted to know how long their businesses would be affected, so they started a monthly meeting just for construction updates. “Public safety is our top priority at the Park Road Association. We always have reps from planning & zoning, police department, local politicians, and so on.”

And much to the delight of local businesses and residents alike, the Park Road area is literally booming! “A lot of people recognize Park Road now and want to have their business located here. It’s a friendly

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 21

neighborhood, a real viable business option.” Johnny stated.

Tracy agrees. “I’ve only seen really positive growth. All changes here have been for the better. People come from Hartford and surrounding towns to our restaurants and businesses. There’s more and more desire to be here and better quality restaurants coming in.”

Noting the change, Johnny remembers, “at one time there may have only been 3-4 restaurants. Now there is probably two dozen!”

And more exciting news keeps popping up. The co-presidents are anticipating many more residents moving into the area as 300-400 new apartments are being constructed on the old St. Joseph’s property.

“We’re working really hard in marketing right now to become a

unified neighborhood. The Park Road area is a great cross market of residential and business. We want, and are establishing, a great presence like The Center has.”

Annual events are part of the process and they are working to establish more. The Park Road Parade was originally started to celebrate the re-construction on the street 15 years ago, and a yearly Celebrity Breakfast, every June, is the biggest fundraiser for the parade. “Local business owners are invited to my restaurant to serve breakfast & we donate 100% of the proceeds to the parade fund,” Johnny explained.

“And we are always looking for new ideas,” says Tracy. “Watch for more Park Road events coming soon. We’re about to announce some new and exciting initiatives…so stay tuned!”

Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association Robert Fressola, president (out of town for photo session) Bob_fressola@yahoo.com Bert Kaplowitz, vice president (pictured)

22

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association Robert “Bob” Fressola is president of the Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association and knows, first hand, what Bishops Corner really feels like. He is a proud resident of the neighborhood. “My wife and I both feel very strongly about our community. We have two kids growing up here (3rd grade and kindergarten at Bugbee). I’ve lived in West Hartford for about 10 years, been in the Bishops Corner area for about 6 of those years.

The Association was started about 40-50 years ago. As Bob explains, “It used to be strictly for residents. The Post Office was once thinking about closing the Bishops Corner location and suddenly, residents sprang into action to prevent it. Primarily, residential issues would come to life as various issues came up. People like Rob Rowlson, Chuck Coursey and myself, with others, made the decision to pump new life into the area and resurrect it. We decided to move forward as a combination association whereby businesses and residents actively participate together. What’s unique about our Association now is that it’s comprised of residents, as well as business owners.

There are 8 board members. Half of our board is made up of business owners and a big chunk of our meetings is now geared to local businesses.”

The Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association meets on the second Friday of each month (8-9 a.m.) at the Bishops Corner Senior Center. There are no dues. About 2030 people typically show up at the meetings.

“Two residents in particular, Sidney Rogalski (vice president), and Jack Bass (trea-

$

CHARLES, EFFIE & JOHN PAINDIRIS

5

WHMG0515 EXP. 06/30/15

To order, please call or visit: 282 Park Rd., West Hartford

860-233-7848

Great Home-Cooked Meals!

304 West Main St., Avon

Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

860-522-2866 290 Broad St., Manchester

860-646-4352 Kosher certified under the supervision of the Hartford Kashrut Commission

EdibleArrangements.com

*Offer valid at participating locations shown. Containers may vary. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

Effie’s Place Family Restaurant welcomes you to come enjoy a meal with your family, friends, or co-workers. Greek specialties, salads, sandwiches, and amazing desserts!

Call for Daily Specials list 91 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119

860-233-9653 www.effiesplace.net

Residential and Commercial Asphalt Driveways Design & Installation • Sealing • Crack Repair

For a FREE Consultation and Estimate, call JOHN BEGLEY or ROCK GOODWIN 860-233-6528 • www.LMpaving.com

surer) were original board members and kept the group going over the past few decades, helping us through the transformation.”

And what a transformation it has been. “It’s pretty exciting to see all the new development and re-development in Bishops Corner.

When I first moved here, the 4 corners looked tired…then transformations began, starting with the Whole Foods/Walgreens plaza and continuing through the current Albany Avenue Residential project (transforming a former nursing home to several hundred residential units). More residents moving into this neighborhood mean more money to be spent in our area. Also 12 new town houses across from Big Y are coming in, as well. As various business parcels continue getting developed, the need for more residential areas continues to grow. “ The Association is proud of the events and opportunities it has brought to their community. They sponsor the Bishops Corner Farmers Market every Saturday in the Crown Market parking lot in

West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Barbara Lerner has been the executive director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce since July of 2014 and has brought a wealth of business experience to her position. “I owned a jewelry store in the Center for 13 years and in downtown Hartford before that. I was President of the West Hartford Center Business Association for 10 years until 2008 and after that, I was the marketing director for Blue Back Square.”

Tapping into her own life has helped her immensely. “Everything I’ve done in my work history over the past 30 years totally prepared me for this position... from my retail experience, knowing how to run a small business, marketing, work experience with large and small businesses and being actively involved in the community. I know a lot of people and have met so many more people through the chamber…more than I ever would have in my regular life!”

She recalls how helpful the Chamber had always been to her in the past. “Linda French was the former executive director and she was very welcoming when I was a business owner. The Chamber is very beneficial for growing businesses.”

Located at 948 Farmington Avenue, Barbara says, “We are in the center of everything. It’s a great location! Our office is open 8:30-4 every day. Currently we have close to 500 members!” The role of the chamber is clearly defined in West Hartford. “We are here to serve tourists (providing maps of the town and answering any questions) and we serve local residents and

24

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

warm weather months and sponsor summer poetry nights at Max’s and Blue Plate Kitchen.

“We’ve met with the town and state Department of Transportation to make Albany Avenue and North Main Street (the main intersection) more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Already, more safety crossings and better signage is getting in place. “ And Bob continues, “we can’t stress enough the many volunteer opportunities we have available…from the Farmers Market committee to the Marketing committee, helping the Association with re-branding and community outreach, to the Arts committee, tasked with putting on events, like the poetry nights. A meet the artists night is another event coming soon.”

“There is a shift in the country where people are now moving back toward city centers and closer to more populated suburbs.

Bishops Corner is unique because it’s walk-able and bike-able.” Bob adds with a smile, “quite simply, we’ve got everything here!”

West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Barbara Lerner, executive director blerner@whchamber.com www.whchamber.com

businesses. People join for the networking opportunities, for services and programs offered, the camaraderie of new friends and business colleagues, to simply learn how to do things better. For small businesses, we even offer chamber insurance for our members in CT. Competition is not a factor. Being unified is good. We try to connect businesses together to help each other.”

The Chamber boosts many regular events in town, including 2-3 multi-chamber annual events, together with neighboring towns. Their monthly Business After-hours takes place the second Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at various member locations. “On the first and third Friday of each month we run a group called ‘Connections’ at 7:30 a.m.,” says Barbara, “It’s free and open to everybody to come in and network. We also run the annual Mayors State of the Town address at Wampanaoug Country Club and our big Economic Development Update, which recently took place with Mark McGovern, director of community services speaking on new developments in town. We have a Breakfast series with various topics of discussion. Our next one is coming up on April 14 at 7:30 a.m at Chatfield.” These meetings are free for members. $10 for non-members. “And, of course, our annual golf tournament will take place on September 21 this year at the Hartford Golf Club.”

Innovation is key and the chamber is always willing to try new things. “we recently brought all of the Business Associations together in the same room for a meeting to share ideas and visions for growth. Many members had never met before.

It’s a great forum to work together. At our monthly meetings, we have all of the Association Presidents or an Association rep there.”

Bettering the community is the mission of the Chamber.

“We’ve been a part of every transformation this town has seen…from cobblestone sidewalks to the traffic islands with trees…the Chamber is diligent in preserving the character of a charming hometown. Despite having a population of 65,000, the look and flavor stays quaint.”

One of the most recent developments the town has seen is the launch of the Fasttrack, which has been getting favorable reviews.

Originally from New York, Barbara has lived in CT for 40 years and in West Hartford for 30 of those years. She and her husband, Hank, a psychologist, have one grown son, Sam. “West Hartford has changed drastically over the years! I’ve seen it all. Changes have all been positive, even if people didn’t want them originally. New Englanders, I have found, typically don’t like change, like when Blue Back came in and Westfarms expanded!”

Barbara’s message to the business community is simply put, “If you want to be successful… you need to be involved in the Chamber!”

The Show’s over, but you can still

SEE INSIDE THE HOME SHOW

Go to We-Ha.com and search Home Show.

100’s of vendors with 1000’s of ideas await!

Golf for a Cause

Find us on We-Ha.com

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 25

FIT

Guest Stylists: Stephanie Blozy & Michelle Kurnik Photos by: Lacey Gabrielle Photography Hair and Make-up by: The Hair Color Company

fashion

26

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Now that spring has arrived and our thoughts turn toward getting outside more, we thought it was a good time to invite Stephanie Blozy and Michelle Kurnik from Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford Center to be our guest fashion stylists. In conjunction with fitness instructors and enthusiasts from all over town, Fleet Feet Sports showcases the fun FIT FASHIONS for spring with a little help from Akua Ba Fitness, Elmwood Senior Center, Hall High Athletes, FIT4Mom West Hartford, TRIBE, WIP Fitness and Pilates Defined.

Fleet Feet Sports 1003-B Farmington Avenue Models: Beth, Joe, Kevin, Melody, Katie, Jill, Kelley Clothes & Shoes: All clothes and shoes provided by Fleet Feet Sports

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 27

Akua Ba Fitness 121 Talcott Road Models: Dmario, Becca, and Chris Clothes: New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, Craft Shoes: New Balance, Brooks

28

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Elmwood Senior Center 1106 New Britain Avenue Models: Judy, Joe, and Wini Clothes: Brooks Shoes: Brooks and New Balance

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 29

Hall High School Students @ Herb’s Sport Shop 60A LaSalle Road Models: Ari, Monica, Vinh, and Alyssa All clothes and shoes: Nike

Please note, Conard High School cross country runners were not available at the time of the photo shoot.

30

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

e all know that lady in Pilates or spin class who always looks so well put together with matching spandex, sneaks, and socks. Next time, before you go “hatin’ on her,” think about it, does her snazzy fashion sense seem to make her FEEL better too? Studies show that you can get much more out of your exercise routine when your attitude, and fashions, start out on a positive note.

While finding the right FIT FASHIONS to look good for your needs may be important, you also need to consider comfort, because what you wear can impact the success of your workout. Have you ever tried doing yoga in anything but yoga pants? It’s not easy, and it’s no fun. Keeping cool is also key, so choosing the right fabric is important. Synthetic fibers will allow your skin to breathe by wicking, or drawing the sweat away from your body. Polyester, Lycra and spandex work well. Of course, you can wear cotton if you do not anticipate sweating a lot, if you are taking a walk or a gentle yoga class, for example.

For you early morning joggers, layering is important, even in the spring. Even if you know you’ll heat up, you want to start out comfortable so your muscles don’t tighten up and risk injury. Always wear items you can easily discard as your body temperature heats up during your workout, and importantly, keep smiling!

W FIT4MOM West Hartford 1500 New Britain Avenue Models: Courtney, Monika, Lisa, and Kerry Clothes: North Face and Brooks Shoes: Saucony, Asics, and Adidas

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 31

TRIBE 1003 Farmington Avenue Models: Pam, Richard, Janelle Clothes: Brooks and Saucony

32

I westhartfordmagazine.com

WIP Fitness 485 New Park Avenue Models: Laura and Mary Kate Clothes: Craft Shoes: Topo

Pilates Defined 1143 New Britain Avenue Models: Jessica, Lauren, Anna, and Jeanne Clothes: Nike

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 33

TRAVEL

Travel Tips • What vacation matches your personality?

Health-minded: Soak up the many spas of St. Lucia Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia.

The World is Waiting!

Where Will You Travel in 2015?

Environmentalist: Try the ecotourism of beautiful Costa Rica Nature lover: Experience the Galapagos Islands in South America Family Adventurer: Discover all that South Africa offers

by Lydia Brown

34

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

for rejuvenation and a holistic lifestyle and returning with a new body, habit or hobby!

With family time being so precious, those who can afford luxury travel will often opt to take the entire family along for the ride.

Family retreats and reunions are becoming big business with cruise lines and resorts.

Dr. Auliana Poon, Managing Director of Tourism Intelligence International and author of “How Americans will Travel 2015” argues that the ‘creative class’ of American travellers do not want to merely take photos and sit on the sidelines. They want to experience the culture of a place they visit; they want to know about the content or ‘goodness’ of a product before they buy it; they want to be active participants. Not surprising, over two-fifths of all Americans who travel abroad, choose Europe. Destinations will need to focus more on supporting

and promoting local, indigenous events at the community level to attract the creative class of American travellers.

The Caribbean: For you active types out there, trying to stay healthy and experience a top rated spa and luxury accommodations to boot, try the Jade Mountain Resort in Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia, FWI. This is a rare jewel that features a menu of classic and Avurvedic spa rituals. Guests receive body, beauty and couples spa services in their room. Complimentary seaside yoga classes and guided hikes of the 600-acre estate round out the relaxation for an experience “beyond words.”

Central America: Now that you are relaxed and in great shape, maybe it’s time to get closer to nature with a trip to Costa Rica and see what

photos courtesy of www.jademountain.com

A

mericans today are taking less vacation time than at any point in nearly 40 years, according to an October report for the U.S. Travel Association by Oxford Economics. So, where and how will we be spending our precious leisure time in 2015? The world is waiting for you! There are plenty of exciting places to go this year and it seems like many Americans are now looking for more than just a beach or a golf course. We are immersing ourselves in experiences such as cooking classes, wine making, language studies, painting classes, photo safaris, yoga and health retreats. Let this year be the year for ‘experience-led’ travel consumption. Wellness travel is another buzzword for 2015.

We are traveling to yoga retreats and spas

ecotourism really is. This is one of the showcase destinations when we speak of “ecotourism”.

Although Costa Rica is a small territory, it makes up about 5% of the earth's biodiversity. Fortunately, this natural treasure is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, preserving a total of 25% of the national territory. Visitors can enjoy the country's majestic volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, tropical dry, wet, and rain forests, as well as exhilarating jungle landscapes, all without traveling long distances. Visit the Jaguar Reserve, the only protected jaguar preserve in the world, while seeing many species of birds and animals.

I found a small hotel that looks like a little piece of paradise. Tucked into the remote jungles of the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve overlooking the gentle rapids and waterfalls of the Privassion River. Blancaneuax Lodge is the personal vision of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. With cozy cabanas and 2 bedroom 2 bath villas appointed in rustic comfort with brightly colored textiles, native art and handcrafted furnishings from Belize and Guatemala.

South Africa:

The “Alchemy of Two” spa treatment at Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia.

South America: With your new found love of everything nature, let’s head to South America’s west coast, 600 miles from Ecuador, to the Galapagos Islands for a photographic journey with Lindblad Expeditions on board the National Geographic Endeavor and learn tips and techniques as you capture images of flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and the remarkable scenery of the islands. Here you will hone your photographic skills while capturing images of wildlife in a variety of landscapes, from black lava fields to white-sand beaches, and from rocky cliffs to lush highland forests.

You will see rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station and explore the waters of the Galapagos by kayak and glass bottom boat, snorkel or Zodiac, all while in the hands of the experts.

Join the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce!

Good for your business, good for the community.

For those looking for the ultimate family adventure, how about 10 days in South Africa on a family adventure created by Tauck and BBC Earth? How would you and your family like to stand eye-to-eye with an ostrich as you ask him for a ride, fist-totalon with an eagle, happy to perch on your arm or trunk-in-hand with an elephant as you go for a walk? Take a drumming lesson, make tasty samosas and meet a cheetah ambassador during a three-night stay in Cape Town, zip line through the treetops and go whale and seal watching on a private boat cruise during two nights at a Garden Route estate, or go on safari game drives to spy the Big Five when you spend three nights in a wilderness lodge near Kruger National Park. You’ll learn more about wildlife with cameramen's gadgets, like night vision goggles and infrared cameras, to see and hear things not normally experienced by family travelers to South Africa. I Lydia Brown (860) 944-9686 Sanditz American Express Travel, 8 North Main St.

FREE $30 CHARM! with the purchase of a $69 Starter Bracelet

Membership includes: Your business listing in our on-line Membership Directory and a new member advertisement in West Hartford Life.

Free event promotions on our Community Calendar (read by approximately 700 people each week) which helps you get to the right people for your business.

Meet West Hartford’s business leaders in a casual setting! Enjoy good food and beverage as you network through the Chamber’s Business After Hours and West Hartford Connections events.

Exclusive Chamber Rewards including member-to-member product opportunities, special offers, and innovative and competitively priced benefit solutions with CIT. Taking advantage of just one of these rewards can pay for your membership!

For membership information, please contact Barbara or Morgan at (860) 521-2300 or e-mail membership@whchamber.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

www.whchamber.com

While supplies last. Not to be combined with any other special offer or coupon.

52 LaSalle Road West Hartford Center 52 LaSalle Rd. I 860.523.1757 I derobertisjewelers.com derobertisjewelers.com

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 35

EXPERT-IN-RESIDENT Phil & Kim Keck EXPLORER SPONSORS Gengras Motor Cars Frank Webb’s Bath & Lighting Center DISCOVERER SPONSORS JP Carroll Construction Webster Bank West Hartford Education Association West Hartford Great by 8 and Growing Great Schools

Thank you to our Chefs, Sponsors, Advertisers, Benefactors,Volunteers, Auction Donors, In-Kind Donors, School PTO’s, Principals, Event Committee and all of the West Hartford’s Cookin’ 2015 attendees!

We appreciate your help raising funds to bring educational projects, programs, and initiatives that enhance and enliven the classroom experience for all West Hartford Public School students.

50 South Main Street, #420 West Hartford, CT 06107 860-561-8755 www.fwhps.org fwhps@westhartford.org

INNOVATOR SPONSORS Dr. Scott & Cyndi Brown Center Orthodontics, LLC Private Capital Group Ratchford Eye Center State Farm Insurance, Mario Russo, Agent SUPPORTERS Bank of America Filomeno & Co. Karas Family Modern Tire of West Hartford, Inc. Sher’s Automotive Center Smith Brothers Insurance, Inc. Women’s Health Specialty Care West Hartford Exchange Westfarms BENEFACTORS Michael Alonzo & Lisa Rinaldi Nancy DePalma Mary Ellen & Steve Flege Kathleen Kane Francalangia & Mario Francalangia Kim & Paul Frignon Mark B. Haims, DMD Neil & Kelly Hartzog Karen L. List John & Jessica Lyons Fred & Jo McGinnis Petcare Veterinary Services Connie B. Robinson Tim & Deb Schwartz Dougie & Tom Trumble Paul Turco & Helen Rubino-Turco West Hartford Continuing Education Sarah Wimpe IN-KIND Abby Dabby Atlantic Design Works Blaze & Bloom Bridgewater Chocolate Cricket Press Falvey Linen & Uniform Supply

ShopRite Stuart Levy Photography Subway Rogo Distributors West Hartford Magazine Whole Foods Market ADVERTISERS Bouvier Insurance Cipes Pediatric Dentistry Connecticut Back Center Richard J. Fairbrother, DMD Investment & Financial Counselors, LLC London Shop Package Store Macca Plumbing & Heating Marketing Solutions Unlimited, LLC McKenna Orthodontics, PC Ohanesian/Lecours Investment & Financial Advisory Services Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Solinsky Eyecare, LLC Venora Electric West Hartford Family Dentistry, PC West Hartford Fire Fighters Association, Local 1241 West Hartford Pediatrics, LLC

FOOD Restaurant: HB Seafood 1142 New Britain Ave West Hartford, CT 860-206-9466 www.hbseafood.com 7 days/week 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Shrimp Tacos, fries, and cole slaw. (Inset) New England Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque.

Fresh Seafood in a Casual Atmosphere, in WeHa

Sweet potato fries, salad and lobster roll.

by The Twin Tasters We found the perfect remedy for recovering from winter … get yourself over to HB Seafood’s “modern clam shack,” in Elmwood, to enjoy the fresh taste of the sea without having to leave town!

Owners, Matt and Juntimar Malahan are diligent about getting the freshest seafood shipped in from all over New England, and they even use the same Maine lobster source used by the famed Luke’s Lobster of NYC. They also get Long Island Sound bluefish (for tacos), clams from Rhode Island, and come summer, Matt has “a guy” who dives for local pink shrimp in Stonington. Their menu changes seasonally.

We tasted delicious lobster bisque with hearty chunks of fresh lobster and a hint of tarragon and a REAL New England clam chowder that was swimming in flavor. New to the menu: shrimp tacos, which did not skimp on shrimp nor flavor. Make sure you try the

Connecticut-style lobster roll, served warm…and hold the mayo. We have to say, the clam roll gave us an instant flash back to a childhood favorite, BUT, this is NOT the clamroll from your childhood - this one has flavor! Yum! Everything was delicious, well priced, and was served on trays and paper plates, in keeping with the clam shack motif. Place your order at the counter and take a seat in the roomy and clean dining area, or take out, of course.

Congratulations to HB Seafood on its first anniversary. (They just survived their first winter and what a doozy it was!). Matt and Juntimar also own Hot Basil, a Thai eatery they opened on New Park Avenue in 2006.

Clam roll.

You never know where the Twin Tasters will show up. Contact: editor@westhartfordmagazine.com

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 37

GARDEN

Seasonal

transitions Helping The Garden Cope With Weather Changes

by Karla A. Dalley

G

ardeners are the eternal optimists…either that or we have very short memories. But clearly, we would never garden again if we remembered the challenging weather patterns of just the last two summers alone. As we try to forget the long cold winter we endured, we should focus on past summers when planning our gardens.

While these summers weren't particularly hot (there were no 100 degree days) it was the rainfall patterns which made each growing season challenging.

In 2013, we had 16 inches of rain during “meteorological summer” (the months of June through August). Unfortunately, the rain was not nicely spaced out, as 10' fell in June, and almost 4" fell in a single day in August! In contrast, the last "meterological summer" gave us only 7" of rain over the whole summer and 4" of that fell in a 3 day period around July 4 from a tropical storm.

Obviously, it was one dry summer! As gardeners, certain steps we take to deal with these weather challenges, whether it is unusual dryness or occasional cloudbursts, will make gardening easier, no matter what type of gardening we are doing.

Soil & Mulch First, consider the soil. Whether your soil is sandy, hard-packed clay, or something in between, adding compost is a benefit, both in drought summers and in years like 2013 where it was both too wet and too dry. Compost is the great equalizer, aerating clay soils and helping sandy soils retain moisture. If you make one change in the garden, this is the one to make. The more we learn about soil, the more we know that it is best to disturb it as little as possible.

When I add compost, for example, I try to

38

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

do it in the fall by tossing it on top of the garden and letting the winter rains and snows bring the nutrients to the plants. In the spring, you can mulch over it if you choose. But do not go crazy with mulch! I have seen garden writers advise that if a 2-3" cover of mulch is good, a 4-6" cover of mulch is even better. This is not so.

The garden is not the place to “compost in place” with wood chips. Moisture may not even be able to penetrate such a deep cover, especially if we only have a gentle rain.

Watering Watering is an issue, of course. While we do not yet have watering bans or prescribed watering days like the western United States, as good stewards of the earth (and as smart gardeners) it makes sense to use water wisely. One of the best ways to do this is drip irrigation. Many myths surround drip irrigation. Part of this is because homeowners do not realize that it takes hours and not minutes, with drip irrigation to thoroughly saturate the soil, particularly when watering gardens (as opposed to lawns). How many hours depends on the soil type, how dry it has gotten, the homeowner's water pressure, whether the homeowner is on well or city water and the type of irrigation used, among other things.

A simple way to determine how long to run the irrigation system is this: an established garden needs an inch of water a week (on average–roses, vegetables and newly planted plants would need more). During the first test of the irrigation system, turn it on early in the morning, and every two hours go out with a trowel to see how deeply the water has penetrated into the soil. When moisture reaches the desired level, that's how long the system will have to have to run. Drip irrigation can consist of

something as simple as a soaker hose (buried under mulch for even better effectiveness) to a kit that can be purchased, either online or from a home improvement store. These are in-ground watering systems for your gardens, just as many folks have for the lawn. Timers are available to turn the systems on and off, keeping in mind that with gardens, watering longer and more deeply is always preferable to watering three times a week for twenty minutes the way one does with a lawn, for example. If you automate the irrigation system, add a rain sensor so that the system will not turn on should it rain.

Finally, for even less impact on the environment, there are rain barrels. When they are properly installed and fitted, they do not breed mosquitoes. And while the water is not safe for drinking, it can water ornamental gardens and trees, which are so difficult to keep watered in drought situations.

The water, with proper fittings, can be directed right to drip irrigation systems. As the cost of our municipal water rises, "free" water is always a bonus.

Gardening can be challenging in weather extremes. These are a few steps you can take to minimize the effects that the weather has on your garden in the years to come to ensure that gardening will always be a pleasure and a delight.

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

Let Us Do The Cooking!

Make a date with Effie’s Place@YOUR PLACE to take care of your catering needs! Whether your unique event is large or small, casual or formal – we can help you plan the perfect menu, and it goes without saying that we’ll tailor a plan to work with your specific needs and budget.

Dinner Parties Company Events Rehearsal Dinners Office Lunches Birthday Parties

Holiday Celebrations Cocktail Parties Buffets or Sit-Downs Custom Desserts Holiday Pies

Ask your server for details & menu ideas 91 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119 860-233-9653 www.effiesplace.net

Presenting the newest fleet of limousines in Connecticut!

More than 60 vehicles to select from 100% GUARANTEED 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

You’ll feel like you’re our only client Owned & Operated by Stephen DiMarco Premier Limousine Company 76 Fuller Way, Berlin 860.828.9111 www.premierlimo.net

FINANCE

Estate Planning Essentials Leaving a Legacy

by Linda Knierim, CPA

D

eveloping an estate plan is an important financial strategy that will benefit you, your family and loved ones for years to come.

Whether you are looking to maximize the estate you leave to your children, pass the family business on to future generations or satisfy philanthropic goals, you will need a detailed and well-documented estate plan.

insurance agent – to offer a 360-degree view of your finances. A good estate plan allows you the ability to transfer wealth to family and loved ones without complications, protect your family assets from creditors and ensure your assets go exactly where you want them to go. For example, have you reviewed beneficiary designations on life insurance policies or retirement accounts?

These types of assets will pass to the designated beneficiary regardless of the beneficiaries you name in your will.

the federal estate taxes. As of the 2015 tax year, federal estate taxes apply if your estate is worth more than $5,430,000. In the State of Connecticut, state estate taxes apply if your assets exceed $2 million. If you believe your estate does or will exceed the federal and/or state tax exemption, work with your advisors to take advantage of strategies that will reduce these taxes. By doing so, you will be able to secure a plan that meets your personal needs and keeps your family and loved ones comfortable.

Getting Started

Objectives

Each estate plan is unique. Develop a customized plan to meet your tax and non-tax objectives. Construct a clear and detailed list of everything you own. Identify areas of question and concern and along with your advisors, find the solutions that are right for you. Few individuals will have enough accumulated assets to be concerned about

Take stock of your personal and family financial assets – personal interests, household effects, business ventures, investments, etc. Who should you designate to make decisions with respect to your financial assets in the event that you are rendered incapable of doing so? Consider who will inherit your assets or make sure

Financial Benefits Estate planning has a wealth of financial benefits. Assess your current and projected personal and financial circumstances.

Don’t think you have enough assets to warrant an estate plan? Think again. You will be surprised at how much you have accumulated over the years. Consider putting together a team of advisors – your CPA, your lawyer, your investment advisor and your

42

I we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

Checklist that your estate and inheritance taxes are paid. Apply the most effective options available for preserving and allocating your wealth. Did you know that life insurance is subject to estate tax along with your other assets? A specially-designed trust can be easily established to hold life insurance so it will not be included in your taxable estate.

Prepare for the Unexpected Coordinate with your advisors to guarantee all aspects of your estate plan are fullyintegrated. Develop an estate plan to ensure you have provided enough financial security for your family and loved ones in the aftermath of an unexpected life event. Has there been a death, marriage or divorce in the family or the birth of an additional child or grandchild? How will these changes affect your estate plan?

Below is a list of items that will help initiate the estate planning process.

• List of Financial Assets • List of Real and Personal Property • List of Business Interests • List of Retirement Accounts and Annuities • List of Life Insurance Policies • List of Likely Inheritances • Names of People and/or Charities to Whom You Want to Make Gifts • Copy of Current Wills and Trusts • Copy of Divorce Decree and Pre or Postnuptial Agreements • List of Liabilities

Keep it Current Conduct periodic updates of your plan to keep pace with changes in your family and loved ones’ personal or financial situations, tax laws or market conditions. Your advisors can work with you to develop estate-

planning strategies that factor in different unknowns. Revisit your plan every few years, evaluate whether updates are required and make changes accordingly. Verify that designations for beneficiaries, executors and trustees are up-to-date. Relationships change and the person you originally chose to serve as executor or trustee may no longer be a good fit to manage your affairs.

Linda Knierim, CPA Director of Estate, Gift and Trust Services for Filomeno & Company, P.C. 860-760-7020 lck@filomeno.com To learn more, visit: www.filomeno.com This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial advisor/tax/legal consultant regarding your personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 43

“The Club” Members Honorary Club Members A Better World - The Adoption Connection, Inc. in Memory of Betty Ann Ambrosi & Judith Gengras McDonough Gold Club $500 Member benefits include thank you gifts throughout the term of the subscription, plus members enjoy a lunch date with Tom (publisher).

Also includes a one year subscription, and your name, “in honor/memory of,” and/or business prominently listed on “The Club” page.

In Memory of George & Jean Brigham James H. Gould, III In Memory of John & Joan Hickey In Memory of Joseph Sweeney Charter Club $250 Member benefits include thank you gifts throughout the term of the subscription.

Also includes a one year subscription and your name, “in honor/memory of,” and/or business prominently listed on “The Club” page.

Lee and Angela DeFelippi, Monarch Jewelers

Friend Club $100 Includes a one year subscription of the magazine and your name, “in honor/memory of,” and/or business prominently listed on “The Club” page.

Rick & Kathy Liftig Mercy Community Health, Inc. Business Friend Rob Levine, Hart Real Estate Jim and Fran McNally Elaine & David Mello Pompanoosuc Mills Alison and Daniel Murphy Robert and Kathleen Spencer Tom and Kerry Spignesi Bruce Stanger, Esq. J.J. Tillinghast Entertainment Jeffrey and Nicole Whitlock

Sarah & Syed Hussain Phil Bonee In Memory of Richard J. Brigham David Brown Associates Carl & Amy Cianci Business Friend Kevin & Katherine Conway C&S Style John and Patty Deangelis Susan and Ned Dunn Plus Hall John & Tracey Heslin Mary & Ed Kycia

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

Dedicated to Service for over 50 years

BARTENDING SERVICES, LLC

& Full Service Catering Please contact us to plan on of the most important parts of your event!

John: 203-215-6701 Bob: 860-299-6161 Lesa: 203-804-8996 www.twopourguys.com

twopourguys@yahoo.com

y t i n u m m o c r u o Providing possible service with the BESTtime of need . in their 1084 New Britain Ave. West Hartford • 860-561-3800

info@taylorrentalpartyplusct.com

Celebrate in Style!

OPEN HOUSE EVERY DAY

SUMMER CAMP ST BRIGID 600 Oakwood Ave. West Hartford, 860-233-2108 274 Broad St. Manchester, 860-643-2496

CONTACT: Advancement Director Andrea Thompson at athompson@stbrigidschool.eduk12.net or call (860) 561-2130, ext. 104 for more information. www.saintbrigidschool.org (860) 561-2130 100 Mayflower Street West Hartford, CT 06110

“We will provide efficient, streamlined service no matter what your rental needs are! Please call me with any rental questions you may have!” -John Wilper, Owner

Pre-K 3&4 • Grades K-5 • Middle School Fully accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges

we-ha.com

ISSUE NO. 1,

2015 west hartford magazine

I 45

West Hartford Magazine’s Tom Hickey with WHCTV’s Executive Director Jen Evans, West Hartford Center Business Association President Barbara Karsky, Park Road Association’s Co-President John Paindiris, Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association Vice President Bert Kaplowitz, Elmwood Business Association President Rick Liftig, and The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara Lerner.

West Hartford Community TV introduces We-HaMAG … which brings together our local West Hartford businesses in a casual “unplugged” format. (Think of it as “The View” for We-Ha!) Every corner of West Hartford is covered with participation by the local business associations including: Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association, Elmwood Business Association, Park Road Business Association, West Hartford Center Business Association West Hartford Chamber of Commerce We-HaMAG is hosted by We-Ha.com and West Hartford Magazine. For air dates, go to We-Ha.com and search we-ha MAG.

US POSTAGE

PAID

PO Box 271835 West Hartford, CT 06127

CITY, ST PERMIT NO. XXX

FIRST NAME LAST NAME ADDRESS LINE 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 CITY, STATE ZIP +4