West Hartford Magazine-TerrificTeens15

FASHION • BOWH WINNERS • WEDDING • FOOD • FINANCE

Issue no. 4 2015 We-Ha.com

$4.95

5th Annual

Terrific Teens in our Community

ISSUE FOUR

2015

18 DEPARTMENTS 8I

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Subscribe!

10 I SUBSCRIPTION INFO. 11 I PEOPLE

Chamber Honors Members Miracles XXVI Gala

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GARDEN

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2011 TERRIFIC TEENS

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FOOD

Top ten list for autumn

Where are the now?

Twin Tasters visit Sam’s Gyro

FALL FASHION Kimberly Moster

Faux fur, leather, denim and colorful fall prints highlight this fall season (along with a strong 1970s influence).

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Katie Cavanaugh

5th annual spotlight on eight young people from Conard, Hall, KO and Northwest Catholic.

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FITNESS

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FINANCE

It’s a journey...keep the faith

College-bound

BOWH WINNERS Photos by Ira Nozik and Mick Melvin

First, second and third place winners in “Best of West Hartford.” Event photos too.

TOP LEFT: Fu Ren Bemis, Hall. TOP RIGHT: Budget Blinds of West Hartford group at BOWH. RIGHT: Suede fringe vest LaMarque $235 ; Balinese feather choker Zacasha $98; cotton tank Lilla P $60; Sasha twist flare jeans Citizens of Humanity $248, all from Kimberly Boutique.

ON THE COVER: Our eight “Terrific Teens” had fun in Blue Back Square. See page 16. Photo by TODD FAIRCHILD/SHUTTERBUGCT.COM

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Teen photo by TODD FAIRCHILD/SHUTTERBUGCT.COM. Fashion photo by TYRON W. JEMISON. BOWH photo by Ira Nozik.

TERRIFIC TEENS

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Pandolfe & Sullivan

FEATURES 16 I

WEDDING

We dress fabulous women ... like you!

Publisher Thomas P. Hickey, II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com Creative Services Joy B. Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com Sales & Marketing Taylor Bain, taylorbain.wehamagazine@gmail.com Mishaal Tanveer, mishaal.tanveer@uconn.edu.

Eric Yeingst, eric.whmedia@gmail.com

64 LaSalle Rd West Hartford Center 860-232-6225 Shop Online: www.bkcostyle.com

Bookkeeper Debbie Roberts Proofreader Barbara Gordon Publishing Advisor Jonathan Moffly Guest Style Editor Kimberly Moster, Kimberly Boutique Guest Style Hair & Make-Up Antonia’s Hair Boutique and Tainted, Inc. Contributing Writers & Columnists Katie Cavanaugh, Karla A. Dalley, Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA, Twin Tasters.

Contributing Photographers Ira Nozik Photographers, Todd Fairchild/ShutterbugCT.com, Brian Ambrose, IRIS Photography, Tyron W. Jemison, Twin Tasters Print Advisor Bob Carr Website: We-Ha.com Mike Roy/Roy Web Design Principals Thomas P. Hickey, II, Joy B. Taylor, James H. Gould, III A

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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.

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Correction In the Best of West Hartford issue of West Hartford Magazine, the Saint Brigid Preschool listing on page 10 was incorrect. The description should be: Saint Brigid School's pre-k 3 & 4 is an early childhood program with a: Caring, child-centered approach; Kindergarten academic preparedness program; Activity-centered learning stations, and Full day program.

PUBLISHER

Five years later ... time to Subscribe!

Dear Readers, Ronni Newton (we-ha.com managing editor), Mayor Scott Slifka, Barbara Lerner (WH Chamber of Commerce Executive Director), and Tom Hickey (WH Magazine publisher), at the inaugural Best of West Hartford (BOWH) Awards Show. Please see page 44 for complete list of winners, including second and third place, and visit We-Ha.com and search “Images” for a gallery of images from the event.

Photo by IRA NOZIK PHOTOGRAPHERS

This issue marks the 5th ANNIVERSARY of WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE! It was 5 years ago we featured the first group of Terrific Teens on our premier issue, and alongside this year’s gallery of fabulous teens, we thought it would be fun to give you an update on our original gang (thanks to some detective work). Teens start on page 16.

In honor of our 5th Anniversary we are doing something very bold. This will be the LAST FREE ISSUE of West Hartford Magazine. By now we hope you agree that it is worth $35 per year to guarantee delivery to your home or office. In the spirit of how we do things … page 10 outlines a community FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN where we will give back $10 of every subscription to a good cause in our community! This practice is unheard of in our industry, but something we feel is important and at the core of why we do what we do for West Hartford. At the same time when you share your email address with us that will ensure you receive the hyperlocal, all-about-West-Hartford We-Ha.com e-NEWSLETTER every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For those of you who have been loyal subscribers, you’ve heard us say “this is your last issue” before, but this time we really mean it. We have outsourced management of our list and distribution will be based on who subscribes. So please send in your check today OR visit We-Ha.com and click SUBSCRIBE. Hope you have enjoyed having one, some or all of these issues on the corner of your coffee-table ... join us in supporting WH Community TV and subscribe today!

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

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PEOPLE

Visit We-Ha.com for complete stories and photos from the following events ... and MORE! Chamber Honors Members The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce hosted more than 135 people at its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Pond House on June 15, recognizing long-time Chamber members with at least 25 and up to 50 or more years of loyalty to the organization. David Dyson, who along with his mother has organized and run the Tabor House Giant Tag Sale to raise money for homeless people with AIDS, was presented with the Noah Webster Award. The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce has nearly 500 members. More information at whchamber.com.

Abbott Ball received a 50+ year membership award. Photo by IRA NOZIK

Miracles XXVI Gala More than 1,400 guests gathered for a good cause at the Connecticut Convention Center for this year’s MIRACLES XXVI Gala, presented by the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Foundation. This year’s beneficiary was the Curtis D. Robinson Center for Health Equity at Saint Francis (CDRCHE).

The black-tie event, the largest of its kind in Connecticut, raised more than $1.1 million for initiatives at the CDRCHE. The emcee for MIRACLES was Broadway actor, singer, composer, producer and minister Clifton Davis.

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair with Honorary Chairs of Miralces Shelia Robinson and Curtis Robinson.

Photo by BRIAN AMBROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

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WEDDINGS

(Top) Marisa and Drew recited their own vows on the grounds of the Hartford Golf Club. (Left) Cake was made by friends of the bride: Mozzicato’s Bakery, and the cake topper (shown on the side of the cake) was used by Marisa’s maternal grandparents in 1940 and then by her parents in 1972. (Below) Nephew and niece of the groom, Owen Levy and Eleanor Levy . (Center) Flowers by A Special Place Floral Design Studio in West Hartford. (Bottom) The “trolley” shuttled the wedding party, Marisa’s parents Christine and Louis Pandolfe, are seated at right.

Marisa Pandolfe & Drew Sullivan photos by IRIS Photography, www.photoiris.com Marisa Pandolfe and Drew Sullivan are a match made in West Hartford. They met on a true blind date, set-up by one of Marisa’s childhood friends from town, and they were engaged on a park bench at one of Marisa’s favorite locations here: Elizabeth Park.

Marisa is a KO graduate, and her mom, Christine Pandolfe, taught English for 35 years in the West Hartford public school system, most of those years at Hall High. Her dad, Louis, works for the family business: Pandolfe’s Auto Parts. Drew is from Pittsfield Massachusetts originally, and his parents, Dick and Jane Sullivan currently reside in Plymouth, MA .

The couple settled on the picture-perfect grounds of the Hartford Golf Club for their wedding ceremony and reception because it was something Marisa always imagined. Family friend Sean Kennelly (chaplain at McLean) conducted the ceremony.

Marisa and Drew wrote their own vows.

Tim and Florence Lacey Stella were in charge of music and did not disappoint as they are accomplished musicians and directors (Tim is a local church music director as well as the musical director of Phantom on Broadway.) The food was fabulous and Mozzicato’s Bakery made the cake. The couple enjoyed a European honeymoon in Italy and France, and even took a cooking class in Paris.

Visit we-ha.com for more photos of this weding, and other WEDDINGS.

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WEDDINGS brought to you by

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

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GARDEN

Top

TEN

A Gardener’s list for Autumn

by Karla A. Dalley

Assess the garden.

This is the end of the season for gardeners. What worked for you? One thing I tried this year was letting my coleus flower. Normally I cut the flowers off because I think that they detract from the leaves. But I wondered if the bees might like the small purple flowers--and they did. So I'll make a note in my garden journal to let them flower next year for these important pollinators.

Decide what clean-up technique you will employ this fall There's no "law" that says that every leaf must be cleaned up and every stem must be cut down. For decades I have practiced only a "modified" version of the fall clean up, removing anything that's diseased from the garden and leaves from the lawn. But in the garden, leaves stay right where they fall. It's nature's mulch. If you decide to try this technique, make a note about it and see how your garden fares next year.

Resolve to use technology to garden smarter next year Not everyone has a smart phone for gardening apps (I confess, I don't use apps much) but almost everyone has a digital camera. That can be a great garden record.

It's not a written "journal" per se but if you let the camera date stamp your photos, you'll have a visual record of how your garden progresses.

Keep a garden journal All this talk about garden journaling was leading up to this. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I make notes about the weather (minimum and maximum temperatures, precipitation, and cloud cover) and some observation about the garden or nature 365 days a year. There's also always something

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to observe in the garden, if the truth be told: when the leaves first fall from the trees, or when they flush out, when certain birds first appear, when the first snow falls – that sort of thing.

Plant some bulbs No matter what sort of "critters" you have, all gardeners can plant bulbs. And you are not limited to just daffodils. Go to a garden center and investigate your choices.

Take a look at what they call the "minor bulbs." Many of these come up very early in the spring, and many are critter proof.

Some choices that work well for me are snowdrops, glory of the snow (chionodoxa), scilla, grape hyacinth (muscari) and alliums. I don't grow the huge purple globe alliums because there are many smaller varieties that come in all sorts of lovely colors including ruby reds, yellow, white and a true blue. Whatever you choose, you'll be glad to have color in the spring after a long winter.

Plant some late fall garden center bargains Fall is actually a better time to plant than spring. The soil is still warm and the cooler nights mean that moisture stays in the soil.

Garden centers put their remaining stock on sale so some of the things you coveted in the spring are now more affordable as well.

Just be sure to water your newly planted plants: an inch of moisture a week between you and nature in deep soakings, not shallow sprinklings, from the time you plant until a hard freeze.

Have a soil test done There's never a "wrong" time to have a soil test done, but if you do so now, you can amend your soil and give the amendments all winter to work. They can be available in the spring as your plants are waking up.

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Amend your soil The soil test will tell you what your soil is lacking. That being said, you can never go wrong by adding compost. Compost will help soil that is either too sandy or too clayey. It is really the miracle worker. If you add it in the fall, you can just toss it loosely on top of your beds. Nature will work it in for you over the winter so its nutrients will be ready for you in the spring!

Go apple picking/ leaf peeping We live in a beautiful state in one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Get out there and enjoy this beautiful season!

Don't just toil in the garden.

Pick up a good book, or books, to last you through the long winter Finally, all good things--even the gardening season--must come to an end. What better way to enjoy the winter than by reading a book about gardening? Our Connecticut authors have been prolific this year. Tovah Martin has a new book called The Indestructible Houseplant to help houseplant lovers get through the winter. Tom Christopher has co-authored an encyclopedic book on perennials called Essential Perennials. And for those looking for inspiration in the garden, photographer Stacy Bass offers Gardens at First Light. Before we know it, spring will be here!

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

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Terr Tee Zack

F

in our Community

Eilish

or our 5th annual spotlight on recent West Hartford high school graduates, we were once again challenged because the pool of ‘Terrific Teen’ candidates is virtually never-ending.

We discovered teens with talents, tastes for travel, and thirsts for new challenges – both big and small.

Every young person has an interesting story, and here are 8 stories about 8 great role models whose aspirations will inspire anyone of any age.

Sabrina 16

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Jacob

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5th Annual

Erik

FuRen

by Katie Cavanaugh photos by Todd Fairchild/ ShutterbugCT.com on location at Blue Back Square

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e Eilish [ā-lish] Flaherty

For Eilish Flaherty, our female Terrific Teen from Conard High School, life has taken some significant turns. Eilish’s mom, Le-An, died in 2012, leaving behind Eilish, her father, and her three younger siblings.

Eilish was only a freshman in high school at the time, and she easily could have lost herself in grief. However, Eilish knew that wasn't really an option so she stepped up to act like a mother to her siblings.

“My dad works a lot and gives us as much time as he can, but he’s busy,” she said. “I needed to help my siblings a lot. I did everything I had to do to be more responsible and be their role model.”

Despite taking on that extra responsibility, Eilish continued to flourish during her time at Conard. She was a member of both the Conard girls lacrosse and soccer teams.

“Lacrosse was definitely my passion, but I love soccer too,” she said. Even after tearing her ACL during her junior year, Eilish remained positive and returned to playing the sports she loved. She was also involved in Unified Theater and Unified Sports, and she noted that these organizations had some of the biggest impacts on her high school career.

Eilish is currently a freshman at the University of Alabama. “I knew I wanted a big school, football, and a lot of school spirit,” she said. “It had all the programs I wanted, a beautiful campus, and I fell in love with the southern schools.”

Eilish plans on playing on the club lacrosse team and already is a member of Phi Mu Sorority.

Before going through sorority recruitment, Eilish was worried she would not get into the organization that was a good fit for her. Thankfully, that was not the case.

“Everyone told me it all works out in the end. At first I didn’t believe it, but it totally did,” she said. “I’m definitely where I’m supposed to be.”

When she's in Connecticut, Eilish enjoys going to Bricco in West Hartford Center 18

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and watching Grey’s Anatomy. One of her biggest dreams is to travel to Ireland, where she has dual-citizenship.

Eilish has certainly overcome many obstacles to get where she is today. She gives credit to her dad for helping through the tough times and being there to celebrate the good. “I talk to my dad about everything. I have to contribute most of these things to my dad,” said Eilish. “He is a huge influence on everything that I do.”

Eilish is not exactly sure what she wants to do for a career. However, she does have a goal that she is always striving towards.

“What I do know is that I want to impress myself and make myself successful in things that I love,” said Eilish. “Successful in terms of my own goals and not anyone else’s.”

e Erik [er-ik] Ribeiro

With all of the stories of child prodigies, it is easy to be convinced that in order to be a strong athlete one has to start excelling at an early age. However, our male Terrific Teen from Conard High School, Erik Riberio, has proven that this is not always the case.

If one had told 13-year-old Erik that he was going to graduate from high school early in order to pursue soccer, he would never have believed them.

Erik said he started playing soccer when he was about five years old, and he was considered to be good. However, things changed as he got older, and he felt as though he was not keeping up with his teammates. “When I started growing up I didn’t like soccer that much, because I wasn’t that good,” he said.

When Erik was 10 years old, he began to question whether or not he wanted to continue pursing the sport. “There was a point when I was thinking of quitting soccer,” he said.

Things turned around in eighth grade, when Erik was a part of the West Hartford Travel League. That was when he worked with Coach Terry Phillip; the man who Erik said changed his life. Phillip, coach of Northwest Catholic’s Varsity Boys Soccer and West Hartford Youth Soccer, knew that Erik had the potential to be a great player. “He could have cut me from his team, but he didn’t. He kept pushing me to get better,” said Erik. “He helped me get my confidence.”

With a combination of Coach Terry’s instruction and his father’s encouragement, he continued to grow into a stand out player.

While at Conard, Erik played both on a club team and for the school. He made the varsity soccer team his freshman year. “That was a big confidence boost for me,” he said. By his senior year, Erik was one of the varsity captains. As captain, he helped organize both winter and summer leagues, put on a clinic for five and six year olds, and tried to be an example for his peers.

Throughout high school, Erik knew that he wanted to play college soccer. After consulting his guidance counselor, Erik realized that he could graduate early and get a head start at the collegiate level, setting him up to play professionally after graduating college. “I just wanted to get on a team and get used to it so I could have a better chance of getting more playing time,” Erik said.

Erik caught up on credits by taking a summer class and graduated a semester early. He is currently attending the University of Hartford where he is playing soccer and majoring in Psychology. “A lot of people doubted me. It feels good to show them what I can do,” he said.

When he’s not on the field, Erik enjoys watching Prison Break and eating his mom’s rice and beans.

What are Erik’s plans for the future? “My first choice is to be a professional soccer player. I’d also like to be a physical therapist,” he said.

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f

FuRen [fu-rěn] Bemis

A recent graduate of William H. Hall High School, FuRen (Caroline) Bemis lives her life centered on the water. When she’s not life guarding at Tumble Brook Country Club or the University of Hartford, FuRen can probably be found on the water steering a team of rowers.

“I like to be busy,” she said. And busy she is.

FuRen attends the University of Connecticut, and is a coxswain for their Division One Women’s Rowing team. As the coxswain, her main job is to keep the rowers on course when they are on the water, “you’re kind of the coach in the boat. The coaches tell you the workout and you do it,” she said.

While at Hall, FuRen was a coxswain for the Riverfront Men’s Rowing Team. She said she is very appreciative of the constructive feedback her teammates gave her, because it helped her continue to improve and hone in her skills. “I had two great seasons and became super obsessed with the sport,” FuRen said.

Among FuRen’s other obsessions are travel and adventure. These passions led her to the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, Colorado, where she spent one semester of her junior year of high school learning while getting a better understanding of the environment.

While there, FuRen went on outdoor adventures such as backpacking through the mountains and canyons in Utah.

“I really love outdoor activities in general,” she said. “One thing I really want to get into is rock climbing.”

Upon returning to West Hartford, FuRen was faced with a bit of culture shock. She did not feel as though she fit in as well as she did before. “Coming back from my semester away I just stopped fitting the West Hartford mold. I’m not really preppy... Not that it’s a bad thing, but I had a hard time fitting into that.”

While home, FuRen enjoys trips to Quaker Diner. “I’ve spent too much money there but it’s so good. Quaker’s home fries are so good,” she said.

Her favorite food is pizza because it is versatile in that it can be eaten either hot or cold. She loves crime shows and her favorite movie is The Breakfast Club.

FuRen was adopted from China when she was 18 months old. “A lot of people in China want to be adopted and live the American way of life,” she said.

Now 18 years old, FuRen is doing just that. She has entered her first year of UConn with a pure determination to succeed. “I guess one of my biggest hopes for the next four years is to win our conference and go to the NCAA Championship,” she said.

College is a time when young adults are forced to face a series of unknowns, and that can be daunting. However, FuRen is ready to face any and all challenges with tenacious spirit and a smile. “I want to have fun while I’m young.”

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Jacob [ jey-kuh b] Cantor

Leadership. That is one word that our male Terrific Teen from William H. Hall High School, Jacob Cantor, is very familiar with. As son of West Hartford’s Deputy Mayor, Shari Cantor, Jacob has political roots. However, it is Jacob’s personal accomplishments that have proven him to be a natural leader. President of both Student Government and the Human Rights Coalition, Jacob has demonstrated how he can take charge in and out of the school building.

Jacob learned how to take criticism and work through controversial situations while fighting for his beliefs. This year, he participated in the debate over whether or not the Conard and Hall Native American mascots were disrespectful and should be changed. Jacob condemned the Hall student section called “the Reservation” and believed a change had to be made.

Acting as both student body president and president of the Human Rights Coalition, Jacob found one of his biggest challenges was getting his point across to those in the community who did not agree with him. “It was difficult dealing with adults in the community that were not on the same page as I was,” he said.

In the end, Jacob was fairly satisfied with the results. “They kept the names but every other reference is gone,” said Jacob.

As president, Jacob ran meetings, organized school events, debated inner school policy, and promoted a “Human Rights Day” throughout the school.

Despite all of his accomplishments, Jacob remains modest about the impact of his work saying, “I probably just left a mark on my friends.”

While at Hall, Jacob sang in an auditioned-based singing group called the Choraliers, and was a member of Hall’s improv comedy troop called “The Answer.”

“The Answer definitely taught me some of my most interesting and important skills like thinking on the spot and acting in situations with confidence,” he said.

In his spare time, Jacob enjoys going to Quaker Diner, singing and playing guitar.

He also enjoys wearing tie-dye; or at least he did when he was younger. “I wore tie-dye for 10 years straight when I was four to 14 years old,” he said. “It was a streak that kept going.”

Jacob is now a freshman at Tufts University.

Like many young people, Jacob has entered college as an undecided major and is unsure of what career he wants to pursue when he graduates. However, this young leader has one goal that is sure to lead him on the path to a successful future: Happi-

ness. “I hope I end up doing something that makes me happy, professionally and otherwise,” he said.

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k Katie [key-tee] Smith

For our female Terrific Teen from Kingswood Oxford, Katie Smith, helping others is a main priority. That is one of the reasons she has decided to take a gap year before going to college. “I have wanted to take a year off for a while,” said Katie. “It might be a good opportunity to give back to the community before I start focusing on myself.” Katie is currently on the wait list for AmeriCorps NCCC, and hopes to work in the Pacific and Southwest Region.

After her gap year, Katie is going to attend Johns Hopkins University. “I’m planning on studying biology and maybe law. I might want to major in bioethics,” she said. “I hope to do medical research and incorporate bioethical policy when I grow up.”

While at Kingswood Oxford, was a member of the volleyball, diving, and lacrosse teams. She loved volleyball, but enjoyed pushing herself with diving. “Diving has the closest spot in my heart because I was the only diver for close to four years, so it was the biggest challenge,” said Katie.

Never turning away a challenge, Katie took on a number of leadership roles throughout her high school career. She was the class president for both her junior and senior years of high school and was one of three presidents of the debate club. “Speech and debate was kind of my main club,” said Katie. She also participated in Model UN during her junior and senior year of high school.

It was hard for Katie to pick a favorite high school memory, but when she did it was no surprise it had to do with helping younger students at Kingswood Oxford. She was a “Prefix” during her senior year, which meant that she was a mentor to a small group of freshmen. “My favorite memory is when I got to go out to lunch with my six freshmen. It was kind of cool to hear what they like about KO since I had such a great experience there,” she said.

According to Katie, it is her mother’s compassionate nature that turned her into the young woman she is today. “She led by example in how to interact with people and treat them with dignity,” she said.

Katie’s favorite West Hartford joint is the California Pizza Kitchen at Westfarms Mall. “I have 10 favorite things on the menu,” she laughed. However, none of those items would include meat because Katie has been a vegetarian for four years. “’Eating Animals’ kind of spelled out all of the reasons I am a vegetarian today.”

Katie is passionate about her beliefs but also remains open-minded to trying new things. “I like trying new things even if I may not be the best at them, because taking myself out of my comfort zone helps me find what I’m really good at,” said Katie.

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z Zack [zak] Goldman

For our male Terrific Teen from Kingswood Oxwood, Zack Goldman, life is an adventure. In the summer of 2012, Zack injured his foot. He was a rising junior in high school and was hoping to play college basketball. Zack did not want an injury to stand in the way of him being recruited, so he decided that he was going to repeat his junior year. This meant that it would take him five years to graduate.

Instead of being sad or resentful, Zack decided to take advantage of his extra year, and he spent his second semester of his junior year, studying in Israel.

Upon returning to West Hartford, Zack’s plans changed. He attended an elite basketball camp in Boston and realized he did not want to play college basketball. “Being there, and seeing the craziness of it, is when I decided I was done,” he said. “I just want to have time to try new things.”

Now a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Zack is majoring in Physical Therapy. He is not on the basketball team, but he hopes to play club basketball and participate in community service projects.

While at KO, Zack was the captain of the basketball team and worked in the admissions department, where he gave tours of the school. He was a member of the Cum Laude Society, indicating that he was in the top 20% of the senior class. Zack also went on a two-week service trip to Tobaty, Paraguay where he, “repaired sidewalks and helped make additions to a school.”

This summer, he continued to combine his passion for travel and community service by volunteering at a school for impoverished children in Morocco. “They were either orphans or were living on the street,” said Zack. “They were just happy to be playing.”

Additionally, he has visited Canada, Italy, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Zack has developed a hobby that some people might not find so appealing. “I like to

eat the weirdest food when I travel,” he said.

Tung, cricket, blowfish, horse meat, and wild boar; Zack has tried it all. However, ironically enough, he said his favorite food is the simple turkey sandwich.

He does not just take on challenges: Zack goes out of his way to find them. From swimming 2.4 miles using only his arms to biking extremely long distances, Zack has proved his athletic prowess again and again. “I do strange athletic things just to see if I can do it,” he said.

Among his biking accomplishments, Zack has done a century bike tour and biked to New York State and back to Connecticut. He

also participated in Bike Virginia in which he said, “You bike around Virginia and set up camp.”

Zack has traveled the world and pushed himself to his limit. This would not have been possible without a strong support system. Zack said he is thankful for his parents and would not have been able to accomplish any of his goals without them. “My parents sort of encourage (my siblings and me) to try new things and expand our horizons,” he said. “I appreciate that they support me.”

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m Matthew [math-yoo] Massiocchi

Matthew Masciocchi, our male Terrific Teen from Northwest Catholic High School, has found success through his hard work and determination.

Matthew was a member of Northwest’s swim team for all four years, and was the captain for both his junior and senior year.

Despite his success as a swimmer, it was Model UN that had the biggest impact on Matthew’s life. At the beginning of high school, Matthew was plagued with social anxiety. “When I was a sophomore into my junior year, I always thought if people wanted to hang out with me, they would call or text me,” said Matthew. “It hindered my confidence.”

Matthew said things changed when he joined Model UN during his junior year.

“Model UN helped build my confidence and gain friends,” he said.

Matthew has always had a passion for helping other people in the community. “I constantly tried to push myself to do more for other people in West Hartford and the surrounding areas,” said Matthew. He began volunteering for MANNA Community Meals through Hands on Hartford when he was in sixth grade. He initially started volunteering with his older sisters when they were going for their high school community service hours.

Matthew found that he loved going and making a difference in the lives of the needy, so he continued to volunteer there for seven years.

“It was a lot of fun. After you cooked the meals, you could sit down with the people as they ate and learn about their lives and what’s going on in Hartford,” said Matthew. “It’s not just cooking. I learned about life too.”

He also assisted international students as they transitioned into the Northwest Catholic community. “I helped them get used to the school during their orientation program,” said Matthew.

Having lived in Ostia, Italy for three

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months when he was in eighth grade, Matthew enjoys embracing new cultures.

At that time, Matthew was young for his grade, and decided he was going to repeat eighth grade. His sister was studying in Florence, Italy and his father was in Ostia for business, so Matthew decided to spend his extra year abroad.

“I guess from my parents view it was one of those things that would be a really great experience during that time in my life. At first it was a ‘what if’ and slowly it turned into a ‘why not,’ so they made arrangements for my dad and me to live with a woman and

her family. She would teach us different aspects of Italian culture along the way,” said Matthew.

Matthew is now a freshman at Union College. He is not sure what he wants to do for a career, but hopes to find fulfillment in whatever he chooses. “I hope I can find something in which I can find little things I enjoy each day and keeps me on my feet,” said Matthew.

“I may not succeed and win every time, but how ashamed I would be if I didn’t try and push myself to make the world a better place,” said Matthew.

s

Sabrina [suh-bree-nuh] Carreira

For Sabrina Carreira, life is a balancing act between academics and sports. After attending St. Brigid School for both elementary and middle school, Sabrina moved on to Northwest Catholic. Now a freshman at Ana Maria College, Sabrina is majoring in Sports Management and playing on their Division Three Softball team. “I’ve gone to Catholic School my whole life. I can’t get away from it now,” she said jokingly.

Sabrina enjoyed her time at Northwest Catholic saying, “Everyone is so friendly (there). You can just go up to anybody and say hi.” When she was not studying, Sabrina participated in the book club and worked in the school apparel shop. She also could be found cheering on her peers at Northwest sporting events.

However, softball was still Sabrina’s favorite extra curricular activity. She was a member of both Northwest Catholic’s team and a travel team called the Northwest Shock. So, one can imagine how devastated she was when a knee injury left her out of commission.

“I couldn’t do the sport I loved or go to the gym as much as I wanted to,” she said. “ It happened in July and I didn’t get to play again until the end of November.” However, with passion and dedication to the sport, Sabrina was able to get back to the top of her game and became eligible to play in college.

While being a collegiate athlete can be stressful, Sabrina said she has the time management skills necessary to be successful. “I would want (people)to know that I’ve worked hard on being an athlete and a student,” said Sabrina. I learned to balance both and both compliment each other.”

Sabrina has been playing softball since she was five years old, and she does not plan on handing in her mitt any time soon. She would like to keep softball in her life by eventually becoming a coach. “I want to teach girls how to play the sport and fall in love with it,” she said.

Sabrina prefers to be active. While some people may look at going to the gym as work, she sees it as time to relax and let off steam.

“That’s my alone time when I can get my stress out,” she said.

In addition to working out, Sabrina enjoys listening to country music and reading Nicolas Sparks novels. “I recently read Safe Haven in two days,” she said.

As for her favorite food? “I’m Italian. Pasta is always a ‘go to’ with me,” she said.

Coming from a close-knit Italian family, Sabrina said she has always had a strong relationship with her parents. “My parents are my role models because they showed me that hard work pays off,” she said.

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2011 Terrific Teens:

Where are They Now?

By Katie Cavanaugh In honor of our 5th Annual Terrific Teens issue of West Hartford Magazine, we followed up with our first group of “Teens to Watch,” who, of course, are no longer teenagers. These young adults impressed us in 2011, and they continue to do so as they carve out lives for themselves on this journey of life.

Julia Mansolillo:

Emily Babcock:

Lives in West Hartford

Miles Ricketts:

Graduated from Saint Anselm College in May 2015 where

Student at UConn and taking classes in

she received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing Currently a nurse at Bridgeport Hospital on the cardiac/telemetry floor.

Relocated to Fairfield, CT with her family, but they will always have a strong connection to West Hartford.

“I can’t wait to get back into the classroom after I complete my Masters!”

Engineering, Communications, History, among other areas of interest Took some courses at Tunxis and Central since graduating from Conard while re-considering his course of study Working at Stop & Shop while going to school

Recently moved to Boston Graduated from Providence College in

May with her Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education.

Working toward her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Boston College She is currently working for the Intramural Program at Boston College while also getting her Masters.

Patrick Graham: 5th year at St Joseph’s

University in Philadelphia Working toward his Masters in

Special Education.

Mike Coscarelli: Played Squash at Connecticut College Senior Captain of the Squash team

Samantha Udolf:

Part of the NESCAC Winter All-Academic Team Graduated from Connecticut College in 2015 Clerk at Howard, Kohn, Sprague, and FitzGerald

“In addition to my studies, I am also on the Varsity Ski Team, which I captained my junior year.”

Currently living in Cambridge, Massachusetts She is a senior at Harvard College where she is

concentrating in Statistics with a secondary in Computer Science.

For the past two summers, she worked as an actuarial consultant at Towers Watson.

Shawn Allison:

Teens are chosen by our editorial team (not by the schools).

Congratulations to all of the teens who have been chosen over the past 5 years!

“I matured immensely over the last four years.

My experiences at RPI have made me more ambitious and overall more competent in utilizing my skills.”

Maggie Kycia:

Lives in Bloomfield

“During my time at Loyola, I discovered a passion for traveling. I spent a semester studying abroad in New Zealand my junior year, and once I was bitten by the travel bug I couldn’t stop.”

Graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Works as an engineer at Doosan Fuel

Graduated from Loyola University Maryland in May 2015

Plans on starting a philanthropy

Communications and Media Studies Major with a minor in Marketing

organization to provide educational and community services for kids and young adults.

Institute this year Cell America Plans to go back to school for his PhD in

Currently teaching English at Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand.

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photo by CHRISTINE PETIT

nuclear engineering

Coming in 2016... brought to you in part by:

Watch We-Ha.com for details and ticket information.

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WEST HARTFORD’S STEVE LANGAN

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FOOD

Restaurant: Sam’s Gyro 7 South Main St. West Hartford, CT 860-233-6300 www.samsgyroct.com 7-days per week.

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Falafel Gyro and Lamb Gyro.

Sam’s Gyro - Greek Fare in West Hartford Center

Greek salad.

by The Twin Tasters In search of Greek fare in The Center?

You’ll find it at Sam’s Gyro, and you can eat in or take out.

We visited on a cool Friday afternoon and found the patio seating welcoming and comfortable at this South Main Street restaurant.

Plants adorn the railings and the afternoon shade made for a perfect setting.

Their traditional lamb gyro was topped with fresh veggies, including local tomatoes, green and red peppers, lettuce, onions, olives and feta. Plus, a cool and delicious Greek Tzatziki sauce was just what the spiced lamb meat needed.

We felt we had to also try the falafel gyro, which was also wrapped in a traditional lightly grilled pita. It was reminiscent of a gyro you’d find in New York City. A small Greek salad was delicately assembled with a sprinkling of feta and the right amount of dressing.

Note to selves: Many other guests were eat-

ing Paninis, we’ll have to check those out on our next visit. The Chicken Soprano Panini includes cheddar cheese and basil pesto. Another yummy-looking one is a Roast Beef Horseradish Panini.

While lunch was satisfying, we will plan an evening visit next time because the stage was set for a live performance and the wine and beer selection was impressive for a small place.

Sam’s Gyro serves breakfast now too. Hmm... a scrambled egg, spinach breakfast wrap with feta cheese sure sounds mouth watering!

We beat the lunch rush, but still noticed a steady stream of visitors picking up “to-go” orders.

Baklava made on site, using a family recipe

You never know where the Twin Tasters will show up.

Contact: editor@ westhartfordmagazine.com

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Join the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce!

Good for your business, good for the community.

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

Our guess is your answer is: A lot!

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FITNESS

It is a journey … … keep the faith.

by Tom Hickey

S

hevon and I had so many reasons over the summer months to give up on our exercise routine. While all of our challenges were health related, we remained committed to our journey with D’Mario.

My issues effected my right foot only, so I was able to carry on with abbreviated waistup-only workouts. Didn’t matter … I was still out there. The key is to communicate with your trainer so he or she knows what is happening medically with you and plans can be adjusted.

I also learned it’s important to open up about medication you are on and you might be able to even reduce the amount if you are on a rigorous work-out on a regular basis

(as long as the communication with perscribing physician is open as well).

I tweeted the above photo of me after a recent work out and had so many comments about it … of course most were making fun of me but that’s ok. Some people said they weren’t used to seeing me look this way! The point is that D’Mario makes

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, summer camp, 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

you work for your results. I’m feeling and seeing them already. So don’t be shy about starting a program, don’t be nervous about the regimen, and maybe you’ll even Tweet a work-out photo of yourself. Everything is custom-made just for you, your body and your own individual goals.

D’Mario and I would like to invite ALL our readers to contact AKUABA today, mention this column and get two FREE initial consultations. Trust me you’ll be happy you did.

AKUA BA FITNESS, 860-967-0561 customerservice@akuabafitness.com Located at 121 Talcott Road in West Hartford, the custom-designed facility has two levels of over 10,000 square feet. State-of-the-art equipment, locker rooms with showers, and our proprietary Area 51 Obstacle Course.

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860-233-7848 304 West Main St., Avon

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

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® & Design and all other marks noted are trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2014 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

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fashion FA L L

Guest Stylist: Kimberly Moster, Kimberly Boutique Photos by: Tyron W. Jemison

Hair by: Antonia’s Hair Boutique Makeup by: Tainted, Inc.

Pieced faux fox jacket Fabulous Furs $229, Kimberly Boutique.

Oxidized sterling silver, gold, and diamond layering necklaces by Armenta $1490-3745, Lux Bond & Green.

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leather FA L L

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From far left: Faux leather dress, BCBG $298, hyperstein and hematite necklace Ann Lightfoot $375, all Kimberly Boutique.

Crop top, Free People $20, Hope & Stetson. Faux leather perforated skirt Sugar Lips $84, Kimberly Boutique.

Houndstooth hybrid sport jacket, Daswani custom $695, pocket square $58, Lipson plaid dress shirt $175, all Daswani Clothiers.

Cashmere poncho 360Cashmere $498, Kimberly Boutique. Pull on pants.

Tribal $90 , BK &Co.

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Crop top, Free People $20, Hope & Stetson. Faux leather perforated skirt, Sugar Lips $84, Kimberly Boutique.

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moods FA L L

Barton Perreira, Renaissance sunglasses $430, Central Optica.

Chambray shirt, Tribal $59 , BK &Co. Vintage record player, Anthony's Antiquities.

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blues FA L L

From far left: Chambray wrap dress DVF $429, Kimberly Boutique. Theo by Tim Van Steenbergen sunglasses $425, Central Optica. Frye handbags $358 and $378, Lyn Evans for Potpourri Designs.

Chambray shirt, Tribal, $59, BK& Co. Flawless flare denim Joes Jeans $198, belt Gerard Darel $164, all from Kimberly Boutique.

Denim jacket KUT $82; stilt jeans AG $158; Hanger bootie Jeffrey Campbell $165, all from Kimberly Boutique.

Miu Miu sunglasses $360, Central Optica. Kooba clutch $95, Second Time Around.

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From far left: Terra leather jacket LaMarque $556; Rosewood skinny Joe's Jeans $172; printed top Tolani $165; Hanger bootie Jeffrey Campbell $165, all from Kimberly Boutique.

Ridgewood Sunglasses by Salt, $559, Sight.

Multi-colored sport shirt Bugatchi $168; hunter green jean 34 Heritage $185, both from Daswani Clothiers. Sunglasses, models own.

Printed silk top Tolani $178; faux leather skirt BCBG $228, all from Kimberly Boutique. Cyril by Mykita sunglasses $559, Sight.

prints FA L L

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Handmade linen and brass necklace $70, Philip David Jewelers. Lace tank Superb $29, Lux Boutique. Faux fur vest Donna Salyer $129; Rocket skinny jeans Citizens of Humanity $218, all from Kimberly Boutique.

fur

FA L L

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What we love about fall 2015 . . .

There is definitely a retro feeling to the season . . . including flared denim, bohemian prints, and fur vests. Fringe is everywhere this season; you’ll find it on bags, sweaters, and jackets! That feeling definitely inspired our fashion shoot and my mid-century home seemed like the perfect place to do it. If you already did the 70's look and don't want to revisit it – don't worry – there is plenty for you to covet. Last year’s rough winter must have influenced the designers because they put out amazing outerwear and leathers. This is the year to buy a coat! There are beautiful sweaters this season, the best we've ever seen! And finally, hems have come down a bit making for some gorgeous ladylike A-line and pencil skirts.

Always sad to see the summer end but luckily fall fashion is here to cheer us up!

Back row from left: Larissa Matthews, Tainted Inc.; Alyssa Haley, Tainted Inc.; Antonia Casillas, Antonia's Hair Boutique; Beth Abbatemarco, Kimberly Boutique; Miguel Miranda, model; Kimberly Moster, Kimberly Boutique; Yelixa Suarez, Antonia's Hair Boutique; Andrea Cortez, Tainted Inc.; Joy Patermo, model; Rosanna Karabetsos, Tainted Inc., and Chinnyere McPherson, Kimberly Boutique. Front Row from left: Dana Lauren, model; Tyron W. Jemison, photography; Eduardo Miranda, model; Lyndsey Goff, Kimberly Boutique.

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Top 3 “Best of” Announced!

Congratulations to all the Winners and Runners-Up of the Inaugural BOWH

by Tom Hickey photos by Ira Nozik and Mick Melvin So many things were special about the first ever Best of West Hartford Awards Show on September 10, but to me, three things especially stood out: 1) Tom Filomeno guarding the winners in his briefcase until 2) NBC Connecticut’s Brad Drazen and Mayor Scott Slifka relieved the suspense in the room by announcing the top winners by category, and, 3) what fun everyone had eating, mingling and networking. Thank you to all who attended, sponsored and played a part in its success!

Listed are all the “BEST” first place winners in boldface, as well as for the first time in print, the 2nd and 3rd place runners-up. Please visit We-Ha.com and search “images” for more, and stay tuned for news about the 2016 BOWH. Food Provided by: Vitos by The Water (gave the WH chefs the night “off”) AV/Sound Provided by: Ernesto “Tito” Santiago and his team from T&T DJ and Sound Co. (please see ads on page 32)

PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE . . . . . . . . . . . .Lollipop Tree PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Brigid School PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First Church Nursery School RECREATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .West Hartford Reservoir RECREATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WH Leisure Services RECREATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YMCA PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elizabeth Park PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fernridge Park PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Westmoor Park CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Renbrook Summer Adventure CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mandell JCC Camp Shalom CAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Westmoor Park BAKERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hartford Baking Company BAKERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .La Petite France BAKERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elmwood Bakery BREAKFAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Effie’s Place Restaurant BREAKFAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quaker Diner BREAKFAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue Plate Kitchen BURGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Max Burger BURGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plan B BURGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Five Guys COFFEE/TEA SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Starbucks, WH Center COFFEE/TEA SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. René Coffee Roasters COFFEE/TEA SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Café Sofia

TOP: The Schers, from Lolllipop Tree received the Best Preschool/Daycare certificate.

FAR LEFT: Audience at the Town Hall Auditorium follows along in the BOWH issue of the magazine as winners are announced live.

LEFT: Third place winner in the Coffee/Tea Shop category is Café Sofia. Vahe and Sophia attended the awards show.

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GROCERY STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Whole Foods Market WH Center GROCERY STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hall’s Market GROCERY STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trader Joe's ICE CREAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A.C. Petersen Farms ICE CREAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sweet Frog ICE CREAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ben & Jerry’s PIZZA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harry’s Bishop’s Corner PIZZA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Luna Pizza PIZZA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Pepe’s Pizza WINE SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maximum Beverage WINE SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .West Side Wine and Spirits WINE SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Wise Old Dog FAMILY RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . .A.C. Petersen Farms FAMILY RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Effie’s Place Restaurant FAMILY RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue Plate Kitchen FINE DINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bricco FINE DINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Treva FINE DINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Max Oyster Bar EXERCISE/FITNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fleet Feet Sports EXERCISE/FITNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Work In Progress Fitness (WIP) EXERCISE/FITNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New York Sports Club SPAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Massage Envy SPAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Body & Sole SPAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Per Se Aveda SALONS/Personal Appearance . . . . .Salon Medusa SALONS/Personal Appearance . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew Phillips SALONS/Personal Appearance . . . . . . . . . . .Sugar HAPPY HOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grants Restaurant HAPPY HOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Treva HAPPY HOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Besito ENTERTAINMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue Back Square Events ENTERTAINMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playhouse on Park ENTERTAINMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bow Tie Cinema TAVERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plan B TAVERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corner Pug TAVERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .McLaddens

Bill and Catherine Denton, above (ACPetersens-Best Ice Cream, Best Family Restaurant); with Playhouse on Park’s Sean Harris; Town Council candidate Denise Hall and Tom Hall; Right, Johnny Paindiris accepts “Best Breakfast” award for Effie’s Place Restaurant.

Dedicated to Service for over 50 years

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

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ABOVE LEFT: NBC Connecticut’s Brad Drazen, WHCenter Business Association President Barbara Karsky and Mayor Scott Slifka have fun announcing Toy Chest as the Best Specialty Retail shop. ABOVE RIGHT: Lux Bond & Green was voted as the Best Jewelry Store in West Hartford. (For Lux Bond & Green: Annie Kovath and Michail Shaw.)

MEN'S FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daswani Clothiers MEN'S FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .REI MEN'S FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jos A Bank

Stephanie Blozy walks to the stage to receive the “Best Exercise/Fitness” award for her store, Fleet Feet Sports. She invited runners-up, owners of WIP to join her.

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JEWELRY STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lux Bond & Green JEWELRY STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Becker’s JEWELRY STORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philip David EYE WEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Central Optica EYE WEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harvey and Lewis EYE WEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Solinsky Eyecare SPECIALTY RETAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Toy Chest SPECIALTY RETAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crate & Barrel SPECIALTY RETAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Penzey’s FASHION ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . .Silver Dahlia FASHION ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charming Charlie FASHION ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BK & Co WOMEN'S FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nordstrom WOMEN'S FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BK & Co WOMEN'S FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimberly Boutique GIFTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ten Thousand Villages GIFTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Giftology GIFTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spin Monograms HOME IMPROVEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . .Pfau’s HOME IMPROVEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Home Depot HOME IMPROVEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WH Home Design District LAWN & GARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gledhill Nursery, Inc. LAWN & GARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Petals and Paws LAWN & GARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Butler Equipment WEALTH /FINANCIAL PLAN . . . . . . . .Fidelity WEALTH /FINANCIAL PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edward Jones WEALTH /FINANCIAL PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northstar Wealth Partners PETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pet Supplies Plus PETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Petals and Paws PETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Uberdog GARDEN/FLORIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe GARDEN/FLORIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lane & Lenge Florists GARDEN/FLORIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patrissi Nursery LLC

Official AV and caterer for Best of West Hartford, 2015

DJ and SOUND CO. Your one stop for professional Audio, A/V, Rental and DJ Service. With 20 years of professional experience, we are your lower cost solution for small and large events.

• Pro Audio • Staging • Lighting • Equipment Rental (Audio, Video, Karaoke and Game Systems)

• A/V • Backline • Installations • DJ Service • Photo booth rentals

Phone: 860-983-3914 Email: TandTSound@yahoo.com Ernesto “Tito” Santiago, Owner

TNTDJANDSOUNDCO.COM

Vito’s By The Park Vito’s on The Water Upscale Italian Restaurant featuring outdoor dining, a full bar, a killer Happy Hour as well as private banquets and catering.

26 Trumbull Street, Hartford 860-244-2200 1936 Blue Hills Ave. Ext., Windsor 860-285-8660 www.vitosct.com

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FINANCE

College-bound Top 5 Financial Tips for Parents

by Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA

B

uilding a strong foundation for your children is important. If you’re like most parents, you’ll want to help finance their pursuits in higher education, but paying for college can be difficult. The average cost of tuition and fees (only) of one year at a private nonprofit four-year school for the 2014-2015 year in Connecticut was $40,017, according to The College Board. When you add room and board, books, computers, etc. you can exceed $50,000 per year in a hurry.

And if you’re a parent of two or three college age children, the costs can be staggering. To help ease the financial burden, here are five tips to aid you in your college planning:

1: Loans There are several sources of loans available to help pay for your child’s education, including Home Equity Loans, Stafford Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans and private loans. Home Equity Loan interest rates are low – since the loan is secured with your home – and interest on up to $100,000 of Home Equity Indebtedness is deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans can also be offered at low interest rates, and with a Stafford Loan, no payment is expected during college enrollment. Parent PLUS Loans have an interest rate that is tied to the 10year Treasury notes. Private Loans are offered through private lenders.

2: 401k Another source of loans could be your 401k plan. If the plan allows it, you can borrow up to 50 percent of your vested account balance and use the proceeds to pay for college costs. The interest rate on these loans is set by the plan document and is not deductible. These loans should only be considered as a last resort, since failure to repay 48

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results in terrible tax consequences and jeopardizes your retirement. Another disadvantage of these loans is that they must be repaid in five years.

3: Tax Credits Tax credits are significant because they reduce your tax dollar for dollar. For example, if you qualify for a $2,000 tax credit, it reduces your tax by that amount, so you can then use those dollars to help with college costs.

If you’re married and make less than $160,000 per year, you may be eligible for the American Opportunity Credit. This is a credit of up to $2,500 and is available for the first four years of college. The first $2,000 of expenses plus 25 percent of the next $2,000 of expenses qualify. This credit is per student, which means you can claim it more than once in the same year if you have more than one child in college.

If you make less than $110,000 per year, you may be eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit. This is a credit of 20 percent of the first $10,000 in qualified expenses (maximum credit of $2,000). This credit is per family, which means the maximum credit per tax return is $2,000. It is always available (subject to the income limits), even if you aren’t pursuing a degree, and decided to take some classes.

4: 529 Plans 529 Plans are another tax favored strategy that can help defray college costs. The tax advantage is any income earned in the 529 account will never be taxed as long as the funds are used for college costs. Because the benefit relates not to funding the account, but to the income it earns, these are most effective when set up well in advance of the time they are needed so the tax free growth of the fund can be maximized.

Some states, like Connecticut, offer additional tax incentives for funding 529 plans.

Contributions of up to $10,000 to a CHET

(CT Higher Education Trust) are deductible on a joint CT state return ($5,000 for most others). This deduction on your CT income tax return can save a couple filing a joint return up to $670 in current year CT tax.

5: Employing Your Kids An excellent tax strategy to help your children save for college is for you to employ them. It has to be for bona fide work and paid at a fair market wage, but if you have a business and can do this, it makes a lot of sense.

Why is this a good plan? You get to use the marginal tax brackets for your kids, while getting a deduction at your highest marginal rate. Let’s say your top tax rate is 28 percent and you pay your teen $5,000 to create and maintain the company’s website (we’re going to ignore payroll taxes in this example). You save $1,400 of tax for the business deduction and your child will pay virtually no tax on that income.

Provided you plan ahead and conduct periodic updates of your financial strategy, you can rest assured the finances have been taken care of and devote your time and attention to helping your teen enjoy a fruitful and fulfilling college experience.

To learn about tax incentives and college loans that may be available to you, contact your tax/financial advisor.

Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA, is President of Filomeno & Company, P.C. He can be reached at 860.760.7031 or tjf@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.

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