West Hartford Magazine - April 2024

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LOVE IN VERONA

Happy Spring,

Join us in welcoming two NEW columns! The first covers something we all must do, (but don’t necessarily enjoy)… taking time out of our busy schedules to CLEAN! The other is an ARTS column! We hope you enjoy the new content. In our next issue coming out in June, be on the lookout for yet another new column… A new dining feature! Our “food couple” will share their West Hartford culinary experiences with us.

In our last issue of WeHa Mag we spotlighted The Bridge’s Children’s Charity Ball celebrating their 25th Anniversary. We are extremely proud to say that we’ve been their Media Sponsor every one of those years. We are equally proud of celebrating 25 years of delivering West Hartford’s first and only lifestyle magazine! We couldn’t have done this without the support of our very loyal advertisers. Please show your thanks by supporting them! And of course, we wouldn’t have made is 25 years without you, our loyal readers.

Worth noting again is that we are now publishing six times every year: February, April, June, September,

November and December.

2024 marks some major anniversaries we will undoubtedly commemorate with some sort of celebration (stay tuned) including the 10th Anniversary of the Best of West Hartford, 10th Anniversary of we-ha.com, 25th Anniversary of WeHa Magazine and the 95th Anniversary of the Jewish Ledger.

The 10th Anniversary of the Best of West Hartford has already added an entertainment portion to the evening. We will feature a local Dancing With the Stars brought to you in part by Arthur Murray Dance (see page 42).

If you haven’t listened in to our PODCAST – On The Scene, please do say today. Available anywhere you listed to Podcasts (see Page 28). Special Thanks to our sponsor, NBT BANK as we spotlight local businesses and events happening in Greater West Hartford.

Looking forward to celebrating with you.

Tom & Hillary President & Publisher

ON THE COVER

Artwork of Justin Favela on display at New Britain Museum of American Art. See story page 17.

WOMEN'S FASHION

will pick up 68, 69,70 and 71 (71 came out today august 10 better if i can grab 72 73 at the end

Virtual Styling on Facebook Live

EVERY Wednesday 7pm!

Barbara & Karen celebrate 200 episodes of fabulous fashion in Virtual Styling #200. Since the beginning of COVID, BK&CO has styled up new seasonal looks every Wednesday at 7pm for 200 weeks!!!!”

THE BK & CO. DIFFERENCE

From clothing and accessory consultation to perfect selection, BK & Co. helps define your own extraordinary style. Developing intimate, personal relationships with their “client-friends” is what motivates them to understand and cater to your needs thoroughly and meticulously.

Their stylists are dedicated to helping women (and men shopping for women) find beautiful clothing that fits and flatters. They ensure that you look as fabulous as you feel, so you are always your very best! CLICK ON ANY of the Virtual Styling links on this page to begin

For over 45 years, safety, compassion and respect have been our philosophy. We provide a supportive environment for residents to achieve and maintain their highest level of function and quality of life.

D Short-term rehabilitation

D Long-term care

D Post-acute & transitional care

D Respite care

D Alzheimer’s & dementia care

D Hospice and palliative care

D Physician & nursing services

D Therapeutic recreation

West Hartford Chamber of Commerce:

Introducing an Interactive Web-Based Tool that Guides Users Through the Steps necessary to Launch a Business

by Christopher Conway

For over a century, the West Hartford Chamber has been steadfastly supporting the local business community. The Chamber proudly represents over 500 local businesses and nonprofit organizations spanning across various industries and causes. Its membership encompasses entities of all sizes, ranging from sole proprietors to large international corporations, and everything in between.

Membership in the Chamber requires being an established business, yet in a commitment to provide resources to all businesses, the Chamber recently introduced a new tool on its website. Developed with input and guidance from its Business Resource Committee, the Chamber unveiled an interactive, web-based New Business Checklist.

This tool comprises a series of web pages designed to intuitively guide users through the essential steps necessary to launch a business. During the research phase, the chamber staff discovered a wide range of existing materials, from simple one-page checklists with five bullet points to extensive documents spanning over 40 printed pages. The objective was to create a comprehensive checklist without overwhelming users.

It's important to clarify that this tool serves as an educational guide. As with any decisions related to starting a business, due diligence is advised in all areas.

The New Business Checklist consists of eight pages in total, each formatted similarly, featuring 'to-dos' and questions to consider, along with a list of resources. When appropriate,

links to Chamber members, who can serve as valuable resources for specific aspects of starting a business, are provided.

The first step of the checklist focuses on writing a business plan, covering elements such as the Executive Summary, Business Description, Market Research & Competitor Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Financial Projections, and Goals, Objectives & KPIs. Additionally, it includes links to specific resources from the US Small Business Administration and SCORE, offering tips on writing a business plan and conducting market research and competitive analysis.

Subsequent steps include determining start-up costs, registering the business, opening accounts and applying for permits, creating a financial accounting system, establishing a management system, developing branding and marketing, and setting up the facility.

Additional resources provided via links point to recognized authorities such as the SBA and SCORE, as well as various Town of West Hartford departments, including Economic Development, Building Department, Zoning, Police, and Fire.

The Business Resources Committee of the West Hartford Chamber, which facilitated the creation of the checklist, was established in 2023 with a mission to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits. Comprising Chamber members from diverse fields such as marketing, business coaching, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning, the committee is chaired by Adreas Kapetanopoulos from NBT Bank and Roma Odedra from PeopleBank, both of whom also serve on the West Hartford Chamber Board of Directors. Alongside their fellow committee members, they bring years of experience in working with businesses and nonprofits of all sizes and stages of development.

The West Hartford Chamber encourages anyone who is starting to business or may want check this against where they are with an existing business to check out the New Business Checklist here: https:// www.whchamber.com/new-businesschecklist/.

Beyond this one tool, the Chamber offers over 100 networking opportunities per year, a full suite of marketing offerings, and countless business resources and referral options.

To learn more about the West Hartford Chamber visit whchamber. com.

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FINANCE

Four Truly Excellent Reasons to Invest

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Provided by Robert Laraia, RFC, Founding Partner Northstar Wealth Partners

Thirty-nine percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹

Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with important long-term financial goals, such as retirement, in the balance, the reasons may not be good enough.

Why Invest?

MAKE MONEY ON YOUR MONEY

You might not have a hundred million dollars to invest, but that doesn’t mean your money can’t share in the same opportunities available to others. You work hard for your money; make sure your money works hard for you.

ACHIEVE SELF-DETERMINATION AND INDEPENDENCE

When you build wealth, you may be in a better position to pursue the lifestyle you want. Your life can become one of possibilities rather than one of limitations.

LEAVE A LEGACY TO YOUR HEIRS

The wealth you pass to the next generation can have a profound impact on your heirs, providing educational opportunities, the capital to start a business, or financial support to your grandchildren.

SUPPORT CAUSES IMPORTANT TO YOU

Wealth can be an important tool for impacting the world in a meaningful way. So whether your passion is the environment, the arts, or human welfare, you can use your wealth to affect positive changes in your community or around the world.

A FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTING

The decision to invest is an acknowledgment that it comes with certain risks. Not all investments will do well, and some may lose money. However, without risk, there would be no opportunity to potentially earn the higher returns that can help you grow your wealth.

To manage investment risk, consider maintaining a broad diversification of your investments that reflects your personal risk tolerance, time horizon, and the nature of your financial goal. Remember, diversification is an approach to help manage investment risk. It does not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline.

Because investing can be complicated, consider working with a financial professional to help guide you on your wealth-building journey.

Robert Laraia may be reached at 888-886-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com

www.nstarwp.com

1. Gallup.com, May 24, 2023

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Copyright FMG Suite.

Robert Laraia may be reached at 860-665-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com. Northstar Wealth Partners can be found online at www.nstarwp.com.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA SIPC

Digital Dating Leads the Way to Wedding Bells

Let’s face it. Dating can be stressful. So, imagine if you were restricted to digital dates for the entire first month of your relationship. A little nerve wracking, to say the least.

Still, that’s what happened to West Hartford native Maureen Spalluto, and Brandon Bates, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, when they signed up for a dating app at the height of the Covid pandemic. Their first month of dates were all via video. Not to be deterred, they thought ‘If we can survive talking virtually (for hours!) without running out of things to say, well then that’s something special.’

Then, when Covid began to wane and the doors of the world opened, the couple finally managed to meet up in Boston…in person. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Maureen and Brandon became

engaged while walking on the beach at Sanibel Island, Florida (as Maureen points out — the shelling capital of the world!) There, Brad picked up three shells and asked her to choose one. She did — and to her surprise, she found an engagement ring hidden beneath the one she chose.

Married on June 17, 2023, the couple’s wedding ceremony was held at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme, followed by a reception at Saybrook Point Spa & Marina. The venue reflected both their loves of the ocean and gave guests plenty to see and do. The coastal location inspired the reception, which included pops of color to reflect the early summer season.

It couldn’t have been a more meaningful celebration. The Connecticut shore holds a special place in Maureen’s

of her extended family — now including Brandon! They spent summers there and her roots run deep, dating back to her “Nana,” who first came to Black Point Beach in 1930, and subsequently gifted her love for the beach to her children and grandchildren. Over the past year, Maureen’s parents, Ellen and Joe Spalluto, who reside in West Hartford and Niantic, Connecticut have worked on building their new home on the marshes of Black Point Beach, where they hosted the couple’s Rehearsal

Like the Spallutos, Brandon’s mother, Donna Bates, enjoys swimming in Sebago Lake off Frye Island and taking long walks along the beach, no matter the season. She lives in Salisbury, Massachusetts, and loves spending time with her two grandchildren in North Conway, New Hampshire.

The wedding included a nod to Maureen and Brandon’s Italian heritage. A touching moment was delivered by Maureen’s dad, who gave a bilingual toast welcoming their Italian family from Italy; and an Italian feast that included a family style pasta course, an array of Italian cookies, and a gelato bar to cap off the night.

After a honeymoon in Turks & Caicos, the couple came home to Newburyport, Massachusetts, where they live. The Bride works in Learning & Development at Rapid7 and is a graduate of Northwest Catholic high School and College of the Holy Cross. The Groom is a graduate of Governor’s Academy and St. Lawrence University, He is currently employed as Assistant Principal at Pentucket Regional High School.

The bride was attended by her sisters, Carolyn and Caitlin Spalluto; and her friends: Kathryn Arrigg, Maura Johnson, Rachel Driscoll, Sarah Rocco, Sharon Gregg, Mollie Collins, Desiree Ravenscroft, Melissa Orlando, and Erica Stanley.

The groom was attended by his friends: Morgan Steir, Jon Weiss, Brian McGuirk, Mark Borden, Taso Kapernekas, Chris Kelley, Tommy Arrigg, Charlie Haydock, Andy Welkley, and Andrew Spahr.

Also attending the couple were the groom’s sister and her husband, Ariana and Clint Mason.

Photographs by Melanie Ruth Photography. She can be reached at melanie@melanie-ruth.com, or visit Website: https:// melanie-ruth.com/

Dinner.

“I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is Marketing and Technology with a connection to a great International Network.”

Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!

Justin Favela asks,

"DO

YOU SEE WHAT I SEE"

An explosion of color and culture is on view now at the New Britain Museum of American Art

By Elizabeth Lamont

If you haven’t visited the New Britain Museum of American Art, you will after you read this!

Special thanks to the Cheryl Chase & Stuart Bear Family Foundation which provides generous support for NBMAA exhibitions, including the newest one that opens this month and is featured in the ad on page 33.

CONERICOT, Favela’s piñatainspired mural, draws inspiration from depictions of Latin America from the NBMAA’s permanent collection. His immersive installation alludes to the beauty of those landscapes, as well as the fantasies that often color

Americans' perceptions of these underrepresented cultures.

Favela conjures the lush tropical environs of Latin America in his immersive postcard installation, CONERICOT. Inspired by the Museum’s permanent collection, Favela’s imagery is based on drawings of Mexico and Guatemala found in the sketchbooks of Keith Miller (b. 1949), a Canadian artist who spent most of his life abroad. Favela reclaims and reimagines Miller’s romanticized scenes to create a new and welcoming environment for all. Emblazoned across the landscape is the word CONERICOT, humorously alluding to

the manner in which Latinx Spanish speakers would phonetically spell Connecticut.

Characteristic of Favela’s colorful and often comical works, CONERICOT considers what it means to be Latinx in the US. The artist’s chosen medium of hand-cut paper is informed by his Mexican-Guatemalan-American upbringing and the Latin American craft of piñata making. Within the Museum, this large-scale work of piñata paper disrupts traditional hierarchies of fine art and craft and cites diverse art historical sources, from early twentieth-century Mexican murals to works by American artists Favela calls

Justin Favela, CONERICOT, 2024, Paper, cardboard, and glue, Courtesy of the Artist

“the great Whites.” As he remarks: “I like to reference art history in a lot of my work as a way not only to celebrate the past but to critique the exclusion of people of color in that very same history.”

Justin Favela: Do You See What I See? extends its presence throughout the Museum with several reinterpretations of 19th-century and 20th-century paintings and works on paper, which bring the past and present into dialogue.

One of these historic reinterpretations is Favela’s recreation of Raphaelle Peale’s iconic 19th-century painting Bowl of Peaches with hand-cut piñata paper, a medium that playfully challenges artistic hierarchies of fine art and craft. Born over 200 years apart, both Peale and Favela are known for their depictions

Inspired by the Museum’s permanent collection, Favela’s imagery is based on drawings of Mexico and Guatemala found in the sketchbooks of Keith Miller (b. 1949), a Canadian artist who spent most of his life abroad.

of food, a subject rich with personal and political symbolism. While Peale’s bounty of peaches signifies the prosperity of middle-class America, Favela’s still life conveys a uniquely Latinx perspective. Favela describes that, “in recent years, I have made work about food production in America and Latin

America, from the destruction of Central American countries for bananas to the exploitation of farmworkers in the U.S.” Peaches also hold personal significance: Favela’s Mexican great-grandfather and grandfather were farm workers who spent months in the U.S. working in orange and peach orchards. Favela recalls that

Justin Favela, Bowl of Peaches (after Raphaelle Peale), 2024, Tissue paper and glue on board, Courtesy of the Artist

his grandfather “always had peach and apricot trees growing in the backyard when I was growing up. Peale’s painting reminded me of him, and I am sure it would be his favorite if he saw it.”

Another artwork in this exhibition recreates a photograph by Walter Wick, whose work is alluded to in the title of the exhibition, Do You See What I See? Born and raised in Las Vegas, friends and collaborators Justin Favela and Mikayla Whitmore frequently reference their native city’s visual opulence in their artwork. Admirers of celebrated photo-illustrator Walter Wick (b. 1953), Favela and Whitmore created Circus Circus Mirror Maze (after Walter Wick), an appropriation of Wick’s dazzling Mirror Maze photograph, which appears in the artist’s celebrated I SPY book series. Like Wick’s photograph, Circus Circus Mirror Maze depicts objects from the artists’ personal collections—in this case, Whitmore’s family home and Favela’s grandmother’s nativity set. The pink and white colors are a direct reference to Circus Circus Casino where the friends spent a lot of time as children.

The exhibition also includes Favela’s

Favela describes that, “in recent years, I have made work about food production in America and Latin America, from the destruction of Central American countries for bananas to the exploitation of farmworkers in the U.S.”

reimagining of Forms Derived from a Cubic Rectangle (Set of 12), 1990, a signature work by New Britain-native Sol LeWitt, a pioneer of conceptual and minimal art who explored line, color, and form in geometric, serial compositions. In place of LeWitt’s cubic forms, Favela presents paper tortillas that reference a stereotypical staple of Latin American cuisine.

Forms Derived from a Yellow Corn Tortilla (Set of 12) parodies the stoic serialism of LeWitt’s iconic work through a Latinx lens.

These works by Favela serve as thoughtful interventions within the existing collection, bringing past and present into conversation and addressing Latinx presence—or

absence—in the story of American art.

Justin Favela: Do You See What I See? is on view at the New Britain Museum of American Art now through December 1, 2024. Plan a visit to see this colorful, immersive exhibition today at nbmaa.org.

By Elizabeth Lamont, Senior Marketing Coordinator

Paris pre-Rhone River Cruise

By Lisa Martin

Afriend of mine, who had never been to Europe, decided to become my ‘travel buddy’ for a fall river cruise on the Rhone and Saone. But we decided to first warm up our impending excursion with a pre-trip to Paris. Living near Fort Lauderdale, my friend has taken dozens of wonderful and convenient vacation on Caribbean Ocean cruises. Now, however, it was time to venture out across the Atlantic Ocean.

We stayed in the Saint Germain area of Paris, in the 6th Arrondissement. Directly across the street from our hotel were two restaurants that served the most amazing hot chocolates, one thicker and tastier than the other – Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. Both hot chocolates were even creamier than in Bruges, Belgium.

We took a walk around Paris near the Île de la Cité and sat in the bleachers in front of Notre Dame. The magnificent church was covered in scaffolding as it neared the final stages of reconstruction. There are many explanations for the repairs and plans that are outside, surrounding the church.

Shortly afterward we found a small restaurant where we enjoyed soup on this cool and sunny day. The bread was outstanding! We finished our day at Le Train Bleu – a well-known tourist restaurant, but with beautiful surroundings and a great table-side crepes suzette.

Saving a walk up the Champs-Elysées for the next day, we walked on to the Arc de Triomphe. On the way back to our hotel we went into the Louvre with Skip-the-Line tickets. I saw the classics again – the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo. A surprise was seeing meet-up tango dancing just outside the entrance to the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre metro station at Place Colette. Our walk continued and we passed in front of the Louvre again; we watched the beacon light at the top of the Eiffel Tower spin through the night sky. On the recommendation of my sister, we made late dinner reservations at Bouillon Racine. Built in 1906, it is decorated in the Art Nouveau style. The foie gras was so delicious that my eyes rolled back in my head!

On day three we visited the Eiffel Tower, where we enjoyed a midday champagne lunch at the restaurant, Madame Brasserie. As we saw on the second landing overlooking the Seine, we toasted our husbands, family, and Paris.

The afternoon was spent in Montmarte. We visited Sacré-Coeur and admired the artwork in Place du Tertre. Afterward, we went back towards the Eiffel Tower so we could have dinner at sunset and watch the tower lights begin to flash and sparkle. After a dessert of raspberries, we walked down to the Bateaux Parisiens to see Paris from the Seine River at night.Though it was cold, we still sat outside on the boat’s upper level. We went under many beautiful bridges and saw Paris illuminated, accompanied by the quiet hum of the boat in the river.

Enjoying the sights and food of Paris was the perfect precursor to our visit to Nice and Monaco before our Rhone and Saone river cruise!

Lisa Martin is a travel advisor, luxury cruise specialist, ACC, Cruise Planners; Land and Cruise. She maybe contacted at (860) 929-0708; Lisa.martin@cruiseplanners.com; TotalTravelToday.com.

Spring Awakening

What to do in the Spring Garden and When to

By Karla A Dalley

Gardening in the spring is definitely a little frustrating—we want the weather to warm up faster and we want our plants to hurry up and grow already after the long, cold winter!

But the last thing we want to do is to cause damage to our gardens by working in them—or walking on our lawns—if the soil is still wet and soggy. Doing that can actually compact the soil and cause problems for both the gardens and the lawns.

So in the earliest spring days, when everything is still drying out from our winter rains and snows, the best thing you can do is to get outside and assess—but do it from your hardscaping only. Make sure that you stay on your paths, walkways and driveway/sidewalks as you look at your gardens and trees to see what needs to be done.

Then, if it’s still a lovely day and you want to be outside, take a walk—seriously! Have some fun and relax.

Once the soil dries out and it’s safe to work in the gardens, it’s time to cut back any perennials and grasses that you may have left standing in the fall. Many of us now leave at least some perennials standing through the winter for winter interest or because they have seed heads to feed the birds.

Cut back any of the “woody sub-shrubs” that are only marginally hardy here for us in Hartford county. This includes plants like Russian Sage (perovskia), caryopteris, butterfly bush (buddleia), and lavender.

Be sure not to prune anything that flowers on “last year’s wood.” That would include plants like azalea, rhododendron, lilac, mop-headed hydrangea, forsythia, and other early spring blooming plants. If you are not sure when it blooms, don’t

Do It

prune it in the spring! Don’t take a chance by pruning and accidentally cutting off your flowers. You can always prune something later, once you decide when it blooms.

The more you weed now, (particularly with perennial weeds like dandelion), the less you will do it later. There is a movement called “No Mow May” that encourages us to not mow our lawns for the pollinators—and I fully support that!

There will, however, be plenty of clover, violets, and yes, even dandelions for our pollinators if you weed a few out of the garden early in the season.

While we are on the subject of planting sustainably for our pollinators, consider planting a living mulch, instead of using bark mulch. This idea is nothing more than planting intensively with groundcover plants so that they fill in quickly to form dense mats that weeds won’t want to grow through.

This idea is not for everyone, and certainly not for those who like the neat look of bark mulch. If you want to discover more, (and more than I can ever write about in this brief article!), the books Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes or Groundcover Revolution are great places to start.

Finally, also it is once again not for everyone and you are ready to consider No

Mow May and then some, you may be ready for the Freedom Lawn. While this sounds like a political manifesto, it is not—it is a lawn “free” of any extras—no irrigation, no fertilizer, and no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.

You or your lawn company still have to mow—but without extra water, you’ll be mowing a whole lot less in the summer, I can assure you. Still, with the rain we had last year—and most years, the lawn stays plenty green.

What else happens? All sorts of lovely flowers (aka weeds) for our pollinators will arrive. In the spring, there are violets, bluets and henbit. Clover is there pretty much until the fall. In summer, you may find a lovely little yellow St. John’s wort. Of course, there are dandelions and occasionally crab grass and plantain. That is more a function of compacted soil than of the Freedom Lawn. But bees can still use plantain for pollen so all is not lost. Whatever sort of lawn or garden you have, there’s true joy in being outside in the spring—shaping up and planting our gardens so that we can help them not only look their best but also so that we can enjoy them again!

Happy gardening!!

Karla Dalley, Garden Specialist

APK Charities presents...

adam ezra group

Join us for an amazing show to raise money for CT Veterans and Gold Star Families!

The Adam Ezra Group Saturday, June 22, 2024

Guilford Fairgrounds - Doors @ 6pm, Show @ 7pm

Tix: $50 or $60 @ the door

Food available for purchase

Beer generously donated by Thimble Island Brewing Company

Click here for tickets!

“On the Scene” Podcast! presents...

Introducing Greater West Hartford’s first BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PODCAST, “On the Scene” made possible by NBT Bank!

Click Here to Listen to ALL Our Episodes!

On the Scene is hosted by local people of interest and guests include leaders of industry who have incredible stories to share.

“On the Scene” streams on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube! and iHeart Radio with a reach of 250,000.

PRODUCED BY:

MADE IN AMERICA:

Bards x American Woolen Join Forces

By Matthew Banever

In 2016, while working at a boutique store, I was in the early stages of what became my “Made In America” journey. That is, I became deeply invested in local economies…which led me to discover a company in New York producing custom clothing. Now all I needed was a woolen textile mill which, I found in American Woolen, a company that, as fate would have it, was right there in my backyard in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

When I launched Bards – my men’s clothing store – I knew I needed to continue selling American Woolen and telling the awe-inspiring story of a grown-and-sewn American garment.

Then, as luck would have it, two months ago Jacob Harrison-Long, Owner/President of American Woolen, called my cell phone. It felt like I was receiving a call from a celebrity. I had been selling and promoting this mill for just shy of a decade. Now I’m on the phone with the owner? It was nothing short of kismet.

Jacob invited me up to the mill for a tour. He wanted to run an idea by me. A fabric mill needs a way to distribute;

it needs a product made of the textiles it produces. And so, a partnership was born.

Plans were solidified, and soon Bards will be an official partner of American Woolen offering a 100% grown-and-sewn garment. In addition, there will be a Bards Showroom at American Woolen and I will come and measure you at the factory to give you a completely unique experience in custom clothing. The garments made out of this factory will have a unique label highlighting this incredible partnership.

Proud, honored, humbled, excited… I could go on without scratching the surface. It is my privilege, focused on promoting American manufacturing and bringing back American jobs in the fashion and textile industry, that this opportunity quickly became a reality. Jacob and I eat, sleep and breathe those three incredible words: “Made in America.”

This is just the beginning of what lies ahead for clothing made in America.

Matt Banever is founder and CEO of Bard Clothing in West Hartford.

The experts at French Cleaners can handle all your fabric care needs including cleaning, expert alterations, bridal gown care, and couture care. Family owned and operated since 1911. Don’t settle for anything less.

FEEDING THE SOUL THROUGH ART IN WEST HARTFORD ARTS

Nowadays, it takes an effort to unplug and connect with places and spaces that feed our soul. That’s where the arts come in. Whether it is curated art, music, theater or the written word, the arts can feed the soul.

“Taking a moment to unplug and immerse yourself in a creative space can sometimes feel like self-care,” says Rebecca Sears, director of the West Hartford Senior Center in Bishops Corner. “You are taking the time to disconnect from work, to-do lists and the all-powerful smart phone to spend time with a medium that sparks curiosity and brings joy.

“There are so many talented artists and forms of art located in and around West Hartford. This isn’t something you can take on alone. You need valued partners within the community that not only share your vision, but bring the right people into view,” she adds.

Founded in 1998, Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association (BCNA) is one of those valued partners, say BCNA board members Jason Congdon, who is raising his family in West Hartford, and Signe Rogalski, a retired English teacher, artist and town resident.

“BCNA helps bring local businesses and residents together to act as custodians for Bishops Corner and the 06117-zip code,” explains Jason. “It’s been very fulfilling to work with wonderful members and partner with the Town of West Hartford to make this area a great place to live and work,” he adds.

Like Jason, Signe’s passion is the beautification and elevation of the Bishops Corner neighborhood she calls home. “Exhibits and art presentations enliven the town and create a space for humanity and

connection,” she notes.

BCNA has hosted several cultural and art-based programs through their collaboration with West Hartford Senior Centers’ Bishops Corner location. For example, in September 2023, author d l Dickson led a discussion of her book, Meandering of a Senior Solo Passenger; which was followed by a celebration of Poet Laureate Ben Grossberg. Over 50 people attended each event, many of whom were new to the Senior Center, BCNA and the artists themselves.

In addition to BCNA and the Senior Center, it soon became clear that having the WHCOA join group as collaborators was going to be an important part of programming moving forward. For that reason, the Commission was restored by Mayor Shari Cantor in 2020, in an effort to reestablish the town’s commitment to artistic and cultural excellence.

According to Chuck Corsey, who is currently chair of the Commission on the Arts, and previously served three terms on the West Hartford Town Council (2003 – 2009) and as the town’s former deputy mayor (2007– 2009), the organization serves “to connect local art and culture with places and spaces.” WHCOA graciously agreed to move forward with promoting and assisting with future collaborative events.

Their group’s first collaborative event of the Senior Center, BCNA and WHCOA, is scheduled for April 25 and will feature UCONN Hospital Curator, Andre Rochester — a local fine artist, curator and arts advocate. Andre is both program manager at The 224 EcoSpace, where he curates exhibits and oversees execution of arts events and programs, including the Artists of Color Accelerate

Fellowship; he is also art curator at UConn Health Center where he is responsible for managing and expanding a collection of over 2500 works of art across multiple facilities and organizing exhibits in the Celeste LeWitt Gallery.

Andre understands the impact art can have on a community. Toward that end, he coaches emerging artists, encouraging them to develop their craft with a focus on professionalism and business acumen. “Art is a catalyst for dialogue that leads to action. We see. We feel. We think. We discuss. We act. Life is a roller coaster of lessons learned, breaking down barriers and overcoming adversity,” says Andre, who plans to formulate what he hopes will be the first of many community-wide collaborative events. “We find our purpose through these experiences and with that purpose we add meaning to the world in which we live. I also believe it is an artist’s obligation to promote social awareness by cultivating an environment for commentary and idea sharing,” he says.

Andre will share his story and discuss why the arts benefits our community at a free event to be held at Bishops Corner Senior Center at 15 Starkel Road, on April 25, 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In addition to Andre, local artists will be on hand with their art work. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend. To pre-register, please call Bishops Corner Senior Center at 860-5617583. Walk-ins will be welcome. To learn more about Andre, visit www.andrerochester. com

Rebecca Sears & Signe Rogalski

Thank you to all of our sponsors who support us throughout the year

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Image: Steven Yazzie (Diné/Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico/European descent), Orchestrating a Blooming Desert, 2003, oil on canvas, Collection of Christy Vezolles. © 2003 Steven J. Yazzie. All rights

Image: Courtesy of the Heard Museum, photo by Craig Smith

20/20 Media presents...

First it was the cows...

Then it was the bears

Then it was the dogs...

Now we’re doing benches!

Presentedby...

20/20 Media has brought these acclaimed and enjoyed art exhibits to the streets of Greater West Hartford, and now it’s time for benches! Like the Cow Parade, Bear Fair, and Dog Walk, the WeHa Bench Project promises to brighten any day with a fabulous display of hand painted benches. Each one the creative work of a local talented artist, sponsored by a local business, and will benefitt the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsorship opporunities will go quickly as there will be a finite number of benches displayed throughout our town!

KEEP IT CLEAN!

Spring Brings Renewal: Embrace the Season

As spring arrives, it fills us with a sense of renewal and vitality. The world outside blooms with color and warmth, urging us to bring that same sense of renewal inside our homes. Spring cleaning is a tradition that spans cultures, inviting us to cast out winter and welcome the new season with open spaces and clean homes. Here's how Spring Cleaning can guide you through this refreshing journey.

PLANNING: THE FOUNDATION OF TRANSFORMATION

Every significant transformation begins with a plan. Spring cleaning is no exception. Start by making a checklist of areas in your home that need some attention. Focus initially on the places that will make the biggest impact, like those crowded corners of the living room or the dusty shelves that have been long neglected. Perfection isn't the goal here; progress is. And remember, as you move through your home, it's okay to expand your list. Discovering new areas to clean can be part of the adventure, bringing you

closer to a fully revitalized home.

DECLUTTERING: CREATING SPACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

Decluttering is at the heart of spring cleaning. It's about sifting through our possessions and deciding what truly matters to us. Those stacks of papers, the broken items we've kept out of sentiment—they all need to go. Letting go of these items lightens our load, both physically and emotionally. You're not merely moving clutter from one spot to another but truly clearing your space.

DEEP CLEANING: UNVEILING A BRIGHTER HOME

With the clutter out of the way, the stage is set for deep cleaning. Use good quality products to meticulously clean every corner of your home, making sure to pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The goal is to leave every inch of your space sparkling, ensuring your home is a reflection of the bright, fresh season outside.

MAINTENANCE: PRESERVING THE SPRINGTIME SPARKLE

After your home has been refreshed, maintaining that cleanliness is key to enjoying the season to its fullest. That way, you can focus on relishing the springtime, knowing your living space remains as fresh and inviting as the day it was cleaned.

Spring cleaning is more than a task; it's a chance to renew your home and, by extension, your spirit. You're not just tidying up; you're setting the stage for a season of growth, comfort, and joy. Let us help you make this spring the start of something new.

Filemon Zeferino & Kalita Pilonetto Founders of WEHA Cleaning Services

Be on the lookout for our new column...

New England Weekends

Our first featured destination in New England Weekends (NEW!) will be The Innstead Mountain Getaway in Pike, New Hampshire. The Innstead Mountain Getaway sits atop 2,000 pristine acres at the western boundary of the White Mountain National Forest. The Innstead provides an authentic experience for guests who seek the comforts of an inn with a genuine connection to this rustic natural landscape. You will fall in love with the luxurious, modern all-season cabins and the extensive trail network. The Innstead hosts Bill and Siobhan are passionate adventurers, travelers, foodies, and all-around life enthusiasts who delight in showing people a good time.

Mayor Shari Cantor:

‘West Hartford is in an Amazing Place’

Mayor Shari Cantor, in her annual address hosted by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce at the Mandell JCC, shared her reflections about the current state of the town, and what it will take to continue the legacy of success into the future.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor traditionally structures her annual State of the Town address with a review of the past year and an outline of what to expect in the future, and while that was part of the discussion, she also provided a head-on look at some of the most significant challenges the town is facing – housing, road safety, and sustainability – and how they will be met in the spirit of excellence.

“Excellence and success … it’s clear when you see excellence, and I feel West Hartford puts in as much as we can to be

excellent,” Cantor said as she began her address in the auditorium of the Mandell JCC. A long time member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Connecticut, which both she and her husband Michael attended, Cantor led off her presentation with some photos of her with some UConn basketball greats – a towering Donovan Clingan and Ray Allen and his family

“Excellence and success do not just happen. It takes perseverance, tremendously hard work, and commitment,” she said.

“It takes leadership and teamwork to be the best,” she said, which the town strives for, and with the residents consistently pushing the town to do better.

“We’re in March Madness here … but we’re also in March Madness in our town,” in the midst of budget season, with difficult decisions ahead on how to best invest in the pillars of the

community like education, public safety, and the people.

West Hartford consistently achieves excellence, and continues to earn accolades on a statewide, regional, and national level as the best place to live, best place to raise a family, great place to retire, and for having the best public high schools. “But how can we do it better?”

Cantor, an avid runner, has said many times in the past that “If you stand still, you lose the race,” and that’s the approach she has always taken to leading the town. It’s hard to change if things are going well, but it takes planning, leadership, and vision, along with a culture of being strategic, competitive, and diligent. “You can’t just hope for a positive outcome; you have to do the work.”

As the town continues to strive to be a top-rated community, there are challenges, she said, and the first one

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor with with Chamber of Commerce leadership and town officials. Mayor’s State of the Town. March 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Ronni Newton

might appear surprising.

No. 1 challenge: Housing availability and affordability.

Crime, poverty, jobs, home values, graduation rates, budgeting are all challenges, but municipalities face availability and affordability of housing as their biggest challenge. “No state currently has enough affordable housing,” she said, and too many people struggle to find a place to live that they an afford.

The fact that empty nesters own 30% of large homes in the U.S., and have little incentive to sell and nowhere to go is a major contributor, and the rate of home ownership among the Baby Boomers is double what it is for Millennials. Housing is undersupplied and the median sale price continues to climb, but one positive, she said, is that home ownership by people of color has grown over the past decade.

Cantor outlined how West Hartford has identified its needs, and how the housing challenge is being approached in town, with 72 new affordable housing units added in 2023, and 181 affordable units either under construction or approved. The Town Council’s commitment of $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to create an Affordable Housing Development Program has had a major role in supporting the development of additional units, with $3 million of the existing tranche awarded to The Camelot project at 900 Farmington Avenue, and the remaining $3 million to the Elle at 1244 North Main Street.

“Overall our housing market is really hot,” said Cantor with West Hartford the fifth-most searched town on Zillow, the 2023 median sale price at $451,000 – up 28% since 2022. Dynamics include the increasingly hybrid workforce, the rising stock market, and retirements rising 80% since six months ago. Regarding the latter, she joked to the staff in the room, “Please don’t think about this!”

West Hartford currently has high occupancy rates across all sectors – with 7-8% vacancy considered “very good” –including 1.4% in the industrial sector, 5.5% for offices, 7.5% for multifamily (reflects the new units at One Park on Park Road), and 7.7% for retail.

Multifamily housing, and rental housing, requires low maintenance and

provides the amenities sought by empty nesters, seniors, young professionals, and young families, and there has been an explosion of multifamily housing in town, with more under construction or already approved.

Between the approved and in-progress developments, Cantor said West Hartford will add 1,003 new units, of which 262 will be affordable.

New developments under construction include:

• The Byline at 920-924 Farmington Avenue, a roughly $15 million investment which will add 48 total units of which two are affordable, as well as 10,000 square feet of commercial space;

• 950 Trout Brook on the former Children’s Museum property, which will add 172 units (seven affordable) and will generate an estimated $800,000 in tax revenue for West Hartford;

• The Camelot at 900 Farmington Avenue, which will have 44 units that all qualify as affordable, and is a roughly $26 million investment that received a nearly $1 million Brownfield Remediation grant; and

• West Hartford Fellowship Housing, which is 100% affordable housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and will be increasing the number of units from 213 to 308.

Developments that have received approval include:

• The Residences at Steele Road at 243 Steele Road will be adding 30 more units, of which six will be larger two-bedroom/ two bath units with dens;

• The Elle at 1244 North Main (former Agudas Achim Synagogue) will include 49 units (a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom), will be 80% affordable at various levels of AMI, and will be managed by the West Hartford Housing Authority; and

• Center Park Place and 75 LaSalle, an estimated $50 million investment that will include 83 total units – 58 condominiums and 25 apartments, of which four will be affordable – as well as 3,500 square feet of commercial space.

Cantor did not mention it because the project has been submitted to the Town Council for consideration as the ultimate zoning authority, but also proposed is The Residences at Heritage Park, which is the name for the 1700 Asylum Avenue

portion of the former UConn campus. The project has been recommended by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission and Design Review and Advisory Committee. A public hearing with the Town Council followed by a vote is scheduled for April 15. The proposed development includes 322 units, of which 26 are affordable.

Cantor also noted that the “Transitoriented Development Zone is important to the town’s growth,” and allows for higher-density, transit-supported uses. Currently there are two zones, in proximity to the Flatbush and Elmwood CTfastrak station, but additional transit could be accessible in that area in the future. Cantor noted, “We are on the state plan for a rail station in this area.”

Transit-oriented development can be approved at the administrative level by the Town Planner, and the two projects in various stages include:

• The Jayden, at 579 New Park Avenue, with 70 units of which 14 will be affordable. There is a site plan application pending approval; and

• Elmwood Lofts, a five-story mixed-use building at 1051-1061 New Britain Avenue in the former Puritan Furniture complex. The most recent site plan application calls for 117 units, of which 15% (18) will be affordable. This project also received a roughly $1 million Brownfield Remediation grant from the state. The plan is expected to be approved this month.

While the overall grand list impacting this year’s budget had a very slight increase, West Hartford’s economy is thriving. Motor vehicle values dropped due to a post-pandemic correction in the value of used cars, and while there was a high level of investment in home improvements, the majority of the major developments in the pipeline have not yet been included. “In the meantime we’ve got a lot of building going on,” said Cantor, but due to the incomplete state, only a fraction of the full value counted when the grand list was calculated as of Oct. 1, 2023.

The Building Department has been very busy, and has performed more than 1,500 inspections for the One Park project alone. In 2023, they processed 7,511 building permits, and staff has been added which has dropped the average

Let’s celebrate

Best of West 10thHartford’sAnniversary!

Presentedinpartby...

West Hartford!

To mark this special occasion we have partnered with to present local VIP Celebrities to compete for the Best Dancer. Just like... Dancing with the Stars!

Local VIP dancers include:

Mayor Shari Cantor, Dennis House, Eric Feeney, Ronni Newton, and more to come!

Dancer business sponsors include: Robin Gebrian, Jeff Hodges Landscaping, Bob Laraia North Star Wealth Partners, West Hartford Cleaning, and more to come!

Stay tuned for more event details... Contact Tom with event and sponsorship questions!

tom@20media20.com

processing time dramatically.

Exciting news is happening across all business districts, Cantor noted, quoting an article by Kim Knox Beckius in the March/April issue of Yankee Magazine that starts with the line, “I’ve never been to Paris in the springtime, but I’ve been to West Hartford. … Connecticut’s own little slice of Europe is one of those ‘if you know, you know’ places that many travelers overlook.” The article continues to tout the variety of cuisine available throughout town.

Cantor briefly highlighted the success of Westfarms at a time when many malls are struggling, West Hartford as the chosen location for the expansion of bank headquarters and branches, and new or expanded businesses across all sectors, across all parts of town.

West Hartford Center, which created what Cantor refers to as “gardens of eating” amid the pandemic, will have outdoor dining again this season, she said. Reconstruction of LaSalle Road and Farmington Avenue, which had been initially planned to commence this summer, is still in the design stage and Cantor said the details on applying

for outdoor dining for this year will be available soon.

Also on tap for this summer is a ribbon-cutting for the installation of the 10,000-pound tail of Conny the whale on the banks of Trout Brook, planned for June 2 which is the anniversary of the date of the whale’s original installation at the Children’s Museum.

The positive business news is not just restaurants and retail. Cantor also highlighted the efforts of many that led to the announcement that Triumph will be opening its state-of-the art Thermal Solutions Development Center at the company’s existing campus at One Charter Oak Boulevard. “Keeping Triumph is important to our economy and Connecticut’s,” Cantor said, noting that 50 additional employees to the 400-employee workforce.

Cantor also noted that One Park, the adaptive re-use of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambery property, represents a roughly $66 million investment and is 65% leased. The development includes 30 affordable units.

No. 2 Challenge: Vision Zero Action

Plan, Safe Streets for All Users

Keeping the community safe is the second major challenge. “It’s going to take all of us to make our roads safer for all users,” Cantor said.

“On Feb. 27, 2024, the Town Council adopted a 10-year Vision Zero Action Planthat will guide the town in reaching its goal of eliminating fatalities and severe injuries by 2033,” Cantor said, and is the first municipality in the state to adopt an action plan.

More than 70 action items have been identified to be addressed in 2024, and the first – a flashing pedestrian crosswalk warning light – has been installed at the intersection of Boulevard and Whiting Lane where an 89-year-old woman was struck and killed in a hit and run incident in December 2022. As part of the grant funding the town received, a civil engineer has been hired to monitor the implementation of the action plan.

Reckless driving has become a major problem everywhere, and that needs to change, she said.

Other road safety improvements that are in progress include the rehabilitation of Park Road from South Quaker Lane to

Serving the CT Shoreline from Old Saybrook North!

Prospect Avenue, in accordance with the recommendations that were developed from a road safety audit in October 2023. The design, which will include roadway resurfacing, sidewalk and curb extensions, crosswalks and other safety enhancements, bicycle lanes, decorative streetlights, and other enhancements, is in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, and is funded by $1.5 million awarded by the State Bond Commission.

Bishops Corner will be improved for overall traffic flow and pedestrian mobility, with the plan 80% federallyfunded and 20% state-funded.

Connected to the Vision Zero initiative is the updating of West Hartford’s Bicycle Facilities Plan, and is in the works. The project is being paid for by ARPA funds, and is expected to be completed by the summer.

“Public Works has done am amazing job,” Cantor said of Trout Brook Trail, which has just one section left to complete. The Jackson Street to Park Road segment is the most complicated due to the location of I-84, but the town has received $1.08 million from the State Bond Commission, the design is nearly complete, and the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The New Park Avenue Complete Streets Project has been in discussion for years, and construction is expected in 2025, Cantor said. The work will include adding decorative streetlights, a two-way cycle track on a portion of the roadway, and other improvements.

No. 3 Challenge: Sustainability

The final challenge Cantor addressed was sustainability.

Last year, the town merged the Clean Energy Commission with the Conservation and Environment Commission, forming the broader 11-member Sustainable West Hartford Commission which has create four different working groups to address various issues.

West Hartford was one of the first towns in the state to receive Bronze certification through Sustainable CT, and is currently Silver-certified. “This August we will be applying for Gold Certification,” she said, which is the highest level of certification achievable.

Other sustainability-related initiatives taking place throughout town include earning accreditation for Westmoor Park as a Level II Arboretum, the West Hartford Tree Project which is providing trees to residents to help maintain and rebuild the tree canopy, and the creation of pollinator gardens throughout town.

The Sustainable West Hartford Commission is also working with the Department of Public Works to address the solid waste disposal crisis. Cantor said that 860,000 tons of trash are now annually being shipped out of Connecticut to other states, generating 34,400 trips by 25-ton garbage trucks. “It’s not just an environmental problem, it’s an economic problem as well,” she said.

The successful waste reduction pilot program has been underway in the Morley neighborhood, and 48% participation among the 685 households is the highest of any of the pilot programs in the nation. Since it began 10 months ago, there have been “114,000 pounds of food scraps” diverted from the waste stream. Those who have been participating have reduced their trash volume by 50%.

Those participating and recycling their food scraps have offered feedback indicating they had no idea how much food they were throwing away, and have also noted that despite some initial uncertainty, “once we got use to it, it was easy to do.”

In the planning phase right now is the development of a Materials Solution Center on the Public Works campus, Cantor said, which is something the town needs and will serve as a “comprehensive waste and recycling facility for residents, and possibly the region.”

Another sustainability initiative the town is undertaking is the development of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, targeting parking lots and garages in commercial area of town, and preparing for 2030 when it is projected that 19-34% of vehicles in West Hartford will be EVs.

Public investments – projects and initiatives

“One of the things we do is keep investing in our community,” said Cantor, as she focused the final portion of her address focused on capital projects as well as other major investments in infrastructure. Projects impacting roadways, flood mitigation, recreation,

and education are among those that will be underway over the next year.

Several high-profile projects include the new Elmwood Community and Cultural Center, which will also incorporate a senior center, teen center, and library.

Cantor announced Monday that GWWO Architects has just been hired to design the building, and was chosen for their specialization in “cultural and educational projects with an emphasis on designs that are inspirational, evocative, and progressive.” They utilize a storybased design approach, “that encourages discovery, facilities collaboration, and invites exploration,” and will ensure that “no space is underutilized.”

Cantor said the town will be pursuing federal and state funding for the Elmwood Community and Cultural Center project, and construction is expected to begin in 2025.

Also in progress is the West Hartford Infrastructure Master Plan, and the next public meeting to review design concepts will be held in two sessions, on Monday, April 8 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Town Hall.

The town’s wayfinding project is also underway, to address “inconsistent or outdated” signage and directions to key locations.

A new Animal Control facility, to replace the “tired and inadequate” facility that currently exists on Brixton Street, will be completed by 2025 on property the town has purchase at the corner of Brixton Street and Oakwood Avenue. The state-of-the-art facility will be ADA compliant, and meet all state regulations, including a kitchen for the preparation of animal food, indoor and outdoor kennel spaces for dogs, and a cattery.

Rockledge Golf Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and the driving range will be renovated with covered tee boxes, Trackman technology, and a snack bar. The irrigation system has been replaced, and new golf pro, Josh Moses, has been welcomed in time for the new season, Cantor said.

At Eisenhower Park, the pool and bathhouse will be completely updated in time for this summer, and the pool will be replaced beginning in late August. Wolcott Park will also be getting a new restroom building this year, Cantor said.

The public schools are “a primary

Check out the anniversaries coming up this year!

The Jewish Ledger’s 95th!

West Hartford Magazine’s 25th!

Best of West Hartford’s 10th!

we-ha.com’s 10th!

reason why people choose West Hartford for their home,” Cantor said . The schools are ranked among the top districts in the state, and Conard and Hall are No. 10 and No. 11 among the best high schools in the state – while having a student body that where 27% are from non-Englishspeaking homes (72 languages spoken), and 28% qualify for free or reduced lunch. The district is efficient and ranked 98th in per-pupil spending (among 169 towns), while 17% of students in the district receive special education services.

The schools also have amazing sports teams – and just this season the Conard and Hall indoor track and field teams had success at the state and New England championships, the Conard hockey team won the state championship, and several other teams went far into the playoffs.

“Thank you to WHCi for filming [the games and meets] … and being here today,” Cantor added.

Performing arts are another “shining star” for West Hartford Public Schools, with a first place finish for Hall’s Concert Jazz Band in the Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition in New York. “When you travel the world, people have heard of the Hall High School Jazz Band,” Cantor said.

Pops ‘N Jazz has one more weekend, and Conard’s outstanding performance of Les Misérables has just concluded.

“The spirit of volunteerism changes everything,” said Cantor, noting the many areas where residents volunteer their time. “Thank you to all who make so much possible in our community,” she said.

Other upgrades that are recent additions or can be expected soon include the addition of “We-Fi,” providing free wireless access in West Hartford outdoor parks and pools, community center, libraries, and other municipal buildings. The town is also working on its core network infrastructure to improve reliability and resiliency.

“We have remarkable public safety. We hire the best and we invest in them,” Cantor said.

The fire department has used two federal training grants of more than $500,000 to enhance training and certification in various areas including rope technician training and vehicle extrication, and also held a Host Community Reception Drill at Conard

High School last summer to be prepared to respond by hosting evacuees in the event of a radioactive release at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant. More than 160 people, from most town departments as well as state agencies and more than 40 members of the town’s Community Emergency Response Team participated, and the town has received more than $100,000 in preparedness equipment, and will continue to receive a $25,000 annual grant.

The fire department has also launched what will be an annual fire academy to help “trigger a desire towards public service as teens start thinking about future careers.”

There have also been investments in the police department, and total collisions are down 8% since 2022, Cantor said. The Flock Camera System is triggered when a stolen vehicle is detected. There were 56 “Flock successes” in 2023, which resulted in the recovery of 40 stolen vehicles and 47 arrests.

The new West Hartford Intelligence Center is in the final stages of completion, and the police department’s new VirTra Training Simulator was installed in 2023 and provides experiential de-escalation training in a controlled environment. Cantor tested it out herself, and realized “just how difficult it is to make split second decisions.”

The police department also received a Town Mobile Command Vehicle in 2023, which is used as a command and control platform for large events as well as incidents in town.

“The West Hartford Public Libraries are very busy places,” said Cantor, with 238,000 patron visits each year and more than 700,000 items circulated – second highest in the state behind Greenwich. A strategic plan has just been approved. New at the libraries are “Instant Language Assistant” translation devices at all branches.

“This is actually social services month,” said Cantor, and the West Hartford team is very active. She shared a slide with some of the statistics indicating various ways in which the community is in need.

West Hartford continues to be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in February hosted a successful inaugural Black Business

Expo that involved 22 Black-owned town businesses, and held a panel discussion featuring Black leaders in municipal government. During March, Women’s History Month, a “Women Empowering Women in Small Business” panel discussion was held. Additional cultural awareness events will be held throughout the year.

“Early voting has finally arrived in Connecticut,” Cantor said, and the town’s early voting polling place for the upcoming presidential preference primary will be at Town Hall. Early voting days are Tuesday through Thursday, March 26 through 28, and Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. The primary date is Tuesday, April 2, with all regular polling places in use that day.

“When you show honesty, candidness, you show how much you care for a place or institution, you’re constantly looking for ways to improve. You’re pushing to the next level, never complacent where you are, making tough decisions. Those are all things that lead to excellence. … That’s the way we strive, like our UConn athletes.”

Cantor quoted Shaquille O’Neal to end her address: “Excellence is not a singular act. It’s a habit. You are what you repeatedly do,” she said, and that’s what we continue to do.

“I am so happy that the state of West Hartford is in an amazing place thanks to so many of you that do so much for our community … Although we’ve got challenges ahead, if we keep doing what we said and striving for excellence, we will be perfect.”

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Conway introduced the program, and Mandell JCC President and CEO David Jacobs also welcomed the crowd.

Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Chip Janiszewski also shared some remarks and Steve Moroney, market president of TD Bank, the presenting sponsor, introduced Cantor.

Many who attended the address also stayed for a reception in the JCC’s Chase Family Gallery.