West Hartford Magazine - September, 2022

Vol. 12, No. 2 , 2022

Dogs

West Hartford has gone to the Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

west hartford magazine

TRAVEL | WEDDINGS | THE ARTS | FINANCE | GARDEN

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Come on out to the 2022 WeHa Dog Walk in Blue Back Square!

Our 12 dogs have been artfully painted by talented local artists and are on display for you to enjoy! Each dog is linked to a special non-profit organization. Let’s enjoy this FUNdraiser and raise funds so the non-profits can carry on their important work!

A special thank you to our generous 2022 Dog Walk Sponsors

Visit 20media20.com for info on the artists, dogs, sponsors, and to donate to the non-profits!

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Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine

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contents Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

DEPARTMENTS 7

FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER

9

CHAMBER NOTES

11 TRAVEL A floral wonderland blankets the Netherland's Keukenhof Gardens

18 WEDDING The forecast looks spectacular for Barbara Karsky & Brian Lyman

27 FINANCIAL The Behavior Gap and Your Financial Health

43 GARDENING Autumn Gardening for Our Challenging Climate

FEATURES 15

GOING TO THE DOGS The 2022 West Hartford Dog Walk scampers into town

21

ARTS & CULTURE New arts collaborative spreads the word about West Hartford's hidden gems

25

BEARLY THERE Bear crashes toddler's birthday party.

Here's how you can avoid the same fate

29

END OF AN ERA Tracy Dorman retires as head of the Ballet Theater Company

31

RESTAURANT REVIEW The new restaurant Sparrow brings an edgy, industrial vibe to West Hartford Center Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

west hartford magazine

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FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER Publisher Tom Hickey Editor in Chief Judie Jacobson Associate Editor Stacey Dresner

Swinging Into Fall!

C

an you believe we’ve already made it through Summer 2022? And now, Back to School (oops!

Those words are forbidden in the Hickey household)!

Time flies when you are having fun!

And, boy, do we here at 2020Media have fun every single day! This is the best time of year to say THANK YOU to all our social media followers, marketing clients, advertisers, subscribers and readers!

We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to “influence” your personal and business likes (and dislikes), event attendance, buying habits and trends!

This fall, we are proud to present DOG WALK 2022! I never thought our artists could outdo last year's Bear Fair, but the dogs are magnificent. Enjoy them while they are in West Hartford Center (surrounding the Noah Webster Statue) and at Blue Back Square. For the holidays in December they move indoors to Westfarms ... then stay tuned for some big plans in 2023!

Most importantly, scan the QR code and DONATE, DONATE, DONATE! After all, the Dog Walk is a FUNdraiser benefitting a slew of charitable organizations throughout the area. One hundred percent of monies raised go directly to the designated non-profits!

For a taste of what you’ll be treated to at the Dog Walk itself, flip to pages 15 - 17 and feast your eyes on the fabulous photo spread created by photographer extraordinaire Todd Fairchildren We are in full swing, planning and

preparing for #wehaevents 2022 and 2023 and we are so excited to bring them to you. To begin with, voting for the Ninth Annual Best of West Hartford awards will take place in October, with the awards night scheduled to be held at the Mandell JCC on Monday, November 7.

We can’t wait to see who walks away with this year’s top honors! Good luck to all our nominees!

Our We-Ha HA Comedy Nights continue to be a crowd favorite — and we hope you join the crowd at an upcoming evening of laughs. To find out when and where the next Comedy Night will take place, search Eventbrite.com. Note that the September We-Ha HA Comedy Night will be FREE and will take place on the stage at Blue Back Square. The series Grand Finale will be held indoors on Saturday evening, November 22 at the Mandell JCC. So much more coming up! Follow us on social media to stay in the know.

Tom Hickey, publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com tom@20Media20.com Facebook: West Hartford Magazine Twitter: @westhartfordmag Instragram: @westhartfordite

Digital Media Manager Hillary Sarrasin Contributing Writers & Columnists: Matt Banever, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT Websites: We-Ha.com, WestHartfordMagazine.com, Wehawheels.com, JewishLedger.com, 20Media20.com, wehacal.com Mike Roy/Roy Web Design Principals Thomas P. Hickey II James H. Gould III Follow us on Social Media: Facebook West Hartford Magazine We-Ha.com Twitter @westhartfordmag @wehartford Instagram @westhartfordite Hashtags #wehaevents #bestofweha #weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy

follow us on

PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 office: 860.508.4032

West Hartford Magazine is published by 20/20 Media.

Tom Hickey

To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127; www.we-ha.com/ subscribe. ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©20/20 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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I Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

West Hartford Chamber of Commerce:

Collaborations Benefit All

F

or more than a century, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce has been the primary support organization for our local business community. Like all the businesses and nonprofits we represent, we have reinvented ourselves many times to meet the evolving and shifting needs of our members and community. Most recently this has been demonstrated by our response to Covid 19. The introduction of virtual programs, enhanced digital resources, and an emphasis on state and federal support programs are just a few examples.

Much of the work the Chamber does involves partners. As is the case with most partnerships, these relationships are symbiotic in nature.

Without a doubt our strongest ally is the Town of West Hartford.

The Chamber and Town work closely in many ways. Most notably with the Economic Development department, led

by Kristen Gorski. Together we support local businesses by connecting them to proper resources. We also co-facilitate programs and events such as semi-annual Community Resource & Job Fairs, and virtual programming. Most recently we partnered with the Town and the West Hartford Clean Energy Commission to host a forum on cost-saving energy solutions for businesses. Gorski is also very involved with WHy West Hartford, a website and marketing platform created to market West Hartford to visitors, residents and businesses.

Beyond the Economic Development Department, the Chamber also works with other town departments. Events like The Holiday Stroll and WeHa Wellness require assistance from Public Works, Parking, Police and Fire. Conversely, the Chamber has been both a sponsor and participant in Celebrate! West Hartford.

We provide volunteers for the event and assist in marketing efforts.

In West Hartford, we have five distinct neighborhood and business

associations. They are, the Elmwood Business Association, The Design District, the Park Road Association, the West Hartford Center Business Association, and the Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association. The Chamber engages with these groups by attending their meetings to learn about their individual concerns and initiatives. The Chamber also lends its support in many ways. In some cases, it could be amplifying marketing of an event such as The Center’s Summer Sales Days. It can also be through our own participation in events such as The Park Road Parade and Park Road Celebrity Breakfast. At times the Chamber will advocate for a concern of one of these organizations. The Chamber has either supported, opposed or offered input with regard to certain zoning changes, new developments, or ordinances.

The Chamber has an excellent working relationship with West Hartford Community Interactive. For many years, WHCiTV has recorded and broadcast the Mayor’s Annual State of the Town Address and the Economic Development Update for the members of the local community to view. Prior to the pandemic, I co-hosted a program that highlighted various neighborhoods and business districts. The challenges of the pandemic inspired some creative thinking and problem solving. For over a year almost all of our programming switched to the virtual world, facilitated largely over Zoom. As the pandemic went on longer than initially anticipated, we began to create new programming. WHCiTV was instrumental in allowing us to reach a much wider audience. Programs such as our Colorful Conversations by our Minority Business Network, Small Business Showcase, and Small Business Forums, which are done in partnership with the Town, were simulcast and reposted to YouTube and cable television.

The West Hartford Chamber also works closely with other chambers of commerce. We collaborate with our neighboring chambers on dual programing and resource collaborations.

by Chris Conway

Statewide we are active members of CACCE (CT Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives), which is CBIA’s (CT Business & Industry Association) chamber support program. We engage with fellow chamber staff and business leaders to support our state’s business community. Recently, our Director of Development & Programming Kate Kobs was recognized by CACCE with the Staff innovation Award for her implementation of much of our virtual programming, creation of TakeOut Time West Hartford - Facebook Group, and co-creation of YPLNCT ( Young Professional Leadership Network of CT), a statewide collaborative group of young professionals groups.

The Chamber is also an active member of NEACCE (New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives). This is a regional chamber resource organization. In late 2021, I was invited to participate in a panel at their annual meeting on Innovation and Membership.

As you can see, we are not very different from the businesses and nonprofits we represent. None of them exist alone, nor can they. It is our partnerships and collaborations that aid all of our organizations in the important work they do for the town and citizens of West Hartford.

Christopher Conway is president and CEO of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

Christopher Conway Executive Director West Hartford Chamber of Commerce 860.521.2300 - office 860.810.5663 - cell cconway@whchamber.com www.whchamber.com

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Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine

TRAVEL

Experience the Abundance of Beauty on the

Romantic Rhine River

T

By Lisa Martin

his spring, I visited the Keukenhof Gardens for the first time while sailing on the Tulip Time Cruise with AMA Waterways.

After sailing — and five days spent in Amsterdam — I experienced Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine River Cruise with a view of the many beautiful, historic castles built upon the hillsides during the Middle Ages. I got to see so many beautiful sights on both sailings, but what took my breath away -- not once, but twice -- were the tulips in Keukenhof Gardens. I love flowers, and even though tulips are not my favorite, the colors, heights, mixtures, and shear number of these flowers went straight to my heart.

In the garden I spoke with a local grandma while eating my first stroop waffle near the windmill, and she told me how this was a yearly visit with her family. How lucky she is to visit this garden with seven million bulbs and beautiful pavilions filled with cut flowers and orchids! She is a painter and finds inspiration at the gardens.

I too found inspiration and took many photos of the flowers, planning to create my own small flower garden with Keukenhof influences.

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I did not get to see every part of the garden, but the parts I did see were meticulously cared for. I went early in the morning. I highly recommend you go then, because although there were many people attending, it did not feel crowded. I had clear vistas of the flowers. By the time I had to leave in the early afternoon, even more weekend family and solo visitors started to arrive.

Keukenhof Gardens is a place I would love to visit each year. There are so many places I want to visit, I would not normally consider going annually, but when what I see is so astonishing I feel impelled to come again and again and place myself at the foot of the gardens to take in this abundance of beauty.

This is a must-see for visitors to Amsterdam.

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

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Vol. 12, NO. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine

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West Hartford has gone to the

Dogs!

T

he 2022 West Hartford DOG WALK, a captivating family-friendly display of fiberglass dogs, each one colorfully painted by a talented local artist, is on exhibit at Blue Back Square for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

But that’s not all. The Dog Walk is not only a beautiful exhibit – it’s aim is both to wow West Hartford residents and visitors AND raise funds for a cornucopia of charitable organizations that help improve the lives community members. To do that, each each eye-catching, artfully designed dog is Healer by Joanna Cistulli sponsored by a local business to benefit a specific nonprofit organization. Visitors scan QR codes assigned to each dog that take them directly to the charitable organization’s website. With a few clicks, donations can easily be made to the organization, that helps them continue the important work they do for the community.

Sponsored by Udolf Properties, the 2022 Dog Walk is the brainchild of 20/20 Media, the West Hartfordbased media/marketing outfit that coordinated last year’s We-Ha Bear Fair, which was exhibit in Blue Back Square and Westfarms.

To learn more about the Dog Walk and each featured dogs, and/or to donate to one of the charitable organizations, visit www.20media20.com.

Kohana by Shane Hickey

Treat by Emman Huntington

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Hope by Christine MacClintic

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Daisy by Amy Casazza

Augie by Linda Bilodeau

Uberdog by Shane Hickey

Major by Bryan Wziontko

Blossom by Kelly Kelly

Vol. 11, No. 4, 2021 west hartford magazine

SHUTTER BUG

– photography –

BY TODD FAIRCHILD

Creative, Comforable, and Fun! Banksy Bowow by Sam Ferri

Lamont toured Future Meat Technologies. The innovative Israel company is in early discussions with Connecticut about coming to the state.

recently announced production of a chicken and beef product that they grow in a petri dish, with Lamont has tasted and declared “pretty good.”) and other industries.

Lamont expects that many of these Israeli entrepreneurs will be visiting Connecticut in the near future with an eye towards forging collaborations and the like.

“You know, there’s two and a half times more venture capital money being invested in Israel today than there was a year and Max by Sarah May a half ago. That’s a sign of optimism and people believing in the future,” Lamont told the Ledger.

“From a political standpoint, they’re really working hard to show that Israel is governing itself and moving forward – and the business community is really leading the way. And that’s great,” he added.

That sense of optimism is shared by others in the Connecticut delegation.

“We had an incredibly productive trip to Israel,” Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman said. “The Governor led delegation meetings with high-growth Israeli companies, venture firms, established companies, and the Israeli government. Our meetings were singularly focused on how to increase collaboration between our two economies and mutually beneficial direct investment. I am optimistic about the future of the Connecticut-Israel economic relationship.” n I Spy by Michelle Hawan

860.236.6334 • www.shutterbugct.com todd@shutterbugct.com

Vol. 2022 west westhartford hartfordmagazine magazine Vol. 11,12, No.No. 4, 1,2021

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WEDDINGS

A Picture Perfect Day (Ok, it rained, but the forecast looks spectacular)

W

hen Barbara Karsky and Brian Lyman met on a blind date 10 years ago, who knew that ‘happy hour’ was destined to turn into happily ever after? But that is precisely what happened on March 5, when the couple vowed their love in an intimate ceremony held at the idyllic Gatsby-esque estate, Villa DeZecheo in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Barbara is a cold-weather girl. Not so Brian, who was born right here in West Hartford.

No wonder, then, that Brian wanted a week-long wedding in a sunny, tropical location, preferably on the beach. A venue that could accommodate their large blended and extended family.

And some fabulous friends. And their favorite bartender. And a chef.

Villa DeZecheo, situated on the ocean with breathtaking beachfront property and picturesque sunset views, was the perfect choice. The first floor open-air layout and two gourmet kitchens was ideal for Rincon’s sultry weather and Barbara and Brian’s love of big family meals.

Barbara, co-owner of BK&CO, insisted on local everything.

Dresses from Mariella Creations, tuxedos from Daswani, hair and make-up from Antonia’s Hair Boutique (yes, she came to 18

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PR!), placards and event signage from Ellen Sayers Calligraphy, and guests sprinkled throughout in festive BK&CO. Brian, head of the real estate division of Parker Benjamin, Barb & B insisted on rian a planned itinerary of activities for their wedding guests that included a day of golf, welcome happy hour at sunset, beach party at The Marina and a post-wedding pool party and BBQ. The wedding party included: Maid of Honor Trish Kretschmer, sister of the bride; Best Man Justin Sullivan; bridesmaids, Brooke Lefkin and Dakota Lyman, Brian’s daughters, and Kathryn Karsky, Barbara’s daughter-in-law; groomsmen Jonathan Karsky, Bryan Karsky, and Nicholas Karsky, Barbara’s sons, and Dave Lefkin, Brian’s son-in-law. Barbara’s niece, Rylie Carpenter, officiated.

The bride's bridal party looking pretty in pink

The groom with his groomsmen

The rehearsal dinner, was held at Cosecha, a charming outdoor café, co-owned by Brian’s daughter, Dakota. She also designed all the bouquets, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces, using native flowers sourced from Rincon. The bird of paradise flower, symbolizing faithfulness, love and thoughtfulness, was used throughout the décor.

Austin Racine, a celebrated chef from Martha’s Vineyard, cooked a traditional Puerto Rican pig roast for the wedding complete with delicious farm-to-table sides. The wedding cake was also a cultural classic: double layers of Amaretto cake, dense and moist, with buttercream frosting and adorned with white orchids. Guests sipped on signature cocktails created

by West Hartford’s Wampanoag bartender, Kat Davoren — Rincon Rita, fresh juice margarita; The B’s Squeeze, a spicy margarita; Mint To Be, a delicious mojito; Love Ya a Bunch, rum punch; and I Do Brew, a local beer.

Cue the music. “The Book of Love”

by Peter Gabriel, orchestral version.

And so, on a beautiful day (that’s the vibe, not the weather - it poured! A sure sign of “good luck”), on a balcony overlooking the ocean on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Barbara and Brian, surrounded by family and friends, all vowed to love each other.

Cutting the cake

Party time!

The Maid of Honor (the bride's sister) toasts the happy couple Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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A SECRET WORTH TELLING

The Commission on Arts & Culture Collaborative helps spread the Word

T

By Stacey Dresner racy Flater has heard it over and over again from West Hartford residents, new and old.

“We always hear, ‘Oh, Playhouse on Park is the best kept secret’ or, ‘You’re a hidden gem,’” says Flater, referring to Playhouse on Park where she serves as executive director. “People will say, ‘I've lived here for five years, right around the corner, and I have never been here.

So, I feel like we're always looking for ways to get the word out about us to people who move into town.”

Over the years, Flater and her colleagues from other nonprofit arts and cultural groups around town have made some efforts to work together on marketing projects that would bring more awareness to their work.

“We’d do one project together—like create a brochure— and then we’d all get busy, and then we wouldn't talk again for a couple of years,” Flater says.

But now Flater and her colleagues are serious about working together through their new venture, the West Hartford Arts & Culture Collaborative. The Collaborative’s members -– the Playhouse, West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Theatre Company, West Hartford Community Theater, Connecticut Family Theater, West Hartford Art League, West

Hartford Women’s Chorale, 5x5 Dance Festival, Capital Classics Theatre Co., WEHA Artists Emporium, and the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society – now meet every other month to share ideas, discuss problems, devise ways to share resources and of course, to market the arts community to audiences in and around West Hartford.

“What I found that was lacking in West Hartford was a unity amongst the arts and culture organizations,” says Stephanie Dattellas, artistic director of Ballet Theatre Company.

“I think what drew me most to the Collaborative was the opportunity to enhance everyone’s audiences and patronage, and awareness, and have a sense of unity in our advocacy, and also being able to share resources. So, it’s about having a united front and all of our organizations working together.

“I’m a very strong believer that for any arts organization to thrive and succeed, the other arts organizations around it also need to. Without music, there’s no dance, and without production and theatre, there’s no dance,” she adds.

The Collaborative’s first formal project – “Weha Arts & Culture Bingo” -- was on display at Celebrate! West Hartford the weekend of June 11-12. Visitors to Celebrate! Received received special bingo cards which they could have punched

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at each of the booths manned by local arts and culture organizations.

Playhouse on Park, the Ballet Theatre Co., West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the West Hartford Community Theatre; a $100 gift certificate towards an art class at the West Hartford Art League; tickets to a Yard Goats game; and tickets to the Noah Webster House, among other prizes.

“It was our first attempt to say, ‘Here we are – ‘Here’s the arts community,’” explains Karen Backman, a founder and board member of the West Hartford Women’s Chorale and a member of the Collaborative. “We hoped that people would engage with the different arts and culture booths at Celebrate! And we accomplished that.”

“We hope to do a lot more initiatives like that we just sort of bring awareness to all of the organizations,” Flater says.

“I have always believed that arts and cultural organizations are the ‘heart’ of any town or city and aid greatly to the area’s character and its residents’ quality of life. They also provide so many economic benefits by, of course, providing employment opportunities but more so through our patrons that come and then spend money locally,” she says.

LEANING ON EACH OTHER

While this kind of collaboration never really worked out before, this time around the effort got a jumpstart from Covid.

“When we first shut down and we all had a little bit of extra time and were commiserating with some of our peers and people from the Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce, we decided to all get together for a zoom call. And it became a regular thing. We started to help each other through the pandemic, talking about ways that we can advocate with our legislators for emergency funding; sharing our concerns and our needs and using each other as a resource -- what tools are 22

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Vol. 12, NO. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine

out there that someone has had success with like with video meetings or streaming to streaming sites.

“We just started to lean on each other, and we decided that we shouldn't let any of that momentum go to waste -- that this is the perfect time to really create a more organized group to work together and look for ways to cross promote, do collaborative marketing, share resources, and be there to advocate for and support each other,” she says.

The pandemic and those Zoom calls also inspired Mayor Shari Cantor to resurrect the West Hartford Commission on the Arts in September 2020. Created in 1986, the Commission on the Arts was inactive for the past 30 years until Mayor Cantor moved to resurrect it.

Cantor appointed Chuck Coursey to serve as chair of the Commission on the Arts.

“Our mission is to enhance the arts and culture environment in West Hartford. Primarily we have focused on, especially during the pandemic, figuring out opportunities for artists, because obviously artist had been hit pretty hard during that time,” Coursey told WEHA Magazine.

The Commission created the Artist Job Bank, where artists in all mediums are able to advertise and promote themselves to the general community. The Collaborative’s website has a link to the job bank listings.

“We are always trying to connect people with others,” Coursey says. “As a Commission we don’t have a budget; we don’t have money to spend on events or putting on exhibits. So, a lot of our work has been collaborative. We collaborated with PRIDE in putting on the Pride Art Show last year at the library.

The same thing with Juneteenth – we collaborated with them to put on the Juneteenth Art Show at the library. We collaborated with the Art League in painting the art barriers in West Hartford Center.”

Backman was also appointed to the Commission on the Arts

and now acts as the liaison between the Commission and the Collaborative.

“I felt pretty strongly about having the Arts Commission be active again,” Backman says. “I wasn't sure what it would do, or how it would help us all, but it seemed like a good idea given that we are a town of 60,000 people.

Backman said that both the Collaborative and the town are all still working on ways to promote the arts in West Hartford.

“We can promote it better and the town could help us more. But I think we're in a cooperative relationship with the town and it's great. I think we're much further along than we used to be. We’re not just single organizations. We are now rooting for each other.”

And they are all busy making connections and building partnerships.

For example, dancers with the Ballet Theatre Company also performed in “West Hartford Symphony Orchestra: American Music & Dance Concert,” a concert devised by Richard Chiarappa, founding music director of the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

“Richard had chosen some works that he thought really benefitted dance and then we collaborated on that,” Dattellas explains.

In April the Women’s Chorale also performed with the Symphony during the orchestra’s spring concert.

“The Chorale performed Faure’s ‘Requiem,’ which is a major classical work and it's absolutely gorgeous,” Backman says. “We had a packed house between the two organizations. It was a great collaboration. The women in my organization were really excited about singing with a full orchestra. It was great.”

Even more collaborations have included a New England costume exhibit that the ballet company brought to West Hartford that spent time at the Noah Webster House; and several collaborations between the Art League and the dance and music venues.

Coursey said he thinks even more collaboration can exist and wants to get the word out about the Arts Commission’s monthly meetings.

“They are open to the public. We are trying to do outreach to artists -- the whole gamut of artists. We want them to come to our meetings. We have time set aside for public comment, and the can come and share their ideas or let us know if they need help. We’re here to help anywhere we can,” says Coursey.

“The arts fulfill us; It’s good for the soul. But arts are also good for our local economy.”

Playhouse on the Park is a good example, says Coursey.”

“You look at the impact that has had, not just on the arts and culture community in West Hartford, but also on the economic stability of the Park Road neighborhood. I think for every dollar spent on a ticket to go the Playhouse or any of the arts venues or events, people are spending an additional $3 in the community.

“So we have a great arts community in West Hartford, but we want to make it stronger and bigger and more accessible to everyone.”

For more information about the West Hartford Arts & Culture Collaborative visit whartsandculture.org. Learn more about the West Hartford Commission of the Arts at westhartfordct.gov.

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The Rescuers uncovers the largely unknown stories of 13 courageous diplomats who, at tremendous personal cost, saved tens of thousands of Jews during World War II. The film follows Stephanie Nyombayire, a young Rwandan anti-genocide activist who lost 100 members of her family in the Rwandan Genocide of the 1990s, and Sir Martin Gilbert, the renowned 20th century and Holocaust historian, as they travel across 15 countries and three continents interviewing survivors and descendants of the diplomats.

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24 Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022 Tickets: www.mandelljcc.org/tix

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Saturday, October 22 | 8:00pm | Mandell JCC 335 Bloomfield Ave. West Hartford Tickets: www.mandelljcc.org/tix

Bear Crashes 2-Year-Old’s Birthday Party in West Hartford Backyard

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By Ronni Newton auf Majidian, along with about two dozen family members and friends, were enjoying his two-year-old son’s birthday party one recent Sunday afternoon, when a large, furry, and very much uninvited guest arrived on the scene.

“We were in the backyard,” Majidian said. Children were running around and there was music– a Disney playlist – and the “Bear Necessities” was actually the song being played.

The home, near Fernridge Park and Braeburn School, isn’t in the middle of the woods, and doesn’t have an extremely large yard, but one of the guests, who was sitting near the edge of the property at a picnic table, suddenly felt a presence behind her.

She was being sniffed at by a bear, Majidian said. The guest ran away quickly, yelling to the rest of the group to get out of the way. Many ran into the garage, while sternly yelling “Go away, bear!” he said, but the bear remained unfazed.

Majidian’s wife got into her car and honked the horn. That scared away a second bear which was spotted across the street, but the original bear was undeterred, and proceeded to gorge itself on all of the cupcakes, drooling bear saliva all over the party bags at the same time.

It stayed for at least 15-20 minutes while the party guests watched from inside the house.

Majidian called the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP), but it was Sunday afternoon and they weren’t given much guidance.

They were told the bear had smelled their food, but Majidian said other than cupcakes and some other food for the party they don’t often have food outside.

They weren’t grilling, they don’t have bird feeders or anything else that would attract bears. The family wants to be able to go outside in their own yard, and wants some guidance. Making as much noise as possible to scare the bear away and make

Bear at a West Hartford 2-year-old's birthday party. (Screenshot)

the experience unpleasant for the bear is essentially the best they can do.

West Hartford Animal Control (860570-8818) previously shared the following advice in a Facebook post: If a bear is in a densely populated area, contact the DEEP Wildlife Division (860-424-3011, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) or DEEP Dispatch (860-424-3333, 24 hours) to report the sighting and obtain advice.

Here are some pointers:

“What Should I Do if I See a Black Bear in My Yard?

If you see a black bear in your yard, enjoy the sighting from a distance and report your sighting. Be sure you are not doing anything to attract the bear to your yard. Attempt to scare the bear off by making noise, such as banging pots and pans, shouting or using an air horn or whistle. Once the bear has left the area, take a close look at your yard for potential bear food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food, dirty barbecue grills, open compost, or trash, and remove those food sources immediately. Bears have incredible long-term memory and will revisit places where they have found food, even months or years later. Bears that are frequently fed, either intentionally or unintentionally through bird feeders or

garbage, may become habituated and lose their fear of people.

When Can I Put Out Bird Feeders?

If you choose to put out bird feeders, do so in the winter months from December through late-March when bears are in their dens. Although most bears enter dens at some point, some can remain active for portions of or the entire winter season if food is available. It is important that you remove bird feeders at the first sign of bear activity.

If you live in an area with bears, it is best to avoid bird feeders altogether.

Bears that find bird feeders will often repeatedly visit the site in search of food day after day and year after year. Bird feeders and other bird food will attract bears closer to homes and humans. When bears begin to use human-associated food sources, they will frequent residential areas, lose their fear of humans, and not flee when harassed. They can even cause damage by breaking into outbuildings and homes in search of food.

For those who enjoy watching birds, establish native plants in your yard and add water.

This article is an excerpt of an article that appeared in we-ha.com and is reprinted here with permission.

Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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Excitement When Stocks Are High. Whether in a bull market or witnessing the hype from a product release, many investors may feel tempted to increase their risks or attempt to gain from emerging investments when stocks are high. This can lead to investors constantly readjusting their portfolios as the market experiences upswings.

Fear When Stocks Are Low. In response to market volatility, investors may feel the need to choose more secure investments and avoid uncertain or seemingly unsafe investments. When stocks are low, a typical response may be to sell and effectively miss out on potential long-term gains.

Short-Term Anxiety and Focus. As humans, viewing aspects of our lives through the lenses of current circumstances is normal. However, one emotional response to any event is letting the moment consume us. Many may find it difficult to think long-term and remember. However, making a rash decision can inhibit the long-term benefit of maintaining a balanced perspective without reactionary behavior.

The market can go up or down at any given point, or it can remain the same. One thing we can control is how we handle our financial strategy. Remembering the likelihood of recovery over time — and the market’s nearly inevitable up-and-down movement — can provide a more logical angle to calm the nerves.

If you’re experiencing financial anxiety in response to the markets, take a breath and remember the potential for long-term gains. Of course, you can and should always reach out to your financial professional for further clarification.

Robert A. Laraia, RFC, is founding partner, Northstar Wealth Partners. He can be contacted at (888) 886-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com, www.nstarwp.com.

Robert Laraia may be reached at 888-886-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com www.nstarwp.com This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member SIPC/FINRA. Citations 1. Forbes.com, December 9, 2021 2. SSA.gov, January 24, 2022

Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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JORGENSEN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi

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Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine

END OF AN ERA

Trace Dorman Retires as Head of the Ballet Theatre Company

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By Brianna Dunlap racy Dorman was involved with West Hartford-based Ballet Theatre Company since its inception more than two decades ago. Now, the Company’s wellrespected executive director is retiring.

Known as “Miss Tracy” by thousands of students, Tracy has presidedover the last 17 years as the executive director. She will leave behind a legacy of leadership and advocacy that has had a significant impact on the lives of countless young ballet dancers and professional dancers alike.

Tracy Dorman has been with Ballet Theatre Company since its inception in 1999 and was appointed executive director in February 2005. She is a founding member of the Board of Directors and played a major role in the Company’s artistic and organizational development.

Tracy is most known for her nearly six decades of experience in costuming theater and dance productions. Mostly self-taught, her first foray into costuming came while she was still in high school when children’s theater company pressed her into service for their production of “Snow White.”

For the first five years of Ballet Theatre Company, she was the sole designer and costumer for all of the company’s performances, working with only a small crew of volunteers.

For the past 21 years, Tracy has contributed to Ballet Theatre Company’s costume repertoire with her extraordinary designs.

From alterations to creating tutus from scratch, her costumes radiate on stage season after season. When asked how many costumes she has created for BTC, Tracy replied, “Too many to count – literally hundreds. There’s at least 30 classic tutus alone behind the office.”

Tracy is a 2014 honoree of the CT Dance Alliance Award for distinguished achievement in dance. In 2005, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism awarded her the Distinguished Advocacy Award for her longtime volunteerism in the arts.

What you may not know about Tracy Dorman – she is a photographer, world traveler, and dog lover.

Tracy has visited every continent, where she has engaged in her second love — photographing wildlife. Tracy has photographed an African Safari, the Galapagos Islands, and brown bears in Katmai, Alaska. She has done more than one polar bear trip, seen Harp seals in the gulf of Saint Lawrence, and photographed birds in Costa Rica and the Pantanal of Brazil.

Now retired, when she has the time (and isn’t traipsing all over the world!) attract continues to help with tutu costumes for

Tracy Dorman (with bouquet of flowers) has retired as executive director of Ballet Theatre Company. (Courtesy)

BTC’s productions.

“We have been exceptionally proud and fortunate to have a person of Tracy’s caliber, possessed with such passion for ballet, commitment to the organization, and a true skill in costumemaking,” says BTC Chair Eric Brummitt. “During her time with BTC, Tracy was the kind of collaborator you always hope to work with. She’s done transformational work in growing BTC into this rich community, and she leaves an enormous legacy for us to carry forward.”

In Tracy’s honor, BTC will launch a student scholarship fund to support the dreams of young ballet dancers. Card wishing Tracy Dorman well in her retirement may be mailed to Ballet Theatre Company, 20 Jefferson Avenue #7, West Hartford, CT 06110.

Tracy Dorman adjusts a costume. (Courtesy)

Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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RESTAURANT REVIEW The bar at Sparrow.

Sparrow has landed in West Hartford

S

By Ronni Newton

parrow has now landed in the former Grant’s space at 977 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center, bringing an edgy, industrial vibe, fresh and creative cocktails, and fabulously crusty bar-style pizzas along with small bites and salads to the local dining scene.

“We’re just so happy to finally be open,” said owner David Boyajian, who has been looking forward to this day for – no kidding – three years. He and his partners signed the lease in September 2019, which had been occupied by Grant’s from 2011 until its closing in April 2019, was too good to pass up.

The wait has seemed endless, but Boyajian loves the concept that has evolved.

“It originally started out as a chef-drive Italian small plates concept,” said Boyajian of the vision for Sparrow.

His past experience in West Hartford was as an executive with Barteca, managing operations for Barcelona in West Hartford and other locations, and then opening bartaco in 2012.

He went on to work for Oath Pizza (long before they signed the lease in Blue Back Square), facilitating their expansion with the opening of corporate locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Virginia, and Washington, DC. and was COO of Ohio-based Boca Restaurant Group.

Sparrow – “small bird, big personality” as the restaurant’s tagline states – is the national bird of Italy, and Boyajian said the name was chosen to match that original Italian concept.

When COVID hit he said they weren’t sure they would even keep the Farmington Avenue space, but forged ahead to develop a plan for what work in a transformed dining environment.

“With COVID, the supply chain … honestly if it wasn’t for the support of the town we would not have been able to open until next year,” Boyajian said. The new ownership group for the building, LaSalle Road Partners II – which added Alan Lazowski and Marty Kenny to the original partnership of Corridor Ventures, Rockport Investments, and Tecca Ventures – and owners’ representative Michael Moran, were immensely helpful and supportive in getting the doors open, he said.

He loved the name, and the logo designed by Box 8

Creative, so that stuck even as the concept continued to morph.

One of Boyajian’s most visible partners now is renowned chef Adam Greenberg, a West Hartford native and champion of multiple Food Network competitions, including Chopped (four-time winner) and Beat Bobby Flay. The two are longtime friends and associates.

A decade or so ago, Greenberg changed the whole vibe at Barcelona, essentially rescuing the restaurant from failure, Boyajian said.

Greenberg’s culinary career actually started in West Hartford at age 18 when he went to work for Billy Grant at Bricco. He went on to Johnson & Wales, and Barteca.

Greenberg is the head chef at Sparrow, and has worked closely with Boyajian on developing the pizza menu.

Boyajian and Greenberg both loved a tapas dish at Barcelona that paired roasted cauliflower with béchamel and

Photos by Ronni Newton David Boyajian (left) and Adam Greenberg are partners in Sparrow Vol. Vol. 12, 12, NO. No. 2, 2022

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fennel. “Adam, let’s make a pizza,” said Boyajian, and the CaliFlowerchild was created. It’s “a veggie pizza a meat lover can appreciate,” the menu rightfully states.

“The Colony” is topped with Calabrian chili oil relish, a spicy nod to Stamford’s famed Colony Grill, and “The Ruby” hearkens the vodka pizza at New York’s Rubirosa. There are “drips and dips” to augment the pizza (the white truffle honey is an excellent choice for the “Shy-Roni”), and a BYOP (build your own pizza) option.

Greenberg won’t reveal the ingredients in the crust, but said the key to the perfect pie is “all about the systems and the consistency.”

They use an XLT oven, the same type of oven that many chain pizza restaurants use, but what’s critical is having the right type of plate to create the optimal air flow for the desired type of pizza, Greenberg said.

“David called the maker of the oven,” Greenberg said. He flew out to Kansas City for the day to work out the process, and to perfect the formula and the pan.

Now that Sparrow’s system is in place, diners can expect a perfect pizza every time. “The only way we would mess up a pizza is if we put the wrong ingredients on it,” Greenberg said.

And a replacement pizza would then be ready in just seven minutes, because that’s how long it takes for Sparrow to make a pizza.

The bar-style pizza is crispy and chewing at the same time.

The pieces are right-sized so you can eat them utensil-free and not end up wearing the toppings.

The starters and small bites include truffle fries, meatballs with vodka sauce, and mozzarella sticks on a stick.

The menu won’t be huge, and that’s the intention.

“We want to keep it small and rotatable,” said Boyajian.

The toppings are seasonal, as are the salads. Over the weekend there was an heirloom tomato salad, but the product wasn’t there this week so it was replaced by a fresh panzanella salad, with cucumber, tomato, peppers, fresh mozzarella, and red wine vinaigrette. There are Caesar and arugula salads on the menu.

Many of the pizzas are vegetarian, and gluten-free dough is also an option.

Sparrow hasn’t even had an official opening, but the news has been spreading by word-of-mouth and there’s already a vibrant bar scene, enjoying the cocktail menu created by Michela Zurstadt. Her cocktails, Zurstadt said, are “fresh, juicy, approachable, and fun cocktails.” Zurstadt said her personal favorite is “When in Rome,” a classic sherry drink “with little twist.”

Meatballs with vodka sauce is on the menu at Sparrow.

She’s also curated the beer and wine menu, and features several very local brews like West Hartford’s New Park Brewing’s Double Cloud DIPA, a few Alvarium (New Britain) selections, and New England Cider (Wallingford) Fresh Blend.

The decor is also a key part of the experience, with a walllength street art mural created by local artist Peter Le Floch (@peterlefloch) that’s inspired by the graffiti of the 1980s and 1990s. A crown in the style of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and an image of Basquiat himself, claim a prominent role as one enters the restaurant. Keith Haring-style images, along with an image of Haring, continue the theme. Le Floch’s newest painting hangs in the entryway, where a bench will soon be added.

Digital screens currently display art, but some will be tuned to football and other sports for game-time viewing.

Sparrow opens at 5 p.m. right now, but by mid-September will add lunch service with the same menu available all day. Last call will be around 1 a.m., and they are hoping to attract a active late-night following, although Zurstadt said it won’t be a dark, clubby environment. They have applied for an entertainment license and plan to have DJs, Boyajian said.

“It’s a really large and prominent space in West Hartford Center, and this will be a tremendous addition,” West Hartford Economic Development Coordinator Kristen Gorski said. “It really is a focal point of the Center, and it’s great to see it open.

Sparrow is located at 977 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT. For more information visit the website or follow on Facebook or Instagram (@sparrowpizzabar).

This article is excerpted from an article in WeHa.com and is reprinted with permission.

A mural by Peter Le Floch.

Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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Fifth graders read the Charter Oak Peace Pledge.

Students gather together, waiting for school to begin

School bells ring, bringin — and hope — for retu

Ronni Newton, owner and editor of We-Ha.com, was on hand August 31, to catch the beaming smiles on the faces of kids (and parents, too!) at Charter Oak International Academy as they greeted one another on the first day of West Hartford public school classes. Thanks, Ronni, for sharing your photos of the big day with our readers..

A group of Charter Oak fifth graders.

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Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine

Charter Oak International Academ ing the start of school. Rivera was of Sedgwick Middle School.

n on the first day of school in West Hartford.

Students are happy to be together again .

ng with them hugs urning students

my Principal Gina Rivera greets students, staff, and families at a flagpole ceremony celebratnamed the school’s principal over the summer, replacing Juan Melian who is now principal

Photos by Ronni Newton

Second-grader Zeke Churchill, accompanied by his mom, Mollie, gather with other Charter Oak students for the opening day ceremony. Second graders started kindergarten in the fall of 2020, beginning their elementary school education in either a hybrid or completely remote learning environment, as a result of the pandemic. Keeping the youngest students engaged was a challenge. Now, Mollie Churchill is happy for the traditional start to the school year. “That it is in person is such a lifesaver,” she said.

“This school does such an amazing job.”

Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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GARDEN

Autumn Gardening for Our Challenging Climate

I

Autumn in all its splendor at the West Hartford reservoir.

By Karla A. Dalley am not sure how you felt about the summer, but the plants were definitely stressed out! While we may have enjoyed the endless sunny days—really, at one point, didn’t it feel like southern California--all sunshine and no rain! It was wonderful for vacation and for going to the beach.

Our plants, however, had some different needs and those needs included more rain than nature was providing. Unless you have a shrub irrigation system, your plants are either drought stressed or you have been doing a lot of watering.

That’s why autumn is so welcome in the garden. Even if our daytime temperatures are still warm, the nights often cool down. And while we sadly have shorter days, we often have more moisture available, even if it is in the form of night-time dews or foggy early mornings. Every little bit helps.

It’s why they say that autumn is the best time to plant—or to renovate—your garden. And I am not sure about you, but my gardens will need a bit of renovation after this challenging summer! If we are still not getting any natural rainfall, however, here’s what I plan to do before the colder weather and freezes happen.

First, I will definitely assess the garden and make notes so that I know what I need to replace, what’s struggling, and what did well. What did well is perhaps the most important category here. This is not our first challenging, dry summer. When the garden wakes up in the spring, if I find myself with some unexpectedly dead plants on my hands, perhaps I will replace them with the plants that have performed well in these dry times without additional coddling.

If I have the luxury of the relaxed autumn with no dramatic storms to clean up after, I will prune out dead branches (but no live wood now—I don’t want to spark any growth at this point in the season). This summer has not been kind to my plants. The goal is to take off the dead wood now before winter’s snow and winds do any more damage.

I will weed—or at least do “weed triage,” where I remove

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weed seedheads so that I have fewer weeds to plague me in the spring.

One thing I have learned not to do is to rake leaves out of my garden beds. I leave them in the beds to protect the beds over the winter. I will often not remove them in the spring either; but rather, I simply let the plants grow in over them. Many of my beds are so densely planted that once the plants grow in, the leaves are completely hidden.This accomplishes a few things.

It insulates the soil and the plant roots. It gives beneficial insects a place to shelter for the winter. And it gives over-wintering birds a place to hunt for insects and caterpillars. It’s really a win for the whole ecosystem.

While this is a great method of sustainable gardening, there are some who might think that the aesthetics of leaves on the ground is “ugly.” There are options for that too. After a few heavy autumn rains or an early snow, the leaves mat down so that they aren’t quite so visible.

But if you still hate the fact that your garden beds resemble the forest floor—once the ground is frozen—but not before— top dress with a layer of mulch. You’ll need far less mulch than if you were mulching the garden, and you’ll still have the benefits of the beneficial leaves in your garden. And you will have far less raking and far fewer leaf bags for the town to haul away as well!

You don’t want to mulch before the ground is frozen whether you use regular mulch or just top dress your leaves because you don’t want to create a warm place for voles and mice to shelter and nibble on your plants all winter—that just defeats the purpose of mulching to start with (and you’ll be so disappointed in the spring!)

But I have never had a vole or mouse problem just letting the leaves settle into the beds and winter there. And I do have voles on my property.

With fewer autumn chores in the garden, you will have time to go enjoy some of the things that we are known for here in our beautiful state: apple and pumpkin picking, leaf peeping, or just a weekend away in beautiful foliage country. Enjoy the most our beautiful autumn has to offer!

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Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022

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Vol. 12, No. 2, 2022 west hartford magazine