Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

LI F E + C U LTU R E WELC O MI N G A N E W Y E AR AN D N E W G OAL S T H E G L AS T O N B U RY H IS T O RI CAL S O CI E T Y RE VISI T S I T S P O P U L AR H O M E T O U RS L E T â€™ S C EL EB R AT E T H E AR T S I N 2021

Nationally Recognized Advisors Right Here in Your Backyard Jason Cerniglia CFP®, CRPC®, CMFC® Private Wealth Advisor Chief Executive Officer

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Forbes Best-in-State 2018 - 2020 Barron’s Top 1200 2017 - 2020 Financial Times Top 400 2018 - 2020 Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council 2017 - 2019

Forbes’ Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisor 2019

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Coastal Wealth Management, a Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management advice to affluent individuals, families, small businesses, and family trusts.

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Glastonbury, CT 860.430.1780

CWMCT.com

Forbes/SHOOK Research listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, selected by their firms, which is then submitted to and judged by SHOOK Research. Key factors and criteria include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and credentials/years of professional experience. Selection of winners is done by comparing advisors at a national level, selecting winners, and then sorting them into state-specific lists. A separate evaluation is not done for each state. Portfolio performance is not a factor. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Barron’s listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, which is then submitted to and judged by Barron’s. Key factors and criteria for each award include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and years of professional experience. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the ranking. The Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times. The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisors, firms, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each advisor’s performance in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Joan Hunt | joan.hunt@lifestylepubs.com

Farewell 2020, Hello New Year!

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@lifestylepubs.com

IT’S DECEMBER AND THAT MEANS WE’RE ALMOST DONE WITH 2020. There are

AD DESIGNER

few of us, if any, who are sorry to see it go! Still, 2020 had its moments. As we close out

Evan Deuvall

this year, we reflect back on what kind of year it was.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

EDITOR

Jayme Emery

For myself and the staff here at Glastonbury Lifestyle it was a big year. We launched this magazine just as a pandemic and quarantine descended on our state. Like many

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carrie Draghi

of the businesses we write about and partner with here in our community, the pandemic threw us for a loop. There were times we marveled at what we managed to do, given the headwinds we faced from Covid-19. Like so many of you, here we still are! Our hats are off to all of you out there who prevailed during this time. We’ve written about many of you and we sought out your advice as we put this last issue of 2020 together, asking you to share with our readers some of your resolutions for the New Year. We also checked in with some of our local arts organizations, such as the Glastonbury Historical Society and the Hartford Symphony, to see how they were faring. This month we feature the Glastonbury Historical Society on our cover, with a festive image that reflects our theme this month - Winter & Revels. It also harkens back to the

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

biannual holiday home tours the society holds and will reboot again in 2021, something

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

we write about in this month's issue. We want to give a big shout out to Emmy Lou

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

at Emmy Lou’s, LTD Gift Shop at 17 Hebron Ave., for the gorgeous wreaths and holiday decorations she created for our cover photo shoot.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

This month we also feature Parisian Salon & Day Spa, a popular family-owned beauty salon and spa in Cromwell that has grown significantly over the years and evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers throughout the region. It’s a case study in how small businesses can succeed and grow, even through recessions or pandemics.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

We hope you enjoy the holidays this year and we're wishing you a healthy, safe and happy New Year! Gary Perrelli, Publisher

ON THE COVER The Historical Society’s Museum on Main Street.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI. 4

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

Proverbs 3:5-6 Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Glastonbury areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 14 A Historic Challenge The Glastonbury Historical Society is Reimagining Its Annual Holiday Home Tours

20 The Arts in a Pandemic The Hartford Symphony Issues a Call to Arms For The Arts

26 Parisian Salon & Day Spa is a Family Affair The Cromwell Beauty Salon Has Been in Business Nearly 60 Years

26 28

28 New Year, New Goals We Asked Local Experts to Weigh in With Their Resolution Suggestions for 2021

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Healthy Lifestyle

Our Town

18 DIY 20 Back Stage 26 Trend Setter 28 Localâ€™s Choice 34 Lifestyle Calendar

Keeping Your Home & Family

Comfortable Contact us at 860.657.4554 or visit www.emonds.com

“Family Owned & Operated” Lic# 392776 17 Nutmeg Lane Glastonbury, CT 06033

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

GOOD TIMES

The Minnechaug Golf Course Men’s Club Crowns Champions Minnechaug Men’s Club completed another successful season by crowning four Club Champions. ‘Open Flight’ Champion; Ben Bellows, ‘A Flight’ Champion; Bill Vliet, ‘B Flight’ Champion Joe Bucceri and ‘C Flight’ Champion Doug Carley

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

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Our S.I.M.P.L.E.â„¢ system narrows down the selection process, so you get the perfect plan based on your requirements.

Request your Personal Scorecard at no cost or obligation. Email Diane@PattersonMedicare.com

PATTERSONMEDICARE.COM 860-428-7149 CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

AROUND TOWN

THE SCOOP GLASTONBURY Content for part of the Around Town section is provided by Jackie Post from The Scoop Glastonbury,

Connecticut Golf Land in Vernon was a popular

a business news website that follows breaking

family attraction for five decades before it closed in

"SCOOP" about new businesses in town, business

2014. Now, there are plans to revive the venue! A pro-

renovations or relocations and unique or interesting

posal with renderings of a new facility were submitted

business happenings. Follow The Scoop Glastonbury

to the town of Vernon for review. It's unclear if they will

on social media or visit thescoopglastonbury.com

keep the same name, but the owners plan to put up a

to sign up for the weekly newsletter.

new building and offer additional entertainment.

THE PLACE 2 BE OPENS SECOND LOCATION

ON THE MOVE: SARAH VICTOR BEAUTY STUDIO & SPA

If you haven’t had a chance to check out The

Sarah Victor Beauty Studio & Spa moved into

Place 2 Be in Hartford yet you must visit their new

new space in the building on the corner of Putnam

location in Constitution Plaza. It’s like a wonderland

Boulevard and Naubuc Avenue. Inside is the FIRST

of food innovations. Their plates and drinks are near

blow dry bar in town called Studio 476 which is now

works of art, no lie. So is their new space! It looks

OPEN and offering some great blow dry packages.

like so much fun on Insta that we could hang all day with them. But instead, we are making plans to visit and test out one of their famous tubs (literally a mini bathtub) filled with a cocktail (because why not?!). 10

PLANS IN THE WORKS TO REVIVE GOLF LAND

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

THE SALAD BAR The Salad Bar is NOW OPEN (woohoo) in the Griswold Mall next to Subway. We have been

waiting for this moment seemingly forever. The space is gorgeous and we have heard amazing things about their offerings including a dressing

TYLER DEVECCHIS JOINS FLANAGAN REALTY

called LAVACADO (siracha, avocado and ranch

Many of you may know Tyler from Rooftop 120.

mixed together - only 3 of our favorite things

He prides himself on knowing each client by name

EVER!). Owner Marc Vojic is a 1998 GHS grad and

and quickly becomes your friend. His attention to

had the idea for the business while at a self-serve

detail is unparallel. He's looking forward to bring-

salad bar. We can't wait to test them out.

ing that same mindset to his real estate career at Flanagan Realty Group.

ORGANIC BEAUTY SPA COMES TO TOWN

NEW SHOP OPENS

Asana Organic Skin & Beauty is now OPEN

A new home boutique is now open at 2400 Main

at 730 Hebron Ave. The owner, Tida, was born

St., underneath the CT River Valley Chamber of

in Thailand and has a true passion and love for

Commerce in the yellow house on the corner. The

organic beauty and wellness through eastern tra-

address, 2400 Main St., (appropriately named)

ditions. She offers an extensive list of beauty ser-

features a selection of curated home decor items,

vices including facials, body treatments, waxing,

antiques, and vintage furniture. Welcome to the

and makeup. We love her tagline: SELF-CARE IS

Main Street family of businesses!

SACRED (because…YES it is!). Perusing her website is relaxing in and of itself!

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

LOCAL SISTERS REFLECT ON SCHOOLING IN 2020 JADE AND JULIA SCHOENFELD ARE STUDENTS AT WATKINSON SCHOOL IN HARTFORD

THE PANDEMIC HAS WROUGHT A LOT OF CHANGES

GROWTH AND CHANGE

IN 2020. We asked two Glastonbury teens, Jade and Julia

Jade: Since coming to Watkinson in 7th grade, I have

Schoenfeld, students at Watkinson School in Hartford, for their

been surrounded by very supportive teachers and stu-

take on what it's been like navigating school during the last year.

dents, and I have been given a lot of opportunities to try

Jade, a senior is a member of Watkinson’s two-year

different things, lots of freedom to choose what I want to

Creative Arts Program, which includes a rigorous set of

do. I didn’t anticipate these new opportunities would really

requirements beyond traditional high school curriculum. Julia

change me. I am more confident now.

is in 8th grade. Both compete on Watkinson’s tennis team

I love music and singing; if I could, I would change the world

and are active in the school’s music program. Jade accom-

through music and inspire people to take risks outside of their

panied Watkinson’s Dominican Republic Service Team on the

comfort zone. Watkinson has taught me to do that and be more

school’s annual week-long international service trip and was

open minded. As a Creative Arts Program diploma student, I

given the team’s award for hardest worker.

have learned to speak up and lead in class discussions. When I was cast as the lead in “Hello, Dolly!" I really stepped outside

SCHOOLING DURING A PANDEMIC

of my comfort zone. I had never played a leading role before!

Jade: Last spring, when the pandemic began, we made a

Julia: Watkinson showed me how to expand on what I

sudden switch to virtual schooling. Watkinson did a good job

already know. In math, we are taught to find more than one

with it. We got to see our teachers everyday. We saw most

way to solve a problem. We use different tools, strategies,

of our classmates and even had class discussions. We got to

and approaches to get the same result. Whether at home

have synchronous interaction and that made me still want to

or at school, I am now thinking 10 steps ahead, like a chess

learn, even though I was home all the time.

game. I now strategize before I act.

Julia: It was a really hard adjustment. But Watkinson did a good job making sure everyone got school from their online

BEST DAY AT SCHOOL

experience. Watkinson still did classes, like regular school.

Julia: Now that I am starting eighth grade, it is easy to

Now that we are all back on campus, being organized in pods

see my favorite day. It was my second day of school in 6th

and masking is better than virtual schooling.

grade. There were only 16 people in my class. At lunch,

Jade: I feel safe on campus. Everyone is doing a good job

everyone wanted to sit together. We happened to be at one

with masks and social distancing. Even though we are miss-

of the smallest tables in the dining room and we just kept

ing out on some big school traditions, like grade level retreats,

on adding chairs. By the end of lunch, all 16 of us were sit-

we are still getting the benefits of being together.

ting at this one round table! Jade: As a senior, I have had lots of best days. For me, every day before a performance of a play or a concert is my favorite. Those days are filled with anticipation. There is a powerful sense of unity...we are all about to do something

PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

significant together.

Julia (l) and Jade (r)

Jade (l) and Julia (r) Schoenfeld

Jade (l) and Julia (r)

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

OUR TOWN

A HISTORIC ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

CHALLENGE THE GLASTONBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS REIMAGINING ITS ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOURS

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

IN 2016 THE GLASTONBURY HISTORICAL

“Some people even had professional dec-

SOCIETY KICKED OFF A NEW INITIA-

orators come in and decorate their homes,

TIVE, A CHRISTMASTIME HOME TOUR

said Sue Marchinetti, the membership direc-

OF ABOUT A DOZEN LOCAL HISTORIC

tor for the society and one of the volunteers

HOMES, ALL DECKED OUT IN THEIR

who helped create and coordinate the bian-

CHRISTMAS FINERY.

nual home tours.

The program, which was an outgrowth

“The tours were so much fun, it was just

of the society’s summer house and garden

so cool to see Main Street full of people,

tours, was an instant hit. High school kids

hundreds of people walking up and down

sang carols inside some of the homes, the

the street. It was just so alive.”

society set up a free hot cocoa station for

The every-other-year tours became

people touring the properties, locals put

one of the society’s biggest annual fund-

luminaries in their driveways to help light the

raisers, bringing in at least $30,000 and

way for the dozens of people who walked up

sustaining the group throughout the

and down Main Street to tour the houses.

coming year. This year was supposed to

be the third tour and Marchinetti said the society was looking forward to showcasing properties in South Glastonbury this time. Covid-19, of course, derailed the event and sent the society scrambling for grant funding, which it got, to replace the revenue the tours typically raised.

Photo by Carrie Draghi

E CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

“I couldn’t ask people to open their homes up to the public without a vaccine being available. Even with a vaccine I’m not sure we could have,” Marchinetti said. Although the tours are supposed to be held on even years, Marchinetti said the society is now looking to restart the Christmas event next December. The group is worried how it will pay its bills, which includes the salaries of three part-time employees and the maintenance of its properties, without its biggest fundraiser. “We have the museum on the Hubbard Green, the building that houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Welles-Shipman-Ward House, all of it supported by volunteers and fundraising,” she said. 16

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

Some of it is also supported by the annual dues of the society’s 300 members, but Marchinetti said other local residents can help out by becoming members as well. “If people buy a membership for $50 a year they’ll get our newsletters as well as free admissions to some of our events. We’ve done some garden and cemetery tours where some of our members dress up in colonial garb and tell the stories of real people from the past.” In the meantime, she said, the society is starting to plan for the holiday home tours of 2021 and are hoping to hold the event on the first Saturday in December. They will again try to showcase homes in South Glastonbury and are hoping for a Covid-19 vaccine before then.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

DIY

bullet journaling 101 ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it

can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off.

With all of these things to keep track of and our lives moving a mile a minute,

anything we can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

start simple

make it your own

There’s so much you can do

When you start searching for

The most important thing to

here with just a notebook (you’ll

bullet journaling on Pinterest,

remember is that it is for you

probably want one with a dotted

it can get really overwhelming

and not anyone else. Find lay-

grid) and a pen! If you want to

really fast. Decide what is most

outs that help with what you

add some creative flair, consider

important for you to keep track

need, use your favorite colors,

incorporating markers, stickers

of and start with that! If you try

doodle things that help you out

and washi tape.

to do too much at once, you’ll be

and make it work for YOU and

less likely to stick with it.

your goals!

what you need

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

Confidence is a

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BACK STAGE

THE ARTS IN A PANDEMIC THE HARTFORD SYMPHONY ISSUES A CALL TO ARMS TO SUPPORT THE ARTS

A newly minted U.S. citizen takes part in a past Naturalization ceremony at the HSO. 20

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

guest artist Jake Shimabukuru performs with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra

SINCE THE ONSET OF COVID-19, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS HAVE STRUGGLED TO REMAIN VIABLE. This December, as we all gather with families, either physically or virtually, to celebrate the season and usher in a new year, leaders in the arts community are issuing a call to arms to save the very thing that makes living and Like many arts organizations, the Hartford Symphony is reinventing itself during the pandemic

celebrating life worthwhile: Music, theater, history and the visual arts. Glastonbury Lifestyle, in recognition of the value this community places on the arts, reached out to both our local historical society as well as the Hartford Symphony to talk about the arts in the time of the pandemic. You can read our story on Page 14 about how the Glastonbury Historical Society is coping with the abeyance of one of their most popular programs this year. We also spoke with Ruth Sovronsky, director of development at the Hartford Symphony, who described for us some of her organization’s challenges in the past few months. “The loss of our ability to perform means so much more than just the loss of revenue. It meant the loss of our education program for school children, the loss of a wonderful collaborative program (HSO Ambassadors) with several local colleges, including Goodwin and Capitol Community, and the loss of our ability to host a Naturalization Ceremony. October would have marked our fourth year hosting a Naturalization Ceremony on the opening weekend of Masterworks. Each year we naturalize 10 citizens, and invite four of their family members to stay as our guests to enjoy the performance after the ceremony. Carolyn Kuan, our music director, was naturalized on our stage in a moving ceremony in 2016. Carolyn became our 11th naturalized citizen that year when we learned her citizenship application was ready and she had passed all the necessary steps. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

Welcoming the community - and doing all we can to expand and serve our community - is the mission of the HSO. We were founded under the Works Progress Administration during the

The greater Hartford community has an incredibly high concentration of all art forms - museums, theaters, music and more. And now, with Covid, we stand to lose it all.

New Deal initiative created to lift this country out of the Great

We must act to preserve the arts. We need an outpouring of

Depression. The WPA helped unemployed actors and musi-

support from individuals and businesses who can afford to be

cians and one of the results was the birth of small orchestras

generous, to be philanthropic, and to make sure we get through

around the country, including the Hartford Symphony.

this as a community. If we don't, we will lose the top value that

The HSO survived because of an outpouring of support

we all treasure - makes this region such a joyful place to live.

from the community that helped move the young symphony

The arts drive the value of our homes, the vibrancy of our com-

away from dependence on the federal grant funds, which

munities, and the lifestyle we treasure.

restricted the symphony's ability in many respects, including the ability to sell tickets.

The Hartford Symphony is now launching our Annual Fund Campaign and we need people in our region to rec-

This year would have been our fourth straight year of a bal-

ognize that the arts is precious. We’re just part of the larger

anced budget. We had finally turned the orchestra around. We

effort to "Save our Stages,” a national initiative to ensure we

launched a $10 million campaign, Music Builds Community,

don't lose the arts in our communities.

and in February reached our goal, ahead of schedule. These funds are primarily intended to support our endowment, which

A PORTION OF AN OPEN LETTER FROM MUSIC

was woefully inadequate. Of course, there is so much more

DIRECTOR CAROLYN KUAN

work to be done and meeting that goal was just one of the many steps we’ve taken to secure the orchestra's future.

So many have lost so much this year. This past summer, among other things, I was to make my debuts with

Then Covid hit.

the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Lincoln Center Mostly

We are now in the process of putting together our 2020

Mozart Festival. Every plan was cancelled, and to be honest,

Annual Message which will show a deficit as a result of Covid.

my spirits crashed. There are days when I am overwhelmed

Our report is the ongoing story of every arts organization in

with worry about the future of arts organizations and artists,

our country. We can’t perform, we can’t risk the health of our

and I ache for our amazing and hard working musicians. But

audiences or musicians, and yet we are determined to have a

on the darkest days, it is your support and encouragement

symphony when we come out the other end of this.

that gives me hope and courage.

We’re doing all we can to remain vital and offer value to our

Seeing so many of you donate tickets to cancelled con-

community. On the "entertainment" side, we’ve launched a

certs, make gifts large and small to the HSO, and send

new online Masterworks In Depth with Carolyn Kuanf.

positive messages of affirmation makes me truly grateful

We hope to launch a Spotlight series, we created HSO To

for that which will see us through: our community and our

Go - a virtual platform on our website, hartfordsymphony.org/

caring for one another. We all look for silver linings. I am

hso-to-go. This is the place where we post everything we’ve

grateful to have more time to focus on the Diversity, Equity

created this year, including an important conversation about

and Inclusion commitments of the HSO.

Anti-Black Racism in American Orchestras, which we believe may be the first to be held by any American orchestra.

I have treasured my time at home with Elizabeth, instead of my usual scenario of months on the road, conducting operas and

We are continuing to reinvent, create, innovate and ele-

concerts in venues throughout the world. For the first time, all 24

vate voices in our community who have much to contribute

of the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellows were united virtually with

through the performing arts. We will continue to partner with

18 music directors/chief conductors from 16 different countries.

other arts organizations, such as The Wadsworth, The New

I wait impatiently for the day when we can be back on the

Britain Museum of Art, Hartford Stage, TheaterWorks, Real

stage, but until then, we are creating new ways to share music

Art Ways, The Mark Twain House, The CT Science Center, the

together, even if only in a virtual space. I hope you will all join me

Connecticut Historical Society and so many more.

in a new virtual adventure, Masterworks In Depth With Carolyn

A strategic plan created by the city of Hartford included

Kuan. I miss making music and I miss the electricity that we cre-

a survey asking all stakeholders to list the top values of

ate when we are together. Stay hopeful, stay safe and know that I

the greater Hartford region. The top answer was the arts.

am with you always, even when you can only see me on a screen.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

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Yes, Watkinson School is different... in all the best ways. Difference #19: Meaningful school days happen virtually. “Last spring, when the pandemic began, we made a sudden switch to virtual schooling. Watkinson did a good job with it. We got to see our teachers everyday. We saw most of our classmates and even had class discussions. We had synchronous interaction for every class every day and that made me still want to learn, even though I was home all the time.” — Jade S. ’21

Schedule a visit today • watkinson.org/visit Co-ed day school • Grades 6-12/PG • Bus service to Glastonbury CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

TREND SETTER

parisian salon & day spa is a family affair THE CROMWELL BEAUTY SALON HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS NEARLY 60 YEARS

IN 1964 SEBASTIAN AIRO WAS CONSIDERING HIS CAREER OPTIONS AND DIDN'T MUCH LIKE HIS CHOICES; MAYBE WORK IN A FACTORY OR GO TO COLLEGE. Instead, he decided to follow in his brother's footsteps and become a barber. His brother told him to consider becoming a stylist, instead. It was a time when women got their hair "roller set" every week and the popular hairstyle was beehive updo. After a brief stint at a Hartford salon Sebastian went to work at a salon called Parisian Coiffures in Cromwell. “He worked one Saturday, he was booked all day doing roller sets and he couldn’t believe the money he made," says his daughter, Patricia Barbaro. From that simple beginning Sebastian's popular Parisian Salon & Day Spa at 9 Berlin Road in Cromwell was born. Now 74, Sebastian says he’s still amazed by what he built.

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI 26

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

"I never thought my business would grow to be this large. I never thought I'd have more than 10 employees working under me, and now I have 35!” Sebastian became a partner in the business in the 1970s and then bought it out entirely in the 1990s when his business partner retired. That’s when Sebastian decided to build an addition that expanded the salon’s footprint to 3,400 square feet and expanded its services to include a full day spa. “We always did facials and nails and waxing, but not (services) that would create more of a pampering experience,” Patricia says. Sebastian hired a salon designer who made the newly renovated Parisian Spa look like a New Yorkstyle salon and spa. “He wanted it to be a one-stop shop, where you could get all your beauty needs met in one place." The business got so busy, Patricia says, her father needed his family's help running it. Today, Patricia manages the business and Sebastian’s wife, Josie Airo, is a receptionist. His granddaughter, Alyssa Salafia, is a stylist. Patricia’s sister, Michelle Salafia, formerly worked there as a co-manager with Patricia. “I never envisioned my family would be a part of Parisian,” Sebastian says. “They have helped me evolve and grow my business to what it is today. I couldn't have done it without them." Even employees who aren’t related are like family, Patricia says. For instance, one of their stylists, Sookie Pierce, has been with the salon for more than 50 years and there are several other employees who have worked there for between 15 and 40 years. The little business that started with three hair cutting stations and three stylists today has 12 hair styling chairs and employs more than 30 people. The salon prides itself on its professional hair coloring services and carries the Goldwell International color brand, a product sold only in salons, Patricia says. Parisian Day Spa has attained the Titanium level of recognition by Goldwell - the highest level possible - based on the salon’s level of education with Goldwell products and the stylists' skills. Sebastian says he and his employees are constantly educating themselves on ways to improve their services. "The best part of my career is having the ability to boost a woman's confidence,” he says. “When she looks good, you know she feels good about herself by the way she walks. It's a great feeling.”

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

LOCAL’S CHOICE

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS

WE ASKED LOCAL EXPERTS TO WEIGH IN WITH THEIR RESOLUTION SUGGESTIONS FOR 2021 Resolve to seek out healthy food options next year

“HABITS COMPOUND AND LEAD TO DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT. STARTING WITH SUSTAINABLE SMALL WINS, SUCH AS EATING A BIT HEALTHIER EACH DAY, WILL LEAD TO Resolve to eat healthier in 2021

MASSIVE GAINS OVER TIME.”

FIND A HEALTHY EATING ROUTINE Matt Tetrault, Gbury2Go gbury2go.com 860-633-0042 Eat Healthier in 2021

Living a healthier lifestyle is one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions. We at Gbury2Go believe strongly that eating healthy and regular exercise leads to a healthy lifestyle and general wellbeing. Small habits make a big difference. We often believe that massive success requires massive action. Whether it’s the goal of working out more or eating better we all tend to swing the pendulum too far too early. When we don’t see immediate results, we revert to our old ways. At Gbury2Go we focus on the process with the idea that small changes and daily improvements will lead to great success. Habits compound and lead to dramatic improvement. Starting with sustainable small wins such as eating a bit healthier each day will lead to massive gains over time. While eating a healthier lunch or taking a walk each day may not seem like much these small changes will add up overtime and lead to a drastic change in one’s well being. Our habits shape our identity. Focus on the process and your habits versus the goal. The small sustainable changes will add up and before you know it the change in your life will be monumental.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

TACKLE YOUR TAX LIABILITIES Lichtenstein Financial

qualified charity. They can be counted towards your

lichtensteinfinancial.com

RMDs for the year and keep your taxable income lower

860-633-1662

which may reduce the impact to tax credits and deduc-

As we are about to embark on another year feeling

tions, including Social Security and Medicare.

thankful for making it through, we also may be considering giving to a charity. Besides the gratification of giving back to the community, this can have advantageous tax benefits. Here are two, tax advantaged ways of giving: Donor advised funds (DAFs) are a tool that can serve your tax reduction needs in the following ways: You can receive an immediate income tax deduction in the year you contribute to your donor advised fund. Since a DAF is administered by a public charity, contributions immediately qualify for maximum income tax benefits such as no capital gains, or estate taxes and can appreciate tax free. Qualified

Charitable

Distribution

(QCD)

direct transfer of funds from your IRA payable to a

“AMID UNPRECEDENTED MARKET TURBULENCE AND MOUNTING UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE LENGTH OF THE DISRUPTION, WE’RE ALL CONCERNED ABOUT OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH.”

Reduce your taxes in 2021

The New Year is a great time to get your finances in order. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

FIND A WEIGHT LOSS ROUTINE Dr. Timothy Fignar, Center For Medical Weight Loss centerformedicalweightloss.com 860-745-1623 Did you know that just 5 to 10 percent of weight loss can lead to a healthier you? Health improvements happen soon after weight loss (improved blood pressure and cholesterol, lower blood sugars, less joint pain and better sleep – just to name a few). Medications for chronic health problems can be reduced almost immediately. And you can lower your risk for heart disease and many types of cancer. There isn’t one plan that works for everyone. What works for one person, may not work for the next. That’s why a more personalized approach to weight loss can be achieved through our Center for Medical Weight Loss (CMWL) program. It’s a one-on-one consultation with a Board-Certified Find a weight loss routine that works for you

physician – customizing a plan around lifestyle changes. These include setting a strategy about nutrition, exercise, supplements and prescriptions. Map out your successful path in 2021!

RESOLVE TO HIT THE GYM

Make, and keep, fitness goals in 2021.

Gursu Samancioglu, Chandelier Boutique Fitness Studio chandelierglastonbury.com 860-430-9399 Have you ever created New Year’s resolutions, then by mid-February, realize you haven’t started them yet? Here are some strategies to help you get healthier in 2021. Small steps: Gradually incorporate healthier behaviors into your routine. Set a goal of exercising 3 times per week for 10 minutes, then the next week increase the frequency to 4-5 times per week. The following week prepare a healthy break-

Chandelier Boutique Fitness Studio says a good resolution in the New Year is to make fitness goals.

fast each morning. Consistency: Building habits takes time and repetition. Start with 10-minute moderate-intensity workouts then gradually work your way up to 30-60 minutes by adding 3-5 minutes per week. Accountability: It’s easier to reach your goals when you have someone holding you accountable. Find a friend, coworker, or fitness studio to help keep you on track and motivated. Change your environment: If you want to change your behaviors, create cues in your environment to promote action. Place dumbbells or an exercise ball in your living room. Include your workouts on your calendar. Place a bowl of fruit on your kitchen counter.

“WHEN YOU BEGIN TO TAKE TIME FOR SELF CARE YOU BEGIN TO SEE IMPROVEMENTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE.”

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

“AS WE ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON ANOTHER YEAR FEELING THANKFUL FOR MAKING IT THROUGH, WE ALSO MAY BE CONSIDERING GIVING TO A CHARITY.”

Get financially healthy in the New Year

TACKLE WEALTH MANAGEMENT GOALS

David Mozeleski, MC Wealth Solutions Group

with the elimination of the stretch IRA—make a Roth conversion

us.rbcwm.com/mcwsg

appealing to many people.

860-241-8661 Amid unprecedented market turbulence and mounting uncer-

+ Lower your tax bill through contributions to organizations that are in need.

tainty about the length of the disruption, we’re all concerned

+ Look at your estate value and consider strategies that work well

about our financial health. History tells us that recoveries happen

in down markets, such as annual gifting using depressed stock, or

and that the best offense is a good defense that holds the line.

trust strategies such as a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust. Review

In the meantime, consider the following proactive strategies to

your will, trust, power of attorney, beneficiary designations and

strengthen your financial plan:

health care directives to see if there are any needed changes. Health

+ Revisit your wealth plan. + Conduct an income check-up and revisit your spending priorities. + Consider a Roth IRA conversion. The reduction in portfolio values and potential lower personal income for 2020—along

care directives are important for young adults as well. + Revisit your life and disability insurance policies to determine whether these policies still meet your needs. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED) Fuller Yoga offers a variety of classes that can help reduce stress.

Yoga can reduce stress

YOGA FOR FITNESS AND STRESS RELIEF Justine Fuller, Fuller Yoga fulleryoga.com 860-430-9642 The best thing you can do to reduce stress is be consistent! Just like you wouldn’t brush your teeth once a week, your body won’t

“BRINGING A FRIEND OR MAKING FRIENDS IN A YOGA CLASS IS ANOTHER WAY TO ESTABLISH HEALTHY HABITS AND HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE.”

release stress in just one class. Becoming flexible, focused and mindful takes practice. We recommend at least 3 times a week to feel lasting results. You can mix and match between gentle, power and all levels of yoga as long as you are consistent. Bringing a friend or making friends in a yoga class is another way to establish healthy habits and hold each other accountable. Stress builds up and eventually takes its toll, resulting in fatigue, depression, anxiety, and disease. When you cultivate mindfulness and breathe consciously you initiate the relaxation response. A regular yoga practice balances daily stress and helps keep you grounded in times of crisis, chaos and facing the unknown. We hope you will consider adding a regular yoga practice to your weekly routine. We know you will feel better, mentally, emotionally and of course physically.

Resolve to find a yoga practice in the New Year

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

MAKE SKINCARE A PRIORITY Tae Lechner, Glo Organic Skincare Services gloskincareservices.com 860-202-9545 As a licensed esthetician I can offer many suggestions for taking better care of your skin, but anyone can Google that information. The best tip I can offer for skincare is to make having a facial part of your personal healthcare, self care routine now and throughout 2021. With all the events this year, our lives have changed dramatically and made us realize it’s definitely time to invest in our health and well-being. Wearing face masks has taken a toll on everyone’s skin to some degree, as has the stress that everyone seems to be experiencing during this unprecedented time. When you begin to take time for self care you begin to see improvements in all aspects of your life. Since your skin is the largest organ of your body, caring for it is much more than applying products to it. However, the quality of the products you use is key to radiant healthy skin. Having a facial is not only a way to take care of your skin, it offers an amazing way to relieve stress, while pampering yourself, by providing time to recharge and unwind regardless of age or gender, in a relaxing, safe, and comfortable environment. Facials and facial treatments can help reduce stress

Treat your skin better in 2021!

TRY MEDSPA FOR ANTIAGING Loreen Williams, Emerge Medical emergemedical.org 860-495-3100 Don’t let your age be written all over your face. Resolve to turn back the hands of time in the New Year with a fresh glow and younger looking skin that will keep them guessing all year round. A chemical peel (or two) is the perfect way to erase the past and rid your skin of sun damage, age spots, fine lines and more. This skin care treatment will build not only collagen but confidence as you peel away the years to uncover a more youthful and healthy appearance. Get peeling and emerge a new you in the New Year.

“RESOLVE TO TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A FRESH GLOW AND YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN THAT WILL KEEP THEM GUESSING ALL YEAR ROUND.”

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Runners must wear masks before

the yuletide time of year with Creepy

and after the run. (860) 233-8077.

Christmas, based on his New England

LEADS EXCHANGE GROUP

Legends "Creepy Christmas" special

Regions Real Estate,

15 North Main St., Marlborough

Not your average networking meeting! Leads to Marlborough works

Turner Memorial Library, 860-652-

COLONIAL WREATH-MAKING Amos Bull House • Hartford

us to

make

gorgeous

7720, for more information.

to establish personal relationships

Join

that go beyond the 30-second ele-

Williamsburg holiday wreath for your

vator pitch. Attend a meeting and

home using greens, colorful fruits,

see why Leads to Marlborough is

spices, pinecones and other natural

one of the fastest-growing, fun and

materials. The cost is $75 per wreath

effective lead generation/exchange

for a family or an individual, including

For

groups. Free and open to all. A

all materials, $65 for CTL Members.

Join the Grounded Goodwife duo for

roster of all registered attendees is

Bring your own wire clippers, if pos-

an interactive workshop that will teach

distributed. To register please visit

sible. Registration required. For more

you how to make a sugar scrub and

crvchamber.org.

information contact 860.247.8996 x 11

face mask using edible ingredients

or butler.mccook@ctlandmarks.org.

from your home! For this program, you

must gather the necessary supplies to

OCCU-PIE MY THOUGHTS & I'M GOING BANANAS Virtual - Zoom

teens

grades

7-12.

participate. Contact the Welles-Turner

Memorial Library for a list and more

WATKINSON SCHOOL VIRTUAL INFO SESSION

as an anchor in a time of Chaos.

The Watkinson School of Hartford is

An amazing historical dive into the

hosting Zoom info sessions with Head

Contemporary Meditation Practices

of School Teri Schrader and Director

COOKBOOK CLUB ~ VIRTUAL GATHERING

of Vipassana, Metta, Chakras and

of Admission John Crosson. Hear from

Adults are welcome to meet virtually

Mindfulness. All levels are invited to

faculty and administrators and take part

for a non-traditional Cookbook Club

attend this transformative learning

in a Q&A with current students The

discussion,

and practice. Call (860) 404-2578 for

next session is Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. To reg-

Club: Christmas

more information.

ister or schedule a tour, contact admis-

Pick! We will start by sharing what

sion@watkinson.org. Meeting ID will be

we've chosen to cook, and any tips

emailed upon registration.

or challenges we had to overcome.

GUIDED MEDITATION

Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington

The

Bridge

presents

Unique

Exploration in Meditation: Meditation

2 COMMUNITY RUN WITH FLEET FEET Fleet Feet,

1003 Farmington Ave., West Hartford

Join us every Wednesday this month for a socially-responsible 3-5 mile

that aired on PBS. Call the Welles-

Virtual

information. 860-652-7720.

Virtual - Zoom

October's

Cookbook

Recipe

This month's pick is to make a

new or a tried-and-true Christmas

A CREEPY CHRISTMAS ~ VIRTUAL PROGRAM LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

information. 860-652-7720.

Cookie Recipe. Contact the WellesTurner Memorial Library for more

Virtual

run that emphasizes community and

Remember the famous Christmas

Would you like to get in touch with

friendship over speed. No sign up or

song which goes, "There’ll be scary

us? We would love to hear from you!

preregistration needed to take part

ghost stories and tales of the glories

in this free event. Just arrive by 6:25

of Christmases long long ago?" Jeff

Glastonbury using the Get In Touch

p.m. to sign-in and pick up a route.

Belanger brings the spooky back to

link and let us know what you think.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | December 2020

Your most precious asset is time

Whether for your career or your family, you want to be around for the moments that matter. At RBC Wealth Management, we’ll help you simplify and secure your financial future, so you have time to focus on what’s most important to you. Because we believe that the greatest returns are realized when you grow more than wealth.

MC Wealth Solutions Group David Mozeleski, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS® Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus 20 Church Street, Suite 2300 Hartford, CT 06103 (860) 241-8661 | us.rbcwm.com/mcwsg

Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value. © 2020 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

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