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F E B R UA RY 2 022 | TH E LO C A L LOV E I S S U E

The Season of Love

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February 2022 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

February is the Season of Love! I wonder if someone decided to make Feb. 14 Valentine's Day because the month is so cold and we needed something to warm us up? February is our Local Love Issue and Valentine's Day is when many couples get engaged or even married. For that reason, we focus this month on stories about the love holiday. Engagement ring sales are big this month and since most engagement rings involve diamonds we asked Roberto DeRosa, of DeRosa's Fine Diamonds & Custom Jewelry, at 49 Welles St., to tell us about the different cuts of diamonds available. Planning a big event? Party and event planners are an essential part of corporate and personal party planning these days. We spoke with Nancy Goldstein, of Amazing Celebrations & Events, with offices in Glastonbury and Boston, about the benefits of hiring an event planner. Brad Wiegand, owner of Zahner's Clothiers & Tailor Shop in Vernon, spoke with us about the latest in men's formal fashions and Feather & Bloom, a floral and gift shop in Suffield, explains the latest trends in floral designs. Most of you are probably familiar with Carrie Draghi, of Carrie Draghi Photography in Glastonbury. She’s taken photos of many of Glastonbury’s families and businesses. This month she shares with us a bit of her photography philosophy as well as some of work over the past several years. Looking for a venue for your special event? We have one of the most spectacular locations right in our own backyard. Saint Clements Castle & Marina, which sits on a rise above the Connecticut River in Portland, offers sweeping water views and recently developed a marina at its expansive property. We visited with Abbie Paklos, owner of The Wedding Dress store on Main Street in Portland to talk about the evolving style choices in bridal gowns and formal fashion for women, For our cover this month, several of our business partners and editorial subjects came together, courtesy of Nancy Goldstein's planning prowess, for a photo shoot at Saint Clements. Our model is Christine Cyr and her photo was taken by Carrie Draghi. Christine's hair and makeup was styled by Elle J. Beauty Lounge, 100 Sycamore St., in Glastonbury and her bouquet of roses and ranunculus was designed by Feather & Bloom. She is wearing a dress by Victoria Marina, from The Wedding Dress. We hope you enjoy this month’s celebration of love and fashion in our February issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle! GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER | @GL ASTONBURYLIFEST YLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/GL A STONBURY |

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Bailey Seddon CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Carrie Draghi

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise 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 area’s 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

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

19 Saint Clements Castle & Marina:

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Inspired By

Local Limelight

Local’s Choice

Culinary Creations

Fashion Forward

Party Planning

Trend Setter

Events

Locally Sourced

An Historic Event Venue

The 19th Century Castle Sits High Above the Connecticut River and Has Multiple Event Spaces

22 The Artistry of Feather & Bloom Wedding Flowers Should Reflect Your Style Aesthetic

30 A Sharp Dressed Man

From Tuxedos to Suits, Zahner’s Clothiers Has You Covered

38 The Wedding Dress

EV ENT PLA NNI NG + S E RV IC E S LO CA L S ERV I C ES

S HO PPI NG FO O D + B EV E R AG E

ST YLE + B EAU TY

EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

S HO PPI NG

The Portland Dress Shop Offers a Personal Touch To Finding Your Perfect Gown

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Carrie Draghi Christine Cyr models a wedding gown by designer Victoria Marina, from The Wedding Dress in Portland. She was photographed at the historic Saint Clements Castle.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1

1: The CT River Valley Chamber Business After Hours, recently hosted by Brown, Paindaris & Scott.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your social media photos with @glastonburylifestyle

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Blush Med Spa Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary Blush Med Spa, a woman-owned business, recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the spa's one-year anniversary at its 100 Sycamore St., location. The spa's founder and creator, Camille Karalekas, empowers women and boosts their confidence with her techniques that she's acquired over 19 years of aesthetic injectable experience to enhance her clients with a natural look. Blush Med Spa currently has two locations in Connecticut, Glastonbury and Enfield. Blushmedspact.com.

Judi Alvino opens Local Interior Design Business With over 30 years’ experience as a professional interior designer, Judi Alvino recently moved to the area and re-branded herself as her new company, Judi Alvino Designs. With a brilliant eye for color, furnishings, window treatments, and decor, Judi’s luxury interior design creates spaces that meld luxurious living with practical touches. Visit Judialvinodesigns.com for more information on her company and check out her work on Instagram. @judialvinodesigns.

NPI Instructors Win Awards Northeast Performance Institute - an all gender, all ages athletic development community - has won three "Best Teachers" awards from Golf Digest. Instructors Ronald Beck (Ranked #8 in Connecticut by the PGA), and Peter Egazarian (Ranked #10 by the PGA) each received a Best Teacher in Connecticut award, along with Winter Coaching Partner Nicole Damarjian (ranked #17 in Connecticut by the PGA). Visit gonpi.org for more information.

If you want to be included, send us a message! Visit CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury to get in touch.

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Carrie Patterson, of Carrie Draghi Photography LLC, started her photography business out of her home in January of 2004. She quickly outgrew the home studio and moved into a retail storefront in South Glastonbury where she worked until vacating the space in the pandemic of 2020. She has been working out of her home until the industry stabilizes. “The pandemic hit the event industry harder than most. I moved back into a home studio to keep my business IN business,” says Carrie. Her photography style combines classic, whimsical, and fashion as she is a skilled lighting professional. “Not all couples are the same. Their photos should not look the same.” Carrie photographs weddings, engagements, bat/bar mitzvahs, children and families, and high school seniors. She also provides corporate, acting, and modeling headshots, pets, boudoir, corporate events, and commercial and editorial photography. CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | EVENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GL ASTO N BURY

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Saint Clements Castle & Marina An Historic Event Venue THE 19TH CENTURY CASTLE SITS HIGH ABOVE THE CONNECTICUT RI VER AND HAS THREE SEPARATE EVENT SPACES

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GL ASTO N BURY

From its hilltop perch Saint Clements Castle & Marina offers sweeping views of the Connecticut River, north as it winds past Portland on the far shore and south to a lazy bend where it rolls past historic homes in East Hampton. It feels almost inadequate to call the vista breathtaking. Built in the late 1890s as the summer home of a wealthy New York industrialist, the 92-acre Portland property changed hands a couple of times in the 20th Century, fell into disrepair, and was eventually rehabilitated by its current owner, the Saint Clement Castle Foundation, a 501-C3 nonprofit. Today the property operates as a premier wedding and event venue, while the foundation supports several local charities, including programs for the homeless and local children, as well as Hospice. Standing inside the facility’s two large ballrooms, the Waterford and Prince Edward, it’s easy to see why someone decided to open the castle to public gatherings. The Waterford has majestic river views, Prince Edward has lush gardens. Both have rolling green lawns, garden statuaries, courtyards and vine covered arbors outside their windows and wide doors. During its renovations in the 1990s the stone castle, which includes a large tower, was restored to its 19th century glory. Its rooms are filled with antique paintings and furnishings. Even the original books in the library remain.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

“All the original elements of the castle are still there,” says Peter Callan, CEO and owner of St. Clements Inc. The company is just completing a major addition to the property, a new event space adjacent to the charming marina. Saint Clements hosts a wide variety of events, about 300 each year. The main estate has about 12,000 square feet of event space The Waterford and Prince Edward ballrooms each provide separate, private party spaces. The new River’s Edge at Saint Clements Marina is a 10,000 square-foot building with approximately 4,000 square feet of new event space. “Our venue is exceptional and truly unique as we offer three different event spaces that suit a variety of needs and styles: from different guest capacities to distinct aesthetics with lush lawns and gardens to mile long river views,” says Pam Marshall, director of sales for Saint Clements. “We take pride in recognizing the importance of celebrating all of life’s most special milestones and important events, from weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs to meetings and awards dinners, we make entertaining simple and effortless, adds Peter. “Saint Clements is a crown jewel in Connecticut, not just for what we are but how we, as a team, provide services. Every guest walks away with an amazing experience.” Saint Clements Castle & Marina 1931 Portland-Cobalt Road, Portland 860-342-0593 Saintclementscastle.com

“Saint Clements is a crown jewel in Connecticut, not just for what we are but how we, as a team, provide services. Every guest walks away with an amazing experience.” - Peter Callan

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GL ASTO N BURY

THE ARTISTRY OF FEATHER & BLOOM Wedding Flowers Should Reflect Your Style Aesthetic

Right behind the dress and venue, probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding will be choosing the flowers. The floral design you select should reflect not just your personality and style, but also the type of wedding you’re having. “Many wedding venues now are rustic but couples today still want an elegant feel to their weddings and flowers,” said Kristen Carty, lead floral designer and co-owner of Feather & Bloom, a flower and gift shop in Suffield. “So you’ll have long farm tables, but they’ll have beautiful greens and elegant flowers all the way down it with candles, creating that classic look with a rustic twist.” Her business partner, Jen Horn, runs the business and marketplace side of things at Feather & Bloom. They've owned the business together for about four years and offer three tiers of wedding floral designs, the Garden, Posy and Market. “The Garden is the top tier and will include flowers such as dahlias, peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses. The Posy will include mixes of those high-end flowers with other floral elements. The Market is the most cost-effective and will include flowers such as football mums and carnations,” Kristen says. Some wedding flower favorites right now, they said, include white roses, ranunculus and peonies, flowers that evoke a more calming, rustic aesthetic but still signifying elegance and beauty. Before deciding exactly what flowers to include, the designers talk with each couple to find out what their style and ideas are for their wedding so they can design their floral vision. “Each wedding is unique and we pride ourselves on our dedication to bringing our client’s vision to life,” Jen said.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | SHOPPI NG

Wedding flower arrangements can range from the very simple, such as bridal bouquets and boutonnieres for men, to floral arrangements for tables, church pews, bridal arches, seating chart tables and the wedding cake. Some couples also include small bouquets for family members of the bride and groom that match the couple’s floral scheme “to signify they’re part of the family,” Kristen said. Feather & Bloom 122 Mountain Road, Suffield 860-810-8798 Featherandbloomct.com Email: featherandbloomct@gmail.com

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The combination of buttery, sweet caramel, salted crackers and chocolate are a tasty treat.

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CHOCOLATE

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INGREDIENTS • One sleeve of saltine crackers • Two sticks (one cup) butter • 1 cup light brown sugar • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)

METHOD Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line the crackers on a cookie sheet so they cover the pan. Slowly melt the butter in a heavy bottom pan. When melted, add the brown sugar and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes and then pour it over the saltines. Use a spatula to even the mixture over the crackers. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes for a chewy result, 10 minutes for crispy. Remove from the oven and cover the caramel mixture with the chocolate chips - the chips will melt from the hot caramel. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel. Let the candy cool and then break or cut into pieces. For a variety, you can add peppermint or nuts to the melted chocolate before it cools.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY SEDDON FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GL ASTO N BURY

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FROM TUXEDOS TO SUITS, ZAHNER’S CLOTHIERS HAS YOU COVERED

MAN

From left to right, Scott Zahner, a member of the family that founded the store, Brad Wiegand, its current owner, and and Connor Hany, Zahner's sales associate.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AUTY

Tuxedos have been a wedding day staple for decades, ever since the “tux" took America by storm in the early 20th Century. But the wedding tuxedo has begun to give way to less conservative attire. “In wedding parties today, we're seeing men in suits or even dress pants, shirts, and suspenders with an open collar shirt,” says Brad Wiegand, owner of Zahner’s Clothiers & Tailor Shop in Vernon. "There’s a wide gamut of wedding styles, depending on the couple’s taste and venue. If it’s a rustic wedding it may be more casual attire, if it's in a high-end venue, they may want a more formal look.” Even formal attire doesn’t necessarily mean a tuxedo, he adds. A large majority of grooms and groomsmen Zahner’s dresses opt for suits over tuxes. “There’s still a demand for tuxedos, but we’re seeing a lot more men leaning toward the suit. We’ll also see a mixture of styles. For instance, the groom in a tux and his groomsmen in suits. Doing that allows the groom to stand out from the crowd.” Zahner’s, a family-owned men’s clothier with roots dating back to 1908 - and today run by Brad and his wife Deanna has a wide variety of options and products for grooms and groomsmen. It's also a full-service tailor and custom clothier. Zahner’s has full wedding packages available for the man, can tailor wedding suits purchased elsewhere or create a full custom suit for their clients. “We have complete rental or purchase packages available, depending on the specific needs or desires of the couple,” he said. “What distinguishes us is our level of customer service. Our passion and desire is to make the men look their best for the special day while taking as much stress off of the couple as we possibly can. We offer options from full tailoring and alterations to suits and tuxedos, to full madeto-measure custom clothing." While the bride and groom take part equally in the process, Brad says “We at times joke with men: ‘She gets to pick her dress from top to bottom, why don’t you get to pick your suit from top to bottom?’ Because we feel they should look and feel really incredible for that special day and for photos that will last a lifetime.” Zahner’s Clothiers & Tailor Shop 435 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon Online: Zahnersclothiers.com Phone: 860-872-7349

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/GL ASTO N BURY

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The Benefits of Hiring an Event Planner ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI

A Professional Planner Can Save You Time, Money and Stress on Your Big Day

Photo Courtesy of Adobe Stock

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | EVENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

Nancy Goldstein

Planning a big event? Whether it’s a party at your house or a big corporate affair, you might want to consider hiring an event planner. “It's easy to revert to what you know when you're planning” a party, the Knot magazine says. “But a professional planner can help you think outside the box to have a truly personalized event.” Planners “have a huge knowledge base to tap from, which can help you have your event your way.” They can also help you save money, because they have so many contacts in the party and event industry in your area. We spoke with Nancy Goldstein, co-owner of Amazing Celebrations & Events, about why hiring an event planner, for weddings, social events and corporate gatherings, is so critical to the success of any event.

THEY’RE EXPERTS AT MANAGING EVENTS An event planner with 20 years of experience, Nancy and her husband Michael operate Amazing Celebrations & Events with offices in Glastonbury and Boston. The company is a full-scale design, management and production event planning firm. “We do any kind of large-scale event that you can think of,” Nancy says. An event planner can oversee your wedding from start to finish. They’ll manage your budget, help you design the event, negotiate with vendors and venues, and coordinate between all of the many businesses and people you need to pull off the event of your life. “We help keep it all together.”

THEY CAN HELP YOU SAVE MONEY Event planners know how to negotiate the best deals. “Our goal is to come up with an overall budget for their event. We review and negotiate all contracts and we keep people on track so they’re not stressed. We often see that

people do things piecemeal: the venue, photographer, DJ, caterer. But often they’re not talking about their overall budget. It helps immensely to have someone who has done this for many years and who knows the approximate costs of things. We have good relationships with our vendors, they’re our partners in these events and we often can find cost-saving ideas for the clients."

THEY BRING TO LIFE YOUR VISION FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT "We spend a lot of time with our clients. We get to know what their vision is and we direct them in the best way to make sure they are moving in the right direction. It’s a very close relationship and our clients trust us to make the best decisions for them. By the time the event day arrives, the relationship with our clients becomes a very personal experience. We don’t just provide services on the day of the event, we are on board with them from day one."

A PLANNER MEANS YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR WEDDING "That’s one of our tag lines: You focus on the importance of the occasion, we’ll take care of the rest. We put the amazing into your celebration, stress-free. We create a timeline for the event from the first deliveries that come in until the last guest leaves. We anticipate everything so the clients are guests at their own events during this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We don’t want our couples worrying about anything." Amazing Celebrations & Events Glastonbury: 22 Kreiger Lane, Suite 16 860-659-2927 Boston: Two 13th St., 3rd Floor 617-913-6522 Online: amazingcelebrationsllc.com

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ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI

Abbie Paklos, owner of The Wedding Dress

THE WEDDING DRESS THE PORTLAND DRESS SHOP OFFERS A PERSONAL TOUCH TO FINDING YOUR PERFECT GOWN

T R E N D SE T T E R | SHOPPI NG

For many women there’s probably no more personal apparel purchase than their wedding dress. A symbol of your style, and even your personality, “The Dress” is something that becomes a family heirloom. Still, some women don’t even give a thought to bridal gowns until they get engaged. Wherever you fall on that spectrum Abbie Paklos can help you find a wedding gown that reflects your style. The owner of The Wedding Dress LLC, at 162 Main St., in Portland, Abbie has styled countless women for their wedding day since she went to work for the bridal gown store 21 years ago. About three years ago she bought the dress shop from her employer.

ABBIE PAKLO

“Picking out your wedding dress is such a personal experience,” she says. “When I work with a customer I get to be a part of the most important day of their life. I can really get the vision that women are looking for.” The Wedding Dress has a treasure trove of luxurious designer gowns for brides, mothers of brides, bridesmaids and flower girls. The store also carries dresses for other formal events and can outfit wedding parties with shoes, jewelry, handbags and makeup. “We try to be a one-stop shop for brides,” Abbie says. What also sets the store apart, she adds, is that most of the gowns she carries can be customized by the designer. For instance, sometimes a customer will love the bodice in one gown but prefer the skirt in another. The designer can refit the gown to those specifications. “That’s important because not all women are a uniform size,” Abbie says. “You might be a four up top but a size eight through the hips.” She also carries a line that has separate skirts and bodices that customers can mix and match. Most brides have at least some idea of what they want when they come through her doors, Abbie adds. “There are some very definite trends today. Brides aren’t as interested in white anymore. They want more subtle colors, off white and champagne, even blush pink. They also want more chic, streamlined looks, such as a fit and flare look or an A-line dress. We’re also seeing a lot of plunging necklines or off the shoulder designs.” Her store carries gowns by designers and bridal lines, including Amalee, Alexia, B2, Belsoie, Casablanca Bridal, Jade, Jade Couture, Jasmine Bridal, Jasmine Couture, Lea Ann Belter Bridal, Lillian West, Sweetie Pie Flower Girl, Astrid, Mercedes, White One Bridal and Victoria Marina Bridal. The Wedding Dress LLC 162 Main St., Portland Online: Theweddingdressllc.com Email: Weddingdressct@yahoo.com Phone: 860-342-5361

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 2

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city.

F EB RUA RY 2 N D

Traditional Irish Country Dancing

IR IS H AMER ICAN HOME, 132 C O MME R C E ST. | 7 :0 0 P M Classes are held on Wednesday evenings (except the fourth Wednesday of the month). Vaccinations required for dancing. This is a cultural function of the Irish American Home Society and there is no charge. The only requirements are hard-soled shoes and a little stamina. Classes begin at 7 pm. Call 860-614-9431 for more information or visit irishamericanhome.com. F EB RUA RY 3 RD

Sip & Shop

GOTTA HAVE IT BOUTIQUE, 2 235 MA I N ST. | 1 1 :0 0 A M Join Gotta Have It Boutique for some February fun with sip and shops every Thursday featuring a different wine every week. The women's shop is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gottahaveitct.com. F EB RUA RY 4 T H

Friday Night Trivia at Hops

H OPS ON THE HILL FARM BR E WE RY, 27 5 DUG R OA D | 6 :0 0 P M Hops on the Hill will host a trivia night, courtesy of Bar Rated Trivia, every Friday in February and March from 6-8 p.m. The farm brewery will also host live music every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Visit hopsonthehillbrewery.com for more information. F EB RUA RY 5T H

Comedy Night

PRIAM VIN EYARDS , 11 S HAILO R H I L L R OA D, C O LC H E ST E R | 7 :0 0 P M Join us for Comedy Night at Priam. The indoor show runs from 7-9 p.m. Reserved tables of 6 available for $25. Only one member of your group needs to purchase a table but everyone in your party must purchase tickets. All public areas will be cleaned, wiped, and sanitized regularly as per state mandate. Priam Vineyards now serves beer! Priam-vineyards.com. F EB RUA RY 8T H

Doggie DNA

VIRTUAL - WELLES TURN ER M E MO R I A L L I B R A RY, 24 0 7 MA I N ST. | 6 :0 0 P M Presented by the Connecticut Humane Society, the program is part of the growing interest in canine DNA testing, which are becoming popular as "pet parents" seek the ancestry of their furry kids. We'll help you identify dog breeds based on their characteristics and will provide general information on canine evolution and genetics. Starts at 6 p.m. Visit Wtmlib.info or 860-652-7720. F E B R UA RY 1 2 T H

Comedy Night at Hops on the Hill Farm Brewery

H OPS ON THE HILL, 275 DUG R OA D | 7 :0 0 P M Join us for Comedy Craft Beer Night at Hops on the Hill Brewery. Comedian Mike Koutrobis and Friends take the stage at 7 p.m. Hops will host a second Comedy Craft Beer night the following Saturday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets for each show are $25 and are available at comedycraftbeer.com Visit hopsonthehillbrewery.com for more information.

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ARTICLE BY ROBERTO DEROSA, DEROSA FINE DIAMONDS & CUSTOM JEWELERY

Making The Cut WHAT KIND OF DIAMOND WILL YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR BIG DAY OR FOR A LOVED ONE IN YOUR LIFE? February is the month of love and Valentine’s Day, which is Feb. 14, is a popular day to buy a diamond ring for that special someone in your life. We asked Roberto DeRosa, owner of DeRosa Fine Diamonds & Custom Jewelry at 49 Welles St., to tell us the most popular cuts of diamonds available today and what makes them popular. Derosafinediamonds.com. 203-907-8633.

Round. The most popular choice today for diamond rings, the round cut, DeRosa says, “is always in style.” It provides the highest level of diamond brilliance.

Oval. The oval cut, DeRosa says, “is becoming increasingly popular” because it’s a visually interesting alternative to round but has a high level of brilliance.

Cushion. This classic has been around for almost 200 years and was once the most popular cut. It has rounded corners, like a pillow. Because its base is a round diamond, it retains the same high brilliance.

Pear. Also known as the teardrop cut, the pear shaped diamond is unique. It’s called a modified brilliant cut and blends the marquise and oval cuts with one rounded end and a point on the other.

Square. Square cut diamonds, also known as princess, has pointed corners and sleek lines. They are in the same family as Asscher, radiant, and cushion cut diamonds.

Heart. The heart cut is a popular choice for jewelry as their faceted pattern offers the same dazzling sparkle of a round brilliant cut.

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