Glastonbury, CT May 2026

MayLadies Issue

There’s something special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.

With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women—biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the teachers, the friends, the neighbors, and the family members who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

This month we pay homage to them with several stories for and about women.

In our Inspired By feature we spoke with five local women who have an ongoing positive impact in our town and who are making a big impact in our business community.

In our Experts Espresso Corner column we hear from Taylor Walsh, head of school for the Children’s House of Montessori, on the importance of self-reliance in children and from Ron Poulin, of Picture Perfect Landscapes, on how to create a stress-free landscape.

In our Outdoor Adventure feature we take a look at Glenbrooke Outdoor Sports Center and its focus on water safety issues at the summer camp.

We spoke with Jaye Subramanian, owner of Consult Vera, provides some tips for women on steps to take if you're thinking of starting a business.

We also have a gallery this month from photographer John Helmke, of POP Studios, who attended the annual Runway7 couture fashion show in New York City recently.

Lastly, we have a story about self-made stylist Becky Hillyard and her lifestyle brand Cella Jane, which commands an audience the size of Vogue’s. Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life.

Here's to the women in our lives this May, Happy Mother's Day!

(SRI)

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Srivathsa (Sri) Ramachandran srivathsa.ramachandran@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Jayashree (Jaye) Subramanian jayashree.subramanian@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Dave Claro | dave.claro@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brian Ambrose, Ron Poulin, John Helmke, Jaye Subramanian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Ambrose, John Helmke, Kaitlyn Casso, Vincent Wrenn, Nicole Zarrilli: Linked Media, Vincent Wrenn, Allegra Anderson, Lynn Damon, Walt Jedzniak

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

A smarter way to do HRT

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

business monthly

CHH Engraving Celebrates 25th Anniversary

CHH Engraving -Promotional Marketing has been helping clients’ Make Their Message Stick for 25 years, with promotional marketing tools to help identify, promote, and recognize.  If you have been part of our success, THANK YOU. If you haven’t, take this opportunity to learn why clients have been with us for all those years and why you should. Chhengraving.com, 413-789-2041, or email chhengraving@cs.com – today.

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Glastonbury Montessori PreSchool Signs Lease

Children’s House of Montessori on Main has signed a lease with St. James Episcopal Church to use their former Sunday School wing to house Glastonbury’s new Montessori Preschool. The school will open in late Summer. The first event will be a free parent workshop titled “What is Montessori?" It will be held in the Church Atrium at 2584 Main St., on June 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. chomoncamp.org

EAQ Landscape Contracting Announces Brand Name Changes

EAQ Landscape Contracting, LLC (formerly E.A. Quinn Landscape Contracting, LLC) has announced a new name and updated logo. While the branding is evolving, the company’s team, services, and commitment to exceptional quality remain unchanged. Over the coming weeks, the new logo will appear on trucks, signage, and marketing materials. The rebrand reflects the company’s continued growth while honoring its foundation of quality workmanship, trusted relationships, and dedication to serving clients and the community.Visit eaqlandscape.com.

Golf Fundraiser To Support GHS Crew Teams

Friends of Glastonbury Rowing, Inc. is hosting a golf tournament fundraiser June 18, starting at 9 a.m, at Blackledge Country Club, Hebron. The tournament will support the Girls and Boys Crew Teams at Glastonbury High School. The presenting sponsor is Glastonbury’s State Farm Agent, Coe Bancroft. Coe has more than 37 years of experience offering home, auto, life policies and more. For information, sponsorships or to register, visit fogri.org/golf-tournament.

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BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER & STRATEGIST

Helping women entrepreneurs feel confident in themselves and their brands, so we can create professional and strategic photos that attract their dream clients.

www.kaitlyncasso.com hello@kaitlyncasso.com

Pelvic Therapy Expands Patient Options

FYZICAL'S LAUREN CUMMINS IS HELPING RAISE

AWARENESS OF THE BENEFITS OF PELVIC FLOOR

PHYSICAL THERAPY

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN CASSO

Lauren Cummins a physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in West Hartford.

Lauren Cummins works on pelvic floor therapy with a patient at FYZICAL

For years, many people quietly accepted problems such as pelvic pain or discomfort after childbirth, as an unavoidable part of life. Increasingly, however, healthcare providers are pointing to a solution that remains underused: pelvic floor physical therapy.

The specialized form of rehabilitation focuses on strengthening and coordinating the muscles that support the pelvic floor. Those muscles play a critical role in everyday functions including sexual health and core stability.

“When these muscles are too weak, too tight or not working together properly, people can experience a range of symptoms,” said Lauren Cummins, a physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in West Hartford.

Lauren specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation and has spent the past year working closely with pelvic floor therapy patients and says the need for treatment is growing rapidly as awareness spreads.

“I got really passionate about pelvic floor therapy during college after a lecture on the topic. It made me very curious about the field and the impact it can have on people’s quality of life.”

While pelvic floor therapy is often associated with women’s health, Lauren says the therapy benefits men as well.

“A lot of the conversation is focused on women, especially after pregnancy. But men get excluded from the discussion because pelvic floor therapy just isn’t that well known.”

At FYZICAL Lauren treats men experiencing urinary urgency or stress incontinence —which can occur during coughing, sneezing or laughing — as well as prostate cancer survivors who may struggle with bladder control after treatment.

For women, common reasons for referral include postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, sexual health issues and chronic gynecological conditions such as endometriosis. Patients recovering from abdominal or pelvic surgeries may also benefit from treatment that addresses scar tissue and muscle dysfunction.

Pelvic floor therapy begins with a detailed evaluation to determine whether the muscles are weak, overly tight, or lacking coordination, Lauren says.

“If we’re dealing with incontinence, most of the time it’s related to strength or tightening issues. Our exercise programs focus on building strength, coordination and endurance.”

Treatment often includes pelvic floor contractions combined with diaphragmatic breathing, along with functional movements such as squatting while engaging the pelvic muscles. Because the pelvic floor works closely with surrounding muscle groups, Lauren says, therapists also focus on strengthening the glutes, hip abductors, quadriceps, hamstrings and core.

“The core and the pelvic floor really go hand in hand.”

Some exercises can look unconventional. In certain cases, patients may even use a small trampoline to practice pelvic floor contractions during gentle bouncing movements, helping train the muscles to respond during everyday activities.

Since joining the West Hartford clinic, Lauren says demand for pelvic floor services has steadily increased. Just two months ago she was seeing four to six pelvic floor patients each day, and she expects that number to continue growing.

“My goal by the end of the year is to have a full schedule devoted to pelvic floor therapy. It’s really becoming my niche and my specialty.”

Having a pelvic floor specialist on staff is still relatively uncommon among physical therapy centers. She credits the clinic’s leadership with supporting her efforts to expand the program while she works toward advanced pelvic floor certification.

“A lot of people think these issues are just something they have to live with. But in many cases, pelvic floor therapy can make a huge difference.”

Fyzical West Hartford

61 South Main St. Phone: (860) 733-1200  Online: Fyzical.com/west-hartford-ct Email: westhartford@fyzical.com

“A lot of people think these issues are just something they have to live with. But in many cases, pelvic floor therapy can make a huge difference.” Lauren Cummins

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SCENES FROM RUNWAY7

IN NYC

Staff Photographer

John Helmke's Images From This Year's Fashion Show

BY

Runway7 is fast becoming the premier fashion show producer at New York Fashion Week. Hosting 6 shows a day for 5 full days, they present fashion for every taste. Staff photographer, John Helmke, shared some of his images from this season’s Runway7 shows. John is a Connecticut-based artist specializing

in fashion and creative portraiture. He’s been actively photographing runway fashion since 2018 in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and NYC and most recently Paris Fashion Week. For more information visit picturesofpeoplestudio.com or email  popphotostudio@icloud.com.

Access a vast network of financial products and services from our world-class global institution. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you to help achieve your financial dreams.

MC Wealth Solutions Group David Mozeleski, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS® Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus (860) 657-1760 | us.rbcwm.com/mcwsg

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• Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value

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WATER Safety TAKES CENTER STAGE AT Glenbrooke

June event highlights Glenbrooke’s partnership with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and focus on swim Lessons

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Tucked behind a line of trees and houses on Oak Street in East Hartford, the Glenbrooke Outdoor Sports Center feels like a world apart. Spread across more than a dozen acres and hidden from the road, the facility sits at the intersection of the East Hartford, Manchester and Glastonbury town lines.

Built in 1964 by a group of East Hartford businessmen, the property began as a neighborhood destination centered around two outdoor pools. Over the decades, it evolved into a broader recreation complex and summer camp.

GLENBROOKE PUTS WATER SAFETY AT HEART OF CAMP

For more than 60 years, Glenbrooke, now a nonprofit, has welcomed hundreds of children each year, with swimming and water safety at the center of the operation.

Glenbrooke provides Red Cross–certified swimming lessons, helping generations of local children become confident swimmers.

“Learning to swim isn’t just a summer activity — it’s a life skill,” said Rose Viola, volunteer coordinator at Glenbrooke. “For generations of families, Glenbrooke has been a place where children gain the confidence and safety awareness they need to be comfortable in the water.”

Many of the lifeguards and instructors working at the pools today first learned to swim at Glenbrooke themselves as children. Many instructors go on to swim competitively in high school or college, returning to Glenbrooke during the summer to teach the next generation.

Water safety will be in focus again this summer when Glenbrooke hosts a press conference on June 25 to

highlight the importance of swim lessons and to announce new partnerships with the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Injury Prevention Program and the Stew Leonards Water Safety Foundation.

The event will also coincide with Glenbrooke’s participation in The World’s Largest Swim Lesson, an international initiative aimed at preventing drowning and promoting swimming education. During the event, children enrolled in the Glenbrooke Kids Camp and the center’s morning swim lessons will take part in a synchronized swim lesson as part of the worldwide effort.

Organizers are also exploring an international connection this year, hoping to pair Glenbrooke swimmers with “pool buddies” in New Zealand participating in the same global event.

“By partnering with Connecticut Children’s and joining a global effort like the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, we’re helping bring greater awareness to water safety.”

While the water safety message is serious, the atmosphere at Glenbrooke remains unmistakably summer fun, says Rose.

The Glenbrooke Kids Camp, launched in 2021, runs eight weeks each summer for children ages 6 to 13. Campers attend four mornings of swim lessons each week, often becoming strong swimmers by the end of the program.

The camp operates 35 hours per week, emphasizing old-fashioned outdoor play. Cell phones and electronic games aren’t allowed, encouraging campers to spend their days having fun and making new friends.

Activities range from soccer, basketball and pickleball to double-dutch jump rope, arts and crafts and lawn games. A new playground provides a shady gathering place for younger campers, while afternoons are often spent back in the pool with friends and counselors.

In addition to camp activities, Glenbrooke fields the Glenbrooke Gators swim team, open to swimmers ages 6 through 18. The center also sets aside three evenings each summer for Family Fun Nights, when Glenbrooke families gather at the pool for games, swimming and fellowship.

“For more than 60 years Glenbrooke has been the highlight of many families’ summer enjoyment. Our goal is to help kids learn essential water safety skills while experiencing the joy of classic summer fun.”

ABOUT GLENBROOKE OUTDOOR SPORTS CENTER

Location: 429 Oak St., East Hartford (on the East Hartford, Glastonbury and Manchester town lines)

Founded: 1964

Organization: Nonprofit recreational facility and Connecticut-licensed summer camp

Facilities:

• Two outdoor pools used for lessons, recreation and swim team practice

• Basketball, ping pong, and pickleball courts for youth programs and open play

• Soccer field and sports clinics that promote teamwork and active play

• Playground and shaded outdoor activity areas

Programs:

• Red Cross–certified swim lessons focused on water safety and confidence

• Glenbrooke Kids Camp (ages 6–13, eight weeks each summer)

• Glenbrooke Gators swim team (ages 6–18), introducing young swimmers to competition and teamwork

Online: glenbrookesports.com

Experts Espresso Corner

ARTICLE BY BRIAN AMBROSE, RON POULIN

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING SELF-RELIANT CHILDREN

lin,Picture Perfect Land

A Montessori education nurtures a child’s natural desire to be capable. If you’ve ever heard a young child say, “I do it myself,” you’ve already seen this instinct at work. At home, independence can be encouraged in simple, thoughtful ways.

Accessible spaces like low hooks for coats, a stool at the sink, or a reachable shelf allows children to care for themselves. Invite participation in real work, children love meaningful tasks like watering plants, setting the table, or rinsing vegetables. Tasks may take longer at first, but patience builds confidence. Offer guidance, demonstrate carefully, then allow your child to try independently. Celebrate effort, not perfection and acknowledging attempts helps them feel capable. In Montessori classrooms and at home, when children are given the time, space, and trust to do things for themselves, they develop confidence that extends far beyond childhood.

CHOMonCamp@gmail.com |  860-894-2889

CREATING LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPES

Busy homeowners often don’t have time for yard work. Low-maintenance landscaping helps reduce yard work without sacrificing curb appeal. Selecting the right plants and using smart design techniques can create a landscape requiring less time, money and effort.

1. Designed beds and lawns means less mowing and weed-whacking.

2. Choosing plants for seasonal color and interest; using drought tolerant, native or dwarf shrub varieties requires less watering.

3. Organic mulch and stone reduces lawn areas and protects plants.

4. Cut down on lawn maintenance with patios, decks, stone or mulch areas.

A healthy lawn is less likely to have weeds, insects, and diseases. Keep the grass 3-4 inches tall and mow high to out weeds. It won’t dry out as quickly as a short lawn. Water infrequently but deeply to encourage deep rooting.  With thoughtful planning you can create a landscape that looks Picture Perfect and protect your investment! Perfectscapes.com | 860-228-3915

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

PLAN SMART, BUILD BETTER

SOME TIPS FOR LAUNCHING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

For many women, the idea of starting a business begins with a question: Where do I start? A growing network of programs, advisors and financial resources is helping women turn ambition into opportunity.

Not sure what type of venture fits your skills? Career ownership coaching can be a useful first step. Firms like The Entrepreneur’s Source can evaluate your professional strengths, financial goals and lifestyle priorities.

Once a concept is identified, there are several basic steps to legally establish a business. In Connecticut, that typically includes getting a federal Employer Identification Number through the IRS and registering with the state. Depending on the business type, you may need to register with the departments of revenue and labor.

ARTICLE BY JAYE SUBRAMANIAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN CASSO

Opening a business bank account and establishing an operating agreement — even for a single-member limited liability company — are also considered essential steps. Advisors recommend working with a CPA to help navigate tax obligations and financial planning.

Financing plays a critical role. In Connecticut, programs such as the Boost Fund can provide capital. In some cases, the program can offer loans of up to $500,000 to help companies grow. The Women’s Business Development Council also offers grants of up to $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut.

Inite is designed to help women-owned businesses grow! Grants between $2,500 and $10,000

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides planning tools, educational resources and access to lending programs. Local advisors at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center help craft professional business plans and financial projections that can be presented to banks, venture capital firms or other investors.

Some entrepreneurs also explore programs that allow them to invest retirement savings into a new venture through structures commonly known as Rollovers for Business Startups.

Finally, women entrepreneurs may benefit from pursuing women-owned business certifications, which can open doors to government contracts and programs that specifically work with women-led companies.

ADDITIONAL STEPS INCLUDE:

Know your strengths.

Take time to evaluate your skills, interests and risk tolerance.

Seek professional guidance.

Sources include business coaches, accountants and legal advisors

Create a solid business plan.

Lenders and investors expect clear financial projections.

Open a business bank account

Keep detailed financial records

Explore funding options.

Look into state programs, loans and community lending initiatives.

Consider Women-owned business certifications

They can open doors to government and corporate contracts.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

THE Growth GUILD

Meet the Women Helping to Driving the River Valley Economy.

JESSICA OLANDER, PRESIDENT, CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY CHAMBER

Jessica Olander is the President of the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce, leading efforts to support business growth, advocacy, and community connections.

With a strong background in business development, she has expanded membership, enhanced networking programs, and introduced innovative events that empower local businesses.

Passionate about collaboration, she works closely with business owners, government, and community organizations to drive sustainable growth.

Committed to professional development and economic vitality, Jessica continues to shape the Chamber as a hub for business success, providing valuable resources and opportunities for its members.

The Chamber serves over 565 businesses across East Hartford, Marlborough, Glastonbury and Hebron. With such a diverse membership, Jessica believes the key to success is listening closely to members’ needs and responding with meaningful solutions.

CRVChamber.org | 860-659-3587

HEATHER COLP, COLP DESIGN & BUILDING

After more than two decades working in design and construction around the world, Heather Colp launched Colp Building Consulting, a business focused on guiding building projects from concept to completion.

Colp’s Glastonbury-based firm provides project management and owner’s representative services for commercial construction.

She coordinates architects, contractors, engineers and clients to keep projects organized, on schedule and within budget.

With a degree from Syracuse University in environmental interior design, Heather began her career in the construction and architectural fields, an industry that historically has relatively few women. She expanded beyond interior design into the broader management of building projects.

She spent nearly 20 years living and working overseas in Taiwan, Japan and China, where she collaborated with her architect husband on large commercial and manufacturing projects. That l experience helped shape her collaborative approach to managing complex construction teams and working across cultures.

Her work ranges from commercial renovations to large-scale developments. She acts as a liaison between clients and construction professionals while handling the day-to-day coordination to keep projects moving forward.

Colpbuildng.com | 1-860-430-6815

JAYE SUBRAMANIAN, FOUNDER, CONSULT VERA

For many small business owners, managing taxes, bookkeeping and financial strategy can feel overwhelming. Jayashree “Jaye” Subramanian, owner of  Consult Vera in Glastonbury, has built her business around helping entrepreneurs bring clarity and structure to those challenges.

Jaye is a CPA specializing in tax, accounting and business consulting needs for individuals and small businesses. Through Consult Vera, she provides a range of services including tax

“By the end of the process, people stand a little taller because they finally have a plan.” Jenny Bergeron

preparation, bookkeeping, payroll setup for smooth processing, and business startup guidance that lasts generations.

Her approach goes beyond traditional accounting. Jaye works closely with clients to understand their long-term goals, helping them choose the right business structure, analyze financial performance, and develop strategies for sustainable growth & transition. After years of working with corporations and professionals, Jaye decided to start her own firm in 2020, focusing on personalized service and long-term partnerships with clients.

“At Vera, we believe in the value of relationships.”

Jaye works with a growing network of entrepreneurs and professionals, helping them navigate everything from tax planning to business strategy.

Her goal, she says, is to give business owners the financial insight and confidence they need to focus on building success.

Consultvera.com | 860-994-2791

JENNY BERGERON, ALLEGRA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

For Jenny Bergeron, building a future shouldn’t be stressful, intimidating or complicated. As founder and principal of Allegra Wealth Management, she has built her practice around helping clients feel confident about their financial future.

She believes financial planning should begin with people, not products. “Everybody worries about the same things. They’re afraid they’re not making smart decisions and they want to know they can retire without running out of money.”

Her career started in advertising, where she became interested in how money grows and impacts your life. She transitioned into the industry, but realized she wanted a different approach.

“I didn’t want to push investments just to hit quotas. I want to start with a person’s life. And I knew planning toward a goal was essential.”

She works with clients to develop comprehensive plans that include investing, cash-flow management, taxes and lifestyle goals. Through her broker-dealer, LPL Financial, she also draws on institutional research and market analysis.

Her goal, she says, is to replace financial anxiety with clarity.

“Sometimes people are grieving or overwhelmed. I want them to know they’re hiring someone who cares about them.”

Jacqueline Goldstein

“By the end of the process, people stand a little taller because they finally have a plan.”

allegrawealthmanagement.com | 860-430-2637

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

JACQUELINE GOLDSTEIN, JAC’S CLEANING SERVICE

At 23, Jacqueline Goldstein was raising a three-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter while working 50 hours a week and struggling to afford daycare. One night, she had a realization: she needed to earn more for her time while spending more time with her children.

The next day, she launched Jac’s Cleaning Service, LLC. Her first customers came from the restaurant where she worked — coworkers and patrons who had seen her work ethic.

“I’ve always been the type of person who doesn’t wait,” Goldstein says.

Fifteen years later, Jac’s Cleaning serves clients across Connecticut and Rhode Island, employing a team of 10 and handling jobs ranging from residential homes to commercial accounts at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. The company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Despite the growth, Jac remains closely involved. She handles every estimate herself, often meeting clients during difficult moments.

“Sometimes people are grieving or overwhelmed. I want them to know they’re hiring someone who cares.”

Through that personal approach, Jac’s Cleaning has become a trusted resource for families and businesses seeking dependable, compassionate service.

jacscleaningservice.com | 860-303-6700

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design

Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.

Supplies:

• Flowers of your choice

• Scissors

• Twine or floral tape

• Ribbon (optional)

• Decorative paper (optional)

• Bouquet sleeve (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers.  Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.

Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.

Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.

MAY 2ND

Ron's Run For the Roses

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road | 12:00 PM

Ron's Run for the Roses is the Ron Foley Foundation’s signature annual Kentucky Derby gala, held each spring to raise critical funds to support pancreatic cancer patients. Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Derby Day by dressing in their finest race-day attire for an afternoon of southern fare, mint juleps, auctions and live music. Visit ronfoleyfoundation.org.

MAY 2ND

Paint by Numbers For Adults and Teens

Welles-Turner Memorial Library, 2407 Main St. | 12:30 PM

Relax and unleash your inner artist at this summer-themed paint-by-numbers program, perfect for adults and teens. All materials will be provided to easily follow along and create a beautiful, finished piece of art with no prior painting experience necessary. It's a fun and stress-free way to socialize and explore your creative side. Visit WTMLIB.info for more information.

MAY 7TH

Acoustic Thursdays at Social Lounge

Social Lounge, Somerset Square | 5:30 PM

Musician Martin Piggot will take part in the Social Lounge’s Acoustic Thursday Sets throughout the month. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and delicious house made drinks. Visit Socialloungect.com for more information and additional dates. Visit Socialloungect.com for information.

MAY 8TH

POPs Concert

Glastonbury High School, 330 Hubbard St. | 7:30 PM

Glastonbury High School presents its annual POPS concert, featuring Band, Chorus and Orchestra Table Seatings. Tickets are  $15 per person, bleacher seats are $10. Visit glastonburyus.org for information.

MAY 15TH

Ballet Hartford presents Giselle

Theater of Performing Arts, Hartford | 7:00 PM

For one show only, see the iconic story of love and forgiveness featuring both Ballet Hartford and the School of Ballet Hartford dancers. Secure your tickets today at ballethartford.com.

MAY 18TH

Four Score and Seven Years Ago! Lincoln’s Famous Speech

First Church Glastonbury, 2183 Main St. | 6:30 PM

Hosted by the Historical Society of Glastonbury this lecture by Dr. Matthew Warshaeur examines Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettyburg's address. When he uttered those now famous words, “four score and seven years ago,” Lincoln brought Americans back to the Declaration of Independence and reoriented the nation back on a path of liberty and natural rights. Visit hsgct.org for more information.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN GLASTONBURY.

data is a sampling of sold properties from March 2026. Source: SmartMLS System. Courtesy of BHHS, Kadji Anderson.

THE CABLE COLLECTION ®