The Thankful Issue
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
A Time to Be Thankful
November 2023 PUBLISHER
Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
November is our "Thankful," issue, a time when we highlight people and organizations doing things in our community that make us thankful, folks finding a way to give back to their communities. The Miracle League of Connecticut clearly is one such organization. The nonprofit is dedicated to providing athletic opportunities for children with physical and cognitive disabilities and operates programs in the greater Hartford area, and beyond. We spoke with its director about the group's work. Check out our City Scene feature this month for our photo essay of the Blue Back Farmer’s Market, which returned for its second season this year. The market runs from June through October. We visited with the staff of AVIVA West Hartford, an assisted living community housed in a beautiful historic building on Hamilton Heights. The staff there prides itself on its personal connections with residents and on the tenure of its employees - some of whom have worked there for more than 20 years. That longevity, managers say, indicates how caring AVIVA's culture and environment is. We spoke with Stepping Stone Wealth, A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services here in West Hartford, about the importance of working with wealth advisors and what to know about wealth management in general. Finally, our November issue wouldn't be complete without recognizing that most thankful of fall rituals, Thanksgiving Day. We have a story this month about how to pair the right wines with your Thanksgiving dinner feasts. We hope you enjoy this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a happy and bountiful Thanksgiving!
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Proverbs 3:5-6 West Hartford Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Hartford 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 West Hartford Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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inside the issue The Thankful Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
20 Navigating the World of Personal Finance
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Financial Buzz FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S
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Inspired By LO CA L S ERV I C ES
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Culinary Creations FO O D + B EV E R AG E
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Local Limelight LO CA L S ERV I C ES
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Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E
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Events
A Q&A With Advisors From Stepping Stone Wealth
24 ‘Miracles’ Happen on West Hartford’s Field of Dreams The Miracle League Provides Athletic Opportunities For Challenged Kids
30 A Festive Pairing
The Age-old Question, “What Wine Goes With Turkey?” is answered.
36 AVIVA West Hartford A Home Where Hearts and History Merge
O N T H E C OV E R
Thanksgiving is Nov. 23 this year and it's time to start looking for the perfect table setting!
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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1-7: Scenes from this year's Blue Back Farmers' Market, held at 50 South Main St.
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C I T Y SC E N E
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8-14: The 2023 Dream Ride Experience was held recently at the Farmington Polo Grounds. Photography by Bozzuto Media
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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. The Dream Ride Experience Hits Fundraising Milestone The 2023 Dream Ride Experience, held every August at the Farmington Polo Grounds, raised $4.2 million this year, the largest amount in its history. This year's Dream Ride, which raises money and awareness for Special Olympics, the Mission 22 veterans charity and the Hometown Foundation - which funds numerous community programs- featured more than 15,000 people, over 500 Dream Riders,1,000 motorcycles and 1,500 cars. Visit Dreamride.org for more information.
Photography Bozzuto Media
Scan to read more.
Studio 310 Holds Its Grand Opening Studio 310 celebrated its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting recently and recieved a framed copy of its West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine article. The new fitness studio is revolutionizing how trainers and clients interact. The area’s first fitness collective, Studio 310 offers an innovative workout concept that creates a shared environment where trainers and instructors thrive. At the same time, clients receive personalized attention not provided in a typical gym environment. Visit Studio310ct.com for information.
Scan to read more.
Local Business Owner Launches Real Men Wear Pink Campaign Avi Smith-Rapaport, president of We Care Computers at 2437 Albany Ave., has launched a Real Men Wear Pink campaign to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. Real Men Wear Pink is a campaign run by the American Cancer Society. "Breast cancer affects everyone - it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. That's why I'm stepping up to fight breast cancer with all I have," Avi says. Visit Cancer.org for information.
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B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D
Local Women’s Group Visits Capitol Hill More than 150 gender justice advocates held a Feminist Philanthropy Hill Day in Washington D.C. recently to spark conversations with federal leaders on advancing gender equity and justice. Taking part in the advocacy event organized, in part, by The Women’s Funding Network, was the Hartford-based Aurora Women and Girls Foundation, which focuses specifically on the needs of women and girls in Hartford County. Visit Aurorafoundation.org for information.
Wholeness Acupuncture Joins Chamber Wholeness Acupuncture, owned by Guljan Nurmuradova, recently joined the Avon/Canton Chamber of Commerce and held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the event. Wholeness Acupuncture Center, located at 10 Forest Park Drive, Farmington, uses ancient Chinese medicine and acupuncture to treat a variety of illness. Visit Wholenessacupuncturecenter.com for more information. On social: @Wholeness_Acupuncture_Center.
Scan to read more. Photography Carla Hernandez Ten Eyck
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NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF PERSONAL FINANCE Chester: In addition, it is hard for people to take that initial leap to start working on their financial picture. It is typically a moment of transition that initiates action. Chester Darling, Stepping Stone advisor.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SESHU BADRINATH
A Q&A WITH ADVISORS FROM STEPPING STONE WEALTH
How do you choose a financial advisor? That’s a question people ask themselves when starting or resetting personal finance planning. For answers we talked to advisors at Stepping Stone Wealth, A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, in West Hartford. While financial markets may fluctuate, Stepping Stone’s advisors can help you stay on track by taking the time to understand you and your goals. We spoke with Camille M. Gagliardi, CFP®, CIMA®, BFATM, MBA, Private Wealth Advisor and Chester Darling, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CLU®, APMA™, CASL®, Financial Advisor about the ins and outs of navigating the world of personal finance and hiring an advisor.
1. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FACING PEOPLE TODAY? Camille: I believe the biggest financial challenge facing people today is the competition amongst their goals to allocate their income. It is confusing to know how to prioritize building up a cash reserve, paying down debt, saving for retirement and saving for college for example.
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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S
2. HOW CAN PEOPLE BE SURE THEY’RE SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT? Camille: I do not believe there is a cookie-cutter formula to cover this. Everyone’s desired lifestyle in retirement is different. Having a written financial plan to track your progress can keep you focused on reaching the goal. Chester: This is why our team believes in creating, implementing, and reviewing progress of a client’s financial plan.
3. WHAT ARE COMMON MISTAKES YOU SEE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN MANAGING THEIR MONEY? Camille: Two common mistakes are ignoring their financial lives and not having adequate cash reserves. When you do not have adequate cash reserves, it often results in creating higher interest rate debts as unexpected events occur.
4. HOW DO FINANCIAL ADVISORS HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS? Camille: Financial advisors help people to reach their goals by allowing them to take a step back, review the situation holistically and put together an actionable plan that can be reviewed. Chester: They do this by creating a trusted relationship and meeting regularly to track progress to their clients’ goals.
5. WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY? Camille: The three factors we consider in designing an investment strategy are: time frame, risk tolerance and taxation. We often see that someone either takes on too much risk for a
Camille M. Gagliardi The Offices of Stepping Stone Wealth.
Camille M. Gagliardi and Chester Darling.
short-term goal or perhaps not enough risk for a long-term goal. Risk tolerance is particularly tricky because the words used, such as moderate, are subjective. We work with our clients to quantify their risk tolerance and help them to understand what has historically happened given the level of risk assumed. Finally, a tax-deferred portfolio should be designed differently than a taxable portfolio. For example, in a taxable portfolio, you must consider the potential impact on returns of realizing capital gains.
6. HOW CAN FAMILIES ENSURE THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS ARE ALIGNED WITH THEIR VALUES AND PRIORITIES? Camille: It is a worthwhile exercise for a family to develop their top 5 values. This is a part of the work we do with clients. We often say that a decision based on your top values increases the likelihood that is the right decision for the client.
7. WHAT SETS YOUR APPROACH TO FINANCIAL PLANNING APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY? Camille: What sets us apart is the services we provide to our clients. We welcome being a part of all financial decision making in our clients’ lives. We understand that our clients are looking to bring in a partner, so they don’t have to face all the choices alone. Chester: This starts by building a trusted and balanced relationship with the client. Stepping Stone Wealth 57 N Main St. 860-313-1313 Email: Steppingstonewealth@ampf.com SteppingStoneWealth.com NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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The Miracle League Provides Athletic Opportunities For Challenged Kids
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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCA L SERVI CE S
‘MIRACLES’ HAPPEN ON WEST HARTFORD’S FIELD OF DREAMS ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER
The old adage, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game,” are words that especially resonate every time The Miracle League of Connecticut hosts a baseball game at its immaculate field in West Hartford. The Miracle League launched 11 years ago as a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing athletic opportunities for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. The organization lives its motto that “every child deserves a chance to play,” says Mike Michaud, the league’s executive director. “This gives these families a place to be and provides a true community feel for those who participate,” Mike said. It took two years and $350,000 to create the West Hartford Miracle Field, the first of its kind in New England. The league hosts games on weekends in both the spring and fall baseball seasons. About 120 players participate in the spring and 75 in the fall. The organization has also since built a playground and is assisting other communities in Connecticut as they build their own fields and create programs. “One of the highlights is that this goes beyond baseball.
In our 11 years of existence, all our games have been ‘ties’ because the score is irrelevant. The parents, players and volunteers all leave that field as winners.” Michaud notes that the funds for the facility, located in the West Hartford Little League complex across from the former UConn-West Hartford campus, are privately funded. He also added that volunteers are the backbone to ensure the games are safe and a fun experience for participants. “Our goal is to give the parents of our athletes a break so they can just sit back and enjoy watching their kids play,” says Michaud, who added that most people learn about Miracle League through word of mouth, its website and on social media. Local high school and college players also participate on game days, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the facility. “We have more than 100 volunteers of all ages so the community engagement has been fantastic.” The baseball component of the Miracle League has become so popular that the organization now offers additional programs to participants CONTINUED >
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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCA L SERVI CE S
with mobility issues. It sponsors the “I Can Bike” summer camp and partners with the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain to provide Miracle League Adapted Swim Lessons. Also, a Family Bowling League, an Adaptive Dance Program, and a LEGO based program are offered. Each fall, the organization also hosts “Trick or Treat – Miracle League Style.” The event features nearly 50 local businesses, civic groups and families on the Miracle League Field to create a safe setting so more than 400 children can enjoy Halloween. While located in West Hartford, The Miracle League welcomes families from communities across Connecticut and surrounding states. More than 40 towns are represented from Newtown to Springfield, Mass. Michaud said that his group – as pioneers of this work – are also supporting efforts in East Lyme and Vernon who have built Miracle Fields in those towns. “We couldn’t do any of this without the hard work and support of our participants, their families, our volunteers and sponsors,” said Michaud, a retired mail carrier who now dedicates his full effort to ensuring a rewarding experience for Miracle League athletes. “It’s exciting and rewarding to work with an organization that I am so passionate about, and the people are the ones who make it all worthwhile. For more information on The Miracle League and to volunteer, visit Miracleleaguect.org.
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a festive pairing The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered. ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.” But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun. “People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different. “If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.” For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and
I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey. “With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.” Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.” What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.” If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
CONTINUED >
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What if I’m serving ham this year? “Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious. “
What about dessert? “If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”
How much should I spend on a bottle of wine? “That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around 20 bucks, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.” James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.
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ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY IRA NOVIK
AVIVA West Hartford A HOME WHERE HEARTS AND HISTORY MERGE
AVIVA West Hartford is a place where history blends seamlessly with heartfelt care. Nestled in the heart of central West Hartford, this community has a unique story to tell—one of transformation, dedication and a commitment to providing the best possible experience for residents and their families. What truly defines AVIVA West Hartford is its long-tenured staff. Some team members have worked there for 26 years. They see their work as a calling to make a positive difference in the lives of AVIVA’s residents. This continuity creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of home. “The staff, many of whom have worked here for many years, are competent, friendly and helpful and fellow residents are warm and welcoming. AVIVA is home!” resident Susanne Flater says. The leadership team also brings a wealth of industry experience, with more than 61 years of combined experience. Their hands-on approach and personal investment in the community’s well-being sets the tone for the culture at AVIVA. The bond they share with residents goes beyond mere physical care. Whether it’s a housekeeper
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LOCAL S E RVI CE S
AVIVA residents Karen Trager and Yael Etzkin
“ W h e n Ya el a n d I m oved t o AV I VA wh a t I d i d n’ t e x pect wa s h ow q u i c k ly I wou l d feel a t h om e . I n ow h a ve good f r i e n d s , both re s i d e nt s a n d st a f f. I ca n n ot th i n k of a bet t e r com m u n it y t o be a pa r t of.” Ka re n Trage r, AV I VA re s i d e nt .
Resident Susanne Flater> CONTINUED NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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“Th e e m pl oyees th at care for my m om are am a zing. Th e y l ove h e r lik e we d o a n d th at i s a great feel i ng k n ow i ng my m om i s be i ng ca red for s o w e l l .” D a v i d K a l e t s k i .
Top: The front facade of the historic building of AVIVA West Hartford. Bottom Left: From L-R, RSA Allison Sutton, Resident Judy Kaletski RSA Denise Benson, and Monique Rivera, Engagement Coordinator of AVIVA. Bottom Right: Administrators, from L-R Shantal Harvey-Lawrence, Cherry Stephens, Kim Oliver, Kathy Harwell, Lindsey Vaillancourt,Anthony Gibson, Maureen Browne-Springer
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LOCAL S E RVI CE S
From L-R, Dining Team Members Kim Oliver, Luis Tosado, Karen Davis, Kimbley Coombs, Vadwattie Benson and Carol Zeidner (also a resident since 2012).
taking the time for a personal conversation or staff members dancing with residents in the memory care neighborhood, it’s heartwarming moments like these that make AVIVA special. “The employees that care for my mom are amazing. They love her like we do and that is a great feeling knowing my mom is being cared for so well,” says David Kaletski. With solutions for seniors at every stage of their lifestyle journeys, AVIVA combines engaging independent living, assisted living and memory care programs to create connections, community and friendship. Amenities include enrichment and wellness programming, chef-prepared meals and a full calendar of events. “When Yael and I moved to AVIVA what I didn’t expect was how quickly I would feel at home. I now have good friends, both residents and staff. I cannot think of a better community to be a part of,” says resident Karen Trager In September 2022, AVIVA West Hartford entered a new era under the ownership of Lloyd Jones, led by Chris Finlay. The transition marked a turning point in
the community’s history and brought about updated care models. One of these was the addition of the Assisted Plus program for individuals needing more oversight than traditional assisted living yet not ready for memory care. It’s just one more example of AVIVA’s commitment to accommodating the evolving needs of its residents. Proud to be on the National Registry of Historic Places, AVIVA celebrates the unique history of their building while embracing the vibrancy of West Hartford. Local attractions such as Blueback Square, West Hartford Center, Bishop’s Corner, theaters, museums and more are all minutes away. Its central location makes it ideal for seniors to live and engage in the local community. AVIVA West Hartford is a testament to the power of dedicated staff, compassionate care and the commitment to make every resident’s life meaningful. AVIVA West Hartford 1 Hamilton Heights Drive 860-899-1763 Avivawesthartford.com NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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NOVEMBER 2023
realty report A sample of recently sold properties by local agents in West Hartford N EI GH BO RH O O D
OR IGIN AL PRICE
SO L D P RIC E
%SO L D/ O RIG
DO M
B DRM S
372-374 South Quaker Lane 100 Kane St Unit D11
B AT H S
$302,000
$375,000
124%
6
4
2
$109,900
$140,000
127%
3
2
2
27 Henley Way
$319,000
$335,000
105%
2
3
3
237 Fern Street Unit 411 E
$329,900
$421,000
128%
6
2
2
62 Edgemont Ave
$199,900
$240,000
120%
4
3
1
122 Randal Ave
$269,900
$300,100
111%
3
4
1
70 Layton Street
$279,900
$325,000
116%
4
3
1.1
34 Edgemont Ave
$284,900
$330,000
116%
4
2
1
152 Somerset Street
$289,900
$340,000
117%
1
2
1
77 Federal Street
$286,000
$350,000
122%
2
3
2 1.2
314 Ridgewood Road
$315,000
$420,000
133%
5
3
98 Griswold Road
$399,900
$460,000
115%
3
4
1.1
105 Arundel Ave
$389,900
$467,500
120%
4
3
2.1
8 Longlane
$449,000
$510,000
114%
5
4
2
100 Webster Hill Blvd
$475,000
$590,000
124%
3
3
2.1
37 Roberts Lane
$519,000
$600,000
116%
4
3
2.1
107 Clifton Ave
$559,900
$610,000
109%
5
4
1.1
74 Ridgewood Road
$584,500
$635,000
109%
4
5
2.1
22 Brighton Road
$649,900
$770,000
118%
4
4
3.1
20 Birch Road
$650,000
$800,000
123%
3
5
3.1
28 HIckory Lane
$689,000
$889,000
129%
3
4
4.1
17 Sunny Reach Drive
$819,900
$910,000
111%
4
5
3.2
47 W. Hill Drive
$744,900
$925,000
124%
4
5
3.2
5 Sunny Reach Drive
$989,000
$1,309,999
132%
4
4
3.2
34 Northmoor Road
$1,495,000
$1,725,000
115%
11
5
4.1
This data is a sampling of sold properties from September 2023. Source: MLS system.
THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS SHERRI KAGAN SCHWARTZ
REALTOR O: 860-231-2600 | C: 860-883-0178 Sherri.Schwartz@cbmoves.com www.sherrischwartz-realestate.com 992 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107
Coldwell Banker
PRESIDENT’S ELITE TOP 3% INTERNATIONALLY
NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D
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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
NOV E M BE R 2 N D
Whisky and Dinner Pairing
150 G ILLETE ROAD, BARKHAMST E D | 6 :0 0 P M Completely by Clare is hosting a "Whiskey and Dinner Pairing" at a "jaw-dropping log cabin" from 6-9 p.m. Tickets include drinks, a four-course meal, and dessert. It is a one-of-a-kind interactive pairing experience with our whiskey expert Justin Morales and our private chef, Daniel Mahoney, at a secluded woodland retreat. To purchase tickets, which are $250-$265, go to Whiskeyanddinnerpairing.eventbrite.com. NOV E M BE R 2 N D
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B
PLAY HOUS E ON PARK, 244 PA R K R OA D | 7 :30 P M An irreverent, darkly comic, modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth and sidekick, this fastpaced romp re-examines the world’s most famous detective story through a new lens as two female roommates Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson team up to solve crimes. The play runs throughout November. Visit Playhouseonparkct.com for times and tickets. NOV EM BE R 1 6T H
Ron Foley Candlelight Vigil
VETERANS MEMORIAL, CORNER OF FARMINGTON AVENUE AND NORTH MAIN STREET | 5:00 PM The Ron Foley Foundation will hold a candlelight vigil in honor of pancreatic cancer awareness month, which is November. The vigil remembers those who have lost their battle to pancreatic cancer and supports those who are fighting. The foundation was named after Ron Foley, a West Hartford resident who died from pancreatic cancer. Visit Ronsrun.org for more information. NOVE M BE R 1 7 T H
Watkinson School Hosts Information Session
WATKIN S ON S CHOOL, 18 0 BLO O MF I E L D AV E ., H A RT F O R D | 9 :0 0 A M Watkinson School will host its information session for parents beginning at 9 a.m. with registration and refreshments. Parents will meet faculty and school leaders, tour the 40-acre campus, see classes in session and hear from a panel of current students. Visit Watkinson.org/visit for information and additional information sessions. NOV EMBE R 1 8T H
Optimize Your immune System With Qigong
H EIG HTS OF WELLN ES S , 1477 PA R K ST, S UI T E 31 4 , H A RT F O R D | 9 :0 0 A M Join us at our studio where Heights of Wellness' director Ching will present the 4000 years of Qigong theory that’s hidden behind the Yin Yang symbol and the practice of Qigong, a series of flowing movements that aim to remove blockages and increase circulation. Admission is $75, programs runs 9 a.m-Noon. For more information visit Heightsof Wellness.com NOVE M BE R 3 0 T H
36th Annual Holiday Stroll
65 MEMORIAL ROAD, BLUE BAC K S Q UA R E | 5 :0 0 P M This year's annual Holiday Stroll will feature a tree lighting, live music from local school groups performing holiday classics, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling Victorian Carolers, face painting, photo booth fun, food sampling, ballerinas from The Nutcracker, music and dancing, a Festival of Trees at First Church of Chris and more! Visit westhartfordct.gov/visit-us/annual-events for more information.
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