Issuu

Explore Issue! TR AV E L

CO N N ECTI CUT H A S LOTS TO O FFER IN SPRIN G FO R DAY TRIPPING AN D OUTINGS

A P R I L 2 02 3

From herbal and external medicines, to Tai Chi, Qi Gong, & Acupressure, our clients find

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Welcome Spring!

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

It’s officially spring, the days are finally warmer and longer and we’re all spending more time outside. In that vein, April is our “Explore” issue and we have a story this month about all the great places to see and things to do across the state, from biking in Cornwall to exploring the Last Green Valley in the northeast corner of Connecticut, as well as some of our own local sites and scenes: Playhouse on Park, West Hartford Reservoir and the Noah Webster House. Spring is also the time of year when New England’s “snowbirds,” older folks who flock south for the winter, are coming back home to escape the heat. If you or a loved one needs help making that transition Lion’s Share Family Services is there to help. We have a story this month about this unique business started by Steve Lamantini, who provides “concierge-based companion care” to his clients, from helping them around the house to transporting them to doctor’s appointments. If you’re looking for a bit of spring rejuvenation, check out our story on Contouring Cellulite, a business that provides a non-invasive, all natural method of reducing the appearance of cellulite for your body and face. Spring is the season of Passover, a Jewish holiday that celebrates the exodus of Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt long ago. Part of the passover celebration includes gathering to eat with family and friends and we’ve included a recipe in this month’s issue on sponge cake, which is popular at Passover, which starts on April 5 this year. Easter, which this year is April 2, is also a springtime holiday for Christians so we have a story on that most favorite of Easter traditions, decorating eggs and other fun activities. We hope you enjoy our Explore issue and that you have a happy spring!

Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Ira Nozik, Kate Kobs, Sara Boutin, Carrie Draghi, Melanie Lust

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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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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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Lion's Share Family Services

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

House Call HEA LT H + WELLNES S

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Self Care HEA LT H + WELLNES S

Seasonal Setups LI FE + C U LTU R E

Events

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Steve Lamantini Provides "Concierge Service" For His Clients

22 Explore Connecticut!

Our State Has a Wealth of Attractions to Visit

26 Contouring Cellulite Center

Endermologie is the only FDA approved, non-invasive method designed to treat cellulite

34 Passover Sponge Cake This Light & Airy Cake is a Holiday Favorite

O N T H E C OV E R

April is a time when we shake off our cabin fever and get out and explore! We have so many great places to visit in Connecticut, including vineyards. See story Page 22.

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APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1-7: The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Recently Held a Business After Hours at PeoplesBank. Photography by Ira Nozik Photographers

C I T Y SC E N E

7 5

1-7: The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce recently held a Business After Hours with Ballet Hartford. Photography by Ira Nozik Photographers

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

WEST HARTFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SARA BOUTIN

KATE KOBS

1: Skyline Mortgage celebrated the opening of their new offices at 846 Farmington Ave., recently. 2: Noah Webster House & West Hartford Museum bid farewell to outgoing Executive Director Jenn Matos. 3: The chamber hosted Young Professionals from around the region for a gathering at Warehouse 635.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @westhartford_lifestyle

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APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Farmington Valley Chorale receives State Humanities Grant The Farmington Valley Chorale has received a $6,000 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities. The grant assists organizations as they recover from the pandemic and grow to serve their communities and the public. Farmington Valley Chorale, based in Simsbury, was one of 723 organizations receiving grants which are part of a two year, $30.7 million investment by the state in the arts, humanities and cultural nonprofits. Visit Farmingtonvalleychorale.org for information.

Greenwich Medical Spa Offers New Service Greenwich Medical Spa has introduced a new service at its West Hartford location. CoolSculpting Elite is the world’s number one non-invasive fat-reduction procedure that offers an innovative way to contour your body by freezing unwanted fat away with no surgery or downtime. GMS is the leading expert Coolsculpting Elite provider in Connecticut and we stand by our results. To schedule a consultation or learn more about CoolSculpting Elite visit greenwichmedicalspa.com.

Scan to read more. Photography Melani Lust Photography

Spruce & Rye Baking Co. is West Hartford's Newest Microbakery Spruce and Rye Baking Co. is a family-owned, artisanal microbakery in West Hartford. Head baker Joe Padellaro hand prepares a variety of breads, buns, and pastries, using traditional techniques and long fermentation times. The bakery takes old Nordic and French recipes and modernizes them to taste like the top cafes in Cophenagen, Paris, and NYC. They offer both delivery and pickups on the weekends. Place orders at SpruceAndRyeBakingCo.com and follow @ SpruceAndRyeBakingCo on Instagram.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Liquid Nirvana Opens New Location Liquid Nirvana juice and smoothie bar announces the opening of their new Farmington location at 190 Main St. "We are a premier juice bar specializing in local and organic homemade smoothies, fresh pressed juices, delicious and nutritious Açaí and smoothie bowls. Our goal is to provide you pure nutrition in the most delicious fashion." Visit liquid-nirvana.com for more information.

Photography Rosy Kapur

Small State Provisions Is Expanding Small State Provisions is excited to announce that we are building a second location at 205 Old Farms Road in Avon and plan to open this spring. Specializing in Organic Sourdough Bread, Small State currently operates inside the GastroPark in West Hartford. The Avon location will be a retail and production bakery with coffee and seating. To learn more about Small State Provisions, visit us at SmallStateProvisions.com or follow us @SmallState on Instagram.

Photography Courtesy of Small State Provisions

Express Strategies Publishes Booklets on Business Insights Express Strategies, a local public relations consultancy founded a decade ago by West Hartford communication professional Bernard Kavaler, has produced its first two quick-read booklets in a new series providing insights for businesses, nonprofits and organizations of all sizes and stripes. The latest booklet is "7 Ways to Boost Your PR Profile," focusing on how "achieving your objectives can make the difference between gaining traction and spinning your wheels." Visit express-strategies.com for more information.

Scan to read more.

CONTINUED >

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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

Ignite Med Spa & Wellness Opens West Hartford's newest medical spa is now open. Jessica Fett, APRN, medical director and owner of Ignite Med Spa & Wellness combines traditional spa services with medical spa skin care. The Himalayan Salt Cave and Vichy Shower at Ignite Med Spa & Wellness further adds to the world class experience. Visit us at 945 Farmington Ave. or at Ignite-medspa.com

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LION'S SHARE FAMILY SERVICE

Steve Lamantini, left, helps a client with his shopping.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI

STEVE LAMANTINI PROVIDES "CONCIERGE SERVICE" FOR HIS CLIENTS

H OU SE CA LL | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

Ask Steve Lamantini what he does for work and he’ll probably share with you a nickname some of his clients have given him. “They call me their professional son,” he says. “I’m like a trusted friend or a favorite son-in-law, someone you can call on when you need help.” Since 2018 Steve has run his own business, Lion’s Share Family Services, providing “concierge-based companion care” to his clients. Need to help a loved-one get to the doctor’s office or some other appointment but you don’t have time to help them yourself? Steve has you covered. If you live out of state but your mom still lives here and needs help getting her cable installed, Steve can come to her home and help with that as well. He can also bring her to the doctor’s and even consult with her physician on her medicines and care plan and then give you a detailed report on her needs. Steve can also bring her wherever she wants to go and assist her in the stores. He can arrange for a wheelchair van for clients who require it and assist them with getting in and out it of it.

Or maybe you want to move your elderly dad out of his home in Florida and bring him back home here to Connecticut to live with you. Steve can handle all the nitty gritty details of that as well and will even drive your dad back here or fly back with him, giving you and dad a “worry free” trip. In fact, this is the time of year when Steve starts booking trips for such snowbirds. He provides and coordinates telehealth meetings for families who live apart and takes particular pride in providing problem solving for a variety of family, transportation, and quality of life issues that clients and their families face. He also has significant experience working with people who have memory care needs and debilitating health issues. The idea for the business came to him, Steve says, when he was still working as an officer for the Norwich Police Department, a job he retired from in 2016 after nearly 22 years on the force. At the time, he lived in Glastonbury and his elderly dad lived in Farmington and there were often times when he couldn’t get to him for non-emergencies.” “I could find a certified nurse’s aide to help with his personal care needs, but I couldn’t find someone to drive him down to me when I got promoted or take him to a doctor’s appointment.” It would have been great to have someone like me when I was working to help with all the little things, and even big things, in life that he needed help with.” He has clients that he helps on a regular basis and others that sometimes just need one-time help for things that can range from helping someone who lives alone during a power outage to overseeing a client’s ongoing medical care needs. He coordinates with doctors, families and nurses on client’s ongoing care needs.

Steve Lamantini runs Lion's Share Family Services

“You can hire someone to run you to the grocery store or the doctor’s office, but I provide more comprehensive services and I become like a trusted friend for many of my clients. They confide in me and they tell me about their lives. They feel more independent, they feel like they’re getting out and living their life and they don’t feel like they’re burdening their families. And their families are happy because their loved ones are getting out and doing the things they love to do.” He’s available for half days, full days and customizes his rates and services for special situations, such as travel and overnight stays. Call 860-836-6531 for a free consultation or email stevelsfs@gmail.com. His website is lionssharefamilyservices.com.

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Biking in Cornwall

Explore Connecticut!

Our State Has a Wealth of Attractions to Visit As We Get Out of The House This Spring ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Playhouse on Park produces thoughtprovoking and entertaining productions.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

It’s spring! Time to get out, shake off that cabin fever, and explore the great places our state has to offer, from museums, historic sites and parks, to adventure attractions and public gardens. Connecticut has world-class museums and historic sites including our own Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, at 227 South Main St. Located in the restored 18th-century birthplace and childhood home of Noah Webster, the creator of the first American dictionary, the museum and grounds are open to the public. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org for information and hours. There are several murals and sculpture grounds and trails to consider, like Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme and the Wall to Wall Mural Walk in New London. You can check out the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural Tour with completed works in Torrington, Manchester and West Hartford. “Grab a hot air balloon or simply experience the rush of a skydive jump. For our diners and winers, get out and experience our vast culinary offerings—and don’t forget to check out our various wineries,” says Noelle Stevenson, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism. Locally, you can also take in a show at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, greater Hartford’s renowned professional theatre, offering a wide range of thought provoking and inspiring productions. Here are a few other attractions the state tourism office recommends: Covered Bridge Electric Bike in West Cornwall offers electric bike rentals for 2 hours, a half day or full day to explore the beautiful Northwest Hills. Also located nearby is Backyard Adventure UTV Tours in Canaan, offering expert guided tours for all experience levels. Explore The Last Green Valley, a National Heritage Corridor spanning 26 towns in Eastern Connecticut.

LGV’s annual “Spring Outdoors” program, which features walks and other outdoor events, starting in March. Also consider exploring one of Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests, including Talcott Mountain in Simsbury and Horse Guard State Park in Avon. There’s also the West Hartford Reservoir recreation area off Farmington Avenue that comprises several small reservoirs and more than 3,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and trails. There are more than 30 miles of paved and gravel roads for joggers and bicyclists, hiking trails, wheel-chair accessible picnic groves. Wildlife and birding cruises on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound return each spring aboard the RiverQuest (recently purchased by the Connecticut River Museum in Essex) and Maritime Aquarium’s R/V “Spirit of the Sound,” among other vessels. The Connecticut Wine Trail features dozens of picturesque vineyards and wineries across the state, from the northwest hills to the shoreline in Stonington, including Rosedale Farms & Vineyards in Simsbury. You can download the winery trail passport and chart your journey among the state’s vineyard’s at the wine trail website, CTwine.com. Looking for fun for the whole family? Explore Connecticut’s zip lines and aerial parks, including Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland, HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods, and The Adventure Park in Storrs. Hartford Blooms Garden Tours return this June and there are five different opportunities to tour various sites around Hartford for great views of historic homes, gardens, parks, city artwork and the Connecticut River. There’s also the Meriden Daffodil Festival and Dogwood Festival among other flower-focused events across the state. Closer to home, Elizabeth Park Conservancy on the Hartford/West Hartford border is a nationally-registered historic landmark, With over 100 acres of formal CONTINUED >

“Spring is the perfect time to get out and find your vibe in Connecticut. As we get into spring and summer, you’ll find exhilarating experiences, from music concerts to various cultural arts shows, to attractions and sporting events, not to mention our incredible state parks and forests." —Noelle Stevenson, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism.

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The Noah Webster House.

gardens, green space, recreational facilities, walking loops, and the Pond House Café. Need a refresh? Visit one of Connecticut’s wellness destinations and spas, including THE WELL at Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington and The Spa at Norwich Inn, among others. Connecticut has many lovely small inns where you can unwind for a weekend. Performing arts venues abound in Connecticut, including Playhouse on Park here in West Hartford. There’s also the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, the Garde Arts Center in New London, Ridgefield Playhouse, Warner Theater in Torrington and Wall Street

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Theater in Norwalk, all featuring full theater, music and comedy lineups. There are several Connecticut attractions and experiences that open for the season in spring, including Elm City Party Bike in New Haven, Connecticut’s first pedaled party and sightseeing bike; The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village in Montville, Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, Berkshire Balloons hot air ballooning, Skydive Danielson and the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, among others. For more information on Connecticut’s adventure and exploration scene, visit CTVisit.com.

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ENDERMOLOGIE IS THE ONLY FDA APPROVED, NON-INVASIVE METHOD DESIGNED TO TREAT CELLULITE

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Q. WHAT IS ENDERMOLOGIE? A. Endermologie is a non-invasive, all natural method of reducing the appearance of cellulite for body and face. LPG Integral Cellu M6 is the state-of-the-art machine used. The LPG massager is a device that performs controlled, deep mechanical therapeutic massages by incorporating two motorized rollers and suction. It benefits subcutaneous tissue promoting microcirculation thereby mobilizing fluids. It also boosts and smooths the look of wrinkles, mostly on the face, neck, décolleté, and hands. It clarifies the complexion and tones the skin with cellular stimulation through variable flap pulsation speeds for the face. It can improve the appearance of skin firmness by 71 percent and the appearance of cellulite by 67 percent.

Q. HOW DOES LPG’S MASSAGER HELP? The treatment head creates a skin fold that is manipulated in multi-directions within the client’s tolerance level, which gives a deep tissue massage. It’s like fitness for the skin.

Q. WHAT ROLE DOES WATER, EXERCISE AND DIET PLAY IN ENDERMOLOGIE? Adequate water intake flushes waste from the body while hydrating muscles and other tissues. While the lymphatic system is primarily responsible for removing and eliminating these fluids, muscle movement and exercise is vital to promote lymphatic circulation.

Q. HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY AND WHAT PROVES IT WORKS? Like exercise, one session won’t produce recognizable results. A sustained commitment consisting of a minimum 8-12 sessions produces improvements in the appearance of cellulite and body measurements. In addition, independent medical studies show a 400 percent increase in blood flow and a 300 percent increase in lymphatic flow for at least 3 hours after a 35-minute treatment.

Q. WHERE DID ENDERMOLOGIE ORIGINATE? It was invented in 1986 by Louis-Paul Guitay from France. Endermologie is in 110 countries and is becoming more popular in the U.S. Endermologie has gained recognition in popular magazines, such as USA Today, Newsweek and Prime Time Live. Contouring Cellulite Center 150 Sycamore St. For appointments: 860-798-0098 Email: Lea.contouringcellulitecenter@gmail.com Online: Contouringcellulitecenterct.com On Facebook: @lea.contouringcellulitecenter

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A welcoming school community with a fully-integrated K-8 curriculum where STEM & the ARTS work together in perfect harmony.

Ameriprise Financial is proud to recognize Camille Gagliardi for being named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2022. Thank you, Camille Gagliardi, for your dedication and commitment to helping your clients feel more confident, connected and in control of their financial lives. Client Satisfaction Rating Camille Gagliardi, MBA, CFP®, BFATM, CIMA® Private Wealth Advisor Stepping Stone Wealth A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 860.313.1313 57 N Main St, West Hartford, CT 06107 steppingstonewealth@ampf.com steppingstonewealth.com

JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL VISIT! TALCOTT MOUNTAIN ACADEMY Avon, CT | 860.677.0035 talcottacademy.org

Not FDIC or NCUA Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value CA Insurance #0I26086 5 out of 5 Client Satisfaction Rating based on 48 of reviews as of 8/29/22: Each client has the opportunity to rate a practice based on the client’s overall satisfaction with the practice, on a scale of 1 to 5. The practice’s Client Satisfaction Rating is an average of all client responses for that practice within a rolling 24-month period, and is updated daily. There is no minimum number of responses required for a practice to receive a rating. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DECORATION NEW CONSTRUCTION ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS SPACE PLANNING TURN KEY PROJECTS VISUAL RENDERINGS FURNISHINGS PROCUREMENT

It starts with a conversation about your dream home... the vision, the details, the decisions. www.kathrynhuntstudio.com 631-240-3871

We will design the space that works for you.

Better Home Better Life Better Planet

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE? Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

Mission driven Architects and Builders with the imagination and experience to craft your better home! BE YO U R OW N BO SS

Inspiration and guidance at homesthatfit.com

SE T YO U R SCHE D U L E

LOW F R A NCHI SE F E E

WO R K- L I FE B AL AN C E

START YOUR OWN PUBLICATION CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FRANCHISE

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D

Easter Activities Have fun with your kids with these Easter activities

1. Painting Easter Eggs

4. Make an Easter Egg Tree

Bring out the colorful paint and brushes! Decorate your Easter eggs with the brightest colors and unique designs.

Cut out paper Easter eggs and color them and use ribbon to tie them to a tree. You can either decorate a tree in your yard or you can collect a few branches and make a DIY tree decoration.

2. Egg and Spoon Race This game is fun for all! Play the Egg and Spoon Race by placing an egg on a spoon and see who can reach the finish line first without dropping their egg.

5. Easter Bunny Cupcakes Bake yummy Easter themed treats! Don’t forget to decorate with jelly beans and chocolate eggs!

3. Jelly Bean Guessing Game

6. Easter Bunny Goody Bag DIY

This game is fun and challenging! All you need is a jar and jelly beans. Fill your jar to the top with jelly beans and have your kids guess how many jellybeans are in the jar.

Take a white paper bag, cut out and glue on ears, and draw a bunny face! Use this goody bag to surprise friends with Easter goodies.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

S EASON A L SE T U P S | L IFE + CULTURE

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D

APRIL 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

A P RIL 1 ST

Fight For Air Climb

H ARTFORD 21 APARTMEN TS , 221 T R UMB UL L ST., H A RT F O R D Join the American Lung Association for our annual Hartford Fight For Air Climb at Hartford 21 in downtown Hartford. Featuring one of the best set of stairs in the city, Hartford 21 is the perfect setting for a day of fun, challenge and camaraderie. Plus, heroic firefighters climb in full gear! Entry fee is $25-$35. Visit Action.lung.org for information. A P RIL 1 ST

Spring Home Show

X L CEN TER, 1 CIVIC CEN TER P L A ZA , H A RT F O R D. | 1 0 :0 0 A M The Spring Home Show will feature more than 200 vendor exhibits, representing the most innovative companies in the home improvement industry, will gather at the XL Center for this major spring home trade show event. The show runs Saturday and Sunday. Doors open 10 a.m. both days. Tickets are $10. xlcenter.com/ events/detail/spring-home-show-2023 for more information. A P RIL 1 ST

Stop the Dance Time Machine

PLAY HOUS E ON PARK, 244 PA R K R OA D | 2:0 0 P M Stop/time dance theater is gearing up to take the stage for their next annual production. This will be the 18th original stop/time show and their 14th as the Resident Dance Company of Playhouse on Park. Our cast of 18 will entertain with original choreography and memorable music. The show runs month-long. For tickets, dates and times visit Playhouseonpark.org. A P RIL 8T H

WordHouse Poetry Reading Series

NOAH WEBSTER HOUS E, 227 S O UT H MA I N ST. | 2:0 0 P M Poetry is back at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society. The museum is sponsoring a series of poetry readings, WordHouse, organized by James Finnegan, West Hartford’s third Poet Laureate. Additional dates are May 27, and June 10. Visit Wordhousereadings.blogspot.com for more information.

SHERRI KAGAN SCHWARTZ

REALTOR O: 860-231-2600 | C: 860-883-0178 Sherri.Schwartz@cbmoves.com www.coldwellbankerhomes.com 992 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107

Coldwell Banker

PRESIDENT’S ELITE TOP 3% INTERNATIONALLY

EVE N TS

WHAT DOES YOUR TAILOR DO FOR YOU?

The escape from ordinary shopping since 1977 860.233.4435 // daswaniclothiers.com 959 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107

Lea Ok Endermologie Practitioner Owner, LLC Call or Text 860.798.0098

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Contouring Cellulite Center Sculpt

150 Sycamore St. · Glastonbury, CT 06033

Shape

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• Comprehensive spine care: neck & back • Minimally-invasive outpatient surgery • Non-fusion motion preservation techniques • Latest robotic surgery technology • Telemedicine consultation available for patient convenience

Hanbing Zhou, M.D. Orthopedic Spine Surgery Associate Jason DaCruz MHS, PA-C

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345 Western Blvd., Glastonbury CT

150 Enterprise Dr., Rocky Hill CT

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST HA RT F O R D

Passover Sponge Cake This Light & Airy Cake is a Holiday Favorite Passover, the annual Jewish holiday that marks the Israelites exodus out of Egypt, starts on April 5, this year. The holiday is marked with feasts and sponge cake, which gets its airy structure from beaten eggs, is a staple dessert for many at Passover. This cloud-like version, from the cookbook “Little Book of Jewish Sweets,” by Leah Koenig, is made with potato starch, making it dairy and gluten free (and unleavened, as the Passover tradition calls for), without sacrificing flavor and structure. Top it with a cinnamon-sugar combination or with some fruit compote.

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • •

7 large eggs 1 ½ cups sugar 1 Tsp freshly grated orange zest 2 Tbs fresh orange juice 1 Tsp vanilla extract ¾ Cup potato starch ¼ Tsp kosher salt 1 ½ Tsp ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 325. Separate 6 eggs, setting aside the egg whites.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Crack the remaining egg into the yolks. Beat on medium speed until pale yellow and slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Gradually beat in 1 ¼ cup of the sugar, followed by the orange zest, orange juice and vanilla. Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the potato starch, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the salt to the egg whites and beat until glossy peaks form, 3-5 minutes. Gently fold into the egg yolk batter until fully combined. Pour batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.

In a small bowl combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar and sprinkle on top of batter. Bake 50-60 minutes until batter springs back when gently pressed. Do not open oven earlier as cake could deflate. Remove from oven, invert cake onto cooling rack, using a sharp, serrated edge knife to loosen cake from pan, cutting around outer and inner perimeters of the tube pan. Slice and serve at room temperature. Can be refrigerated, and covered, for up to one week.

FARMINGTON POLO CLUB

PLAN. PARTY. POLO.

FARMINGTONPOLOCLUB.COM | 860-677-7341

Welcome to

AVIVA West Hartford

Independent Living ◆ Assisted Living ◆ Memory Care AVIVA West Hartford is a magnificent senior living community that is centrally located in desirable West Hartford, Connecticut. Built in the early twentieth century, this grand, historic landmark puts you just minutes from downtown Hartford’s museums, parks, medical centers, shops, and restaurants. Far more than location and amenities, we are uniquely defined by our highly-acclaimed wellness programs that are designed to enhance the quality of life for each of our residents.

860-523-9333 ◆ 1 Hamilton Heights Drive, West Hartford, CT 06119 AP R I L 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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