West Hartford, CT July 2026

Vibrancy, Balance, and Local Synergy

Dear Readers,

July brings a vibrant energy to our town, but this specific month carries an extraordinary, historic milestone: America’s 250th Birthday.

As celebrations ring out from Blue Back Square to our tree-lined historic neighborhoods, we reflect on the enduring spirit of independence, innovation, and community cooperation that defines West Hartford and beautifully mirrors the very foundation of our nation.

This sunny season also offers a wonderful opportunity to enrich our local professional relationships. Summer naturally strips away formality, making it the perfect time to leverage our community network.

We can connect during lively outdoor dining evenings on LaSalle Road or Farmington Avenue, or better yet, host our own informal networking events. Creating a casual morning coffee meetup at a Center café or a relaxed patio social allows us to build deep, human connections. When we cultivate trust over shared summer moments rather than rigid sales pitches, we strengthen the collective fabric of our town's economy.

Our dynamic boutique owners, world-class restaurateurs, and local professionals are the true heartbeat of The Center, Elmwood, and Bishops Corner. Yet, sustaining a thriving business requires true endurance, not constant exhaustion.

As we cross into the year's second half, I urge our local business owners to step away from the daily grind for a bit. Take that well-deserved summer break with your family—whether it’s a peaceful afternoon strolling through the rose gardens at Elizabeth Park or a quiet getaway. Disconnecting to recharge is an investment that restores the energy and motivation needed to finish the year strong.

Whether you’re traveling, hosting a backyard barbecue, or networking under the summer sun, I wish you a joyful, restorative, and inspiring month ahead.

SRIVATHSA (SRI) RAMACHANDRAN, PUBLISHER

@WESTHARTFORD_LIFESTYLE

July 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

Manoj Daswani, Christopher Algoo, Marshall Zweig

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ira Nozcik, John Helmke, Kelly Mays, Vincent Wrenn, Christopher Algoo

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 Megan Cagle Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Arden Courts Memory Care Community, located on South Rd in Farmington caters to the special needs of individuals with memory loss. Staffed by specially trained caregivers, Arden Courts cares for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our community features friendly common spaces, an inviting kitchen and family rooms and walking paths within enclosed courtyards, all designed for the safety and comfort of our residents.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: The Rotary Club of West Hartford recently purchased $10,000 worth of food at Costco and had a “Food Caravan” to Town Hall, where club members filled the town's Food Pantry. Conard High School Interact students and members of the West Hartford Police Department participated.

business monthly

Fyzical Celebrates Anniversary

Celebrating one year of serving the West Hartford community, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers – West Hartford marks an exciting milestone of growth and impact. The team proudly welcomes new clinician Dr. Wesley Cheng, whose expertise strengthens orthopedic patient care. In addition, the continued expansion of the pelvic health program, led by Dr. Lauren Cummins, reflects a deep commitment to specialized, comprehensive treatment and meeting the evolving needs of patients. Visit fyzical.com/west-hartford-ct.

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Stepping Stone Financial Hosts Shred Day & Food Drive Event

Stepping Stone Wealth thanks everyone who joined their recent Shred Day and Food Drive. Together, our community collected 36 bags of groceries to support local families and securely shredded more than 5,000 pounds of documents, all responsibly recycled. We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by and helped make the day such a meaningful success for West Hartford. Visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/stepping-stone-wealth.

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Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Ribbon Cutting

Gov. Ned Lamont and West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor joined community leaders and officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion significant exterior restoration work and the Visitor Center roof replacement at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society. The ceremony, held on what would have been Noah Webster's 267th birthday, marked the closure of several years of planning on preservation project. Visit Noahwebsterhouse.org

FemCare MedSpa Expands Staff

Kelcie Hardy, Licensed Esthetician and Wellness Ambassador, has joined the FemCare MedSpa team. With a warm approach and passion for helping women feel confident in their skin, Kelcie believes skincare should be restorative, intentional, and deeply personal. Her arrival reflects FemCare’s commitment to thoughtful women’s wellness and personalized skincare experiences in West Hartford. "At FemCare MedSpa, wellness is always evolving and we’re proud to welcome Kelcie." Schedule a complimentary skincare consultation at femcaremedspa.com.

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Seniors Job Bank introduces Next Chapter Success

The Seniors Job Bank, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people over 50 with jobs and employers with experienced workers, has received the Leadership Greater Hartford’s 2026 Connections Polaris Award, recognizing individuals, organizations, or initiatives that exemplify the value of collaboration and partnership. “Receiving )(this) award is an incredible honor and a reflection of the dedication of our team, partners, and the employers,” said Robin Clare, Executive Director of the Seniors Job Bank Visit Seniorsjobbankct.org.

The Computer Company Achieves Elite Cybersecurity Certification

The Computer Company, an IT and cybersecurity provider, has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2. With a limited number of managed service providers nationwide with a Level 2 certification, this milestone reflects The Computer Company’s strong commitment to cybersecurity and compliance. As one of the few MSPs in Connecticut to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification, the company is positioned to help organizations strengthen their security posture and meet evolving federal compliance requirements. Visit computercompany.net.

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Children’s House of Montessori Hosts Open House

Join the Children’s House of Montessori, 2584 Main St., Glastonbury, from 2-4 p.m. on July 18 for a free Open House. Tour their classrooms, meet the staff and "learn how we nurture confident, curious learners! Now accepting applications for children  born in 2023 for autumn start dates. Register for a lecture in advance if possible. Call 860-266-2617 or email info@chomfamily.org.

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ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

A Glastonbury Company Has a Novel Approach to Creating Sustainability For Our Myriad Gadgets

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE

At a time when discarded electronics are piling up faster than ever, a Glastonbury entrepreneur is working to keep hazardous e-waste out of landfills and offering residents a surprisingly simple solution.

Glastonbury Electronics Recycling LLC, founded in 2018, provides free pickup and recycling services for unwanted computers, servers, and other electronic devices. The company operates out of Oak Street and serves both households and businesses across the region, focusing on convenience and environmental responsibility.

Owner Jason Felber is a computer support technician who spent more than a decade working in IT before pivoting toward sustainability. He launched Glastonbury Electronics Recycling with a straightforward idea: make it easier — and more appealing — for people to dispose of old technology properly.

The model works, he says, because while technology is changing rapidly there is still value in the parts of the devices we replace.

“There wasn’t much of an effort to recycle electronic waste until the mid 1990s, so not a lot of the e-waste that's been generated has been recycled.”

Recycled electronics, and particularly their circuit boards, contain small amounts of valuable metals, like gold, silver, copper and aluminum, that Jason says can be mined and resold.

“Anything that can’t be sold gets turned into scrap.”

Rather than sending discarded devices to the dump, Glastonbury Electronics Recycling disassembles, and sorts them. Usable components are refurbished or resold, while unusable materials are processed for metals and other resources.

This approach not only reduces landfill waste but also supports a secondary market for parts and refurbished machines.

The environmental stakes are high. Electronic waste contains toxic materials that can contaminate soil and water if improperly disposed of. Yet globally, only a fraction of e-waste is recycled, making local solutions like Jason’s increasingly important.

One of the company’s biggest draws is its no-cost model. Residents can drop off their used electronics (with the exception of TVs) at the company’s Oak Street location between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. Businesses can schedule free bulk pickups.

Jason also offers free and secure data destruction as part of the process.

His business venture, he says, goes beyond providing a consumer convenience. His long-term vision includes expanding into broader environmental work and exploring how emerging technologies — like artificial intelligence — could improve waste processing systems.

“Community recycling is so important and I believe everyone has to do their part.”

Glastonbury Electronics Recycling LLC

160 Oak St., Building 3

Phone: 860-430-8400

Online: recycleglastonbury.com

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THE SPRAWLING ANTIQUES SHOW AND FLEA MARKET IS A POPULAR NEW ENGLAND TOURIST DESTINATION

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

EXPLORE

BRIMFIELD ANTIQUES

Every spring and summer the quiet town of Brimfield, Mass., transforms into one of the largest and most celebrated antiques destinations in the country.

The Brimfield Antique Show, held annually in May, July and September draws collectors, interior designers, dealers and treasure hunters from across the United States. Stretching for miles through dozens of show fields, the outdoor marketplace has become synonymous with New England antique shopping.

The show started in 1959 as a small, private antiques sale. It has evolved into a massive six-day event featuring thousands of vendors selling everything from fine furniture and folk art to vintage clothing, jewelry, and architectural salvage.

Organizers estimate the show attracts more than a million visitors. Some longtime attendees compare the experience to a giant open-air museum mixed with a treasure hunt.

The carnival-like atmosphere is part of the appeal. On opening day, crowds begin arriving before dawn, many armed with coffee, tape measures and wagons as they search for one-of-a-kind finds before someone else claims them.

“It’s the Greek colosseum of flea markets,” one Reddit user wrote after attending the show, describing the scale and excitement of the event.

Different fields open on staggered schedules throughout the week, encouraging shoppers to return multiple days. Popular venues include May’s Antique Market, Sturtevant Antique Shows and New England Motel Antique Show, each offering its own mix of dealers and specialties.

The shows have also become a cultural destination for designers and decorators. Publications including Architectural Digest and Better Homes & Gardens have highlighted Brimfield as one of America’s premier vintage and antiques events, known for its eclectic inventory and colorful atmosphere.

Beyond shopping, the shows create a festival-like environment filled with food vendors, live music, roadside diners and conversations between collectors passionate about history and craftsmanship. Antique experts often share stories about the origins and provenance of pieces, turning shopping trips into impromptu history lessons.

This year’s summer shows are scheduled for July 14-19, with the fall edition planned for Sept. 8-13.

For many visitors, however, the real attraction is not a specific item, but the experience itself — the thrill of wandering through endless tents in search of forgotten treasures and unexpected discoveries.

In Brimfield, every object seems to come with a story, and every summer the town becomes a gathering place for people eager to uncover them. Visit brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com.

MAKING A Lasting Impression

For 25 years, CHH Engraving has built its business around a simple idea: the best promotional products are the ones people actually keep.

From engraved awards and branded apparel to customized drinkware and sustainable gifts, the Agawam, Massachusetts-based company has spent a quarter century helping businesses, colleges, nonprofits and community organizations tell their stories through products designed to last.

Under owner John Barber, the company has grown from a small engraving shop into a regional promotional marketing business serving clients across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and beyond.

This year marks John’s 25th anniversary as owner of CHH Engraving, a milestone he sees as both a business achievement and a reflection of the relationships the company has built over time.

“When people receive something useful and meaningful, they remember it,” he says. “That’s what promotional marketing is about. It’s not a commercial that disappears in 30 seconds. It’s something that stays with people.”

CHH Engraving traces its roots back more than 30 years, when educator Charles H. Heyl began engraving name badges and awards in his basement workshop. John purchased the company in January 2001 after spending years in promotional product sales and learning the industry from the ground up.

At the time, the business was largely focused on trophies and plaques.John saw an opportunity to expand into a broader world of customized promotional products — items that could help organizations market themselves, recognize employees and strengthen community connections.

Over the years, CHH Engraving has evolved alongside the promotional products industry itself. Advances in printing and decorating technology now allow businesses to create highly customized products ranging from

embroidered apparel to full-color drinkware and photo-quality towels.

John says the company’s approach has remained rooted in consultation and customer service.

“We listen first. A nonprofit has different needs than a university or a local business. Our job is to understand what message they want to send and help them find the right product to communicate it.”

One project John recalls involved creating a wall calendar for a credit union featuring photographs submitted by members highlighting local scenery and landmarks. The calendar became both a marketing tool and a celebration of community identity.

“It became something people looked forward to every year,” he says.

Sustainability has also become an increasingly important focus for the company. John points to products such as Refresh Glass — drinkware made from recycled wine bottles — as examples of how promotional products can combine branding with environmental responsibility.

businesses and organizations trying to maintain visibility in their communities.

“We are here, we are your neighbor, your Chamber member, your supporter. Promotional products help reinforce those connections.”

Community involvement has long been part of CHH Engraving’s identity. The company participates in local events, sponsors school and youth programs and has offered apprenticeships to young people interested in learning the trade.

“We are here, we are your neighbor, your Chamber member, your supporter. Promotional products help reinforce those connections.”

“If a product is functional and people use it every day, that contributes to sustainability. It’s not something that gets thrown away.”

The company now offers products made from recycled metals, reclaimed materials and environmentally conscious fabrics as clients increasingly seek sustainable options for branding and recognition.

John believes promotional products also carry a deeper local message, particularly for small

That commitment reflects John’s  background in community organizations and service work before entering the promotional products industry. He says those experiences shaped his belief that businesses should be active participants in the communities they serve.

As CHH Engraving celebrates its 25th anniversary under John’s stewardship, the company continues adapting to changing technology and customer demands while maintaining its emphasis on craftsmanship and personal relationships.

“The possibilities for personalization are growing every year, John says. “But at the end of the day, it still comes down to helping people make meaningful connections.”

CHH Engraving Inc.

430 Main St., Agawam, Mass.

Phone: 413-789-2041

Email: Sales@chhengraving.com

Online: CHHengraving.com

The Town Has Been Following a Roster of Events In Line With the National Programming of The Anniversary

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Founded as a farming settlement in 1679 and incorporated as its own town in 1854, West Hartford has spent centuries evolving alongside the nation it now hopes to help celebrate during America’s 250th anniversary this month.

As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, West Hartford officials and historians are planning a wide range of events designed to connect residents with both local and national history. Through the town’s America 250 initiative, organizers say they want the celebration to go beyond patriotic pageantry and encourage deeper conversations about democracy, civic life and the many stories that shaped the country.

Originally known as the “West Division Parish” of Hartford, the area was settled by farmers seeking fertile land west of the Connecticut River. By the early 1800s, the growing community adopted the name West Hartford, eventually separating politically from Hartford in 1854. Over time, the town transformed from a rural outpost into one of Connecticut’s most recognizable suburbs, known today for its schools, neighborhoods and bustling center district.

West Hartford also played a role in shaping broader American culture and education. Lexicographer Noah Webster spent his childhood in town, and his restored home remains one of the community’s most visited historic sites. The town is also home to the American School for the Deaf, founded in 1817 as the first permanent school for deaf students in the United States.

That blend of local history and national significance forms the backbone of West Hartford’s America 250 programming. According to the town’s official America 250 webpage, the initiative seeks to “highlight the diverse stories of the American experience” while creating opportunities for reflection and dialogue.

Events held earlier this year included a “Flags of America Showcase,” displaying

“The Noah Webster House has planned or has held several lectures and programs this year to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the country’s founding.”

all 27 official versions of the American flag used since 1776, and panel discussions exploring how West Hartford evolved from a farming community into a modern suburb. Organizers have also hosted lectures on local businesses, workshops on storytelling and filmmaking, and discussions examining Indigenous history and the impact of colonization.

The celebration schedule expands significantly beginning July 1, coinciding with the nationwide America 250 commemorations planned across Connecticut and the country.

On July 1, the town will host a Concert to Salute America’s 250th Anniversary at Duffy School. The event will feature the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the West Hartford Women’s Chorale. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 6 PM, in the Duffy School auditorium. Admission to the event  is free.

At the Noah Webster House on South Main Street here in West Hartford, the commemoration of America 250 has special significance. Noah Webster was a school teacher whose revolutionary ideas helped the founding fathers write the U.S. Constitution.

The Noah Webster House has planned or has held several lectures and programs this year to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the country’s founding, including an event focused specifically on the meaning of the declaration.

West Hartford residents are expected to participate in Connecticut’s statewide “Nationwide Bell Ringing” initiative,

during which communities across the state will ring bells 13 times at 2 p.m. in honor of the original colonies. Connecticut officials are also planning a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and a statewide recommitment ceremony at the State Capitol in Hartford.

Officials in the state’s capital are planning a “Hartford Bonanza 2026 + America 250 Capital Commemoration” at Bushnell Park. The free event will feature live music, history exhibits, civic programs, food vendors and the region’s largest fireworks display. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to headline the celebration.

Additional Connecticut 250 events include the “Spirit of America” public readings of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 and the Deep River Muster on July 18, one of the nation’s largest gatherings of fife and drum corps.

West Hartford’s America 250 Task Force says the anniversary is an opportunity to examine the complexities of American history. The town’s programming includes conversations about immigration, Indigenous communities, civic participation and social change alongside more traditional patriotic observances.

“We are proud to celebrate the stories, people, and ideals that continue to shape our community and our nation,” said Mayor Shari Cantor. “We are especially grateful for the dedication and commitment of the volunteers, community partners, staff, and organizers who have worked thoughtfully to create programs and events that reflect the spirit, diversity, and values of West Hartford.”

Explore: Cedar Hill Cemetery

THE PARK-LIKE BURIAL GROUND STRADDLES HARTFORD AND WEST HARTFORD AND ITS FOUNDATION HAS A ROBUST SERIES OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

The winding roads and towering trees of Cedar Hill Cemetery feel less like a traditional burial ground and more like an open-air museum woven into the landscape of Hartford and West Hartford history. Established in 1864 during the Victorian-era “rural cemetery” movement, Cedar Hill was designed to be both a place of remembrance and a peaceful public retreat — a landscaped sanctuary where art, nature and history meet.

Spread across 270 acres along Fairfield Avenue, the cemetery was designed by noted landscape architect Jacob Weidenmann, who also helped shape Hartford’s Bushnell Park. Rather than the rigid rows common in older church graveyards, Cedar Hill embraced rolling terrain, ponds, woodlands and curving drives intended to encourage quiet reflection. The result remains one of New England’s most striking historic cemeteries and one of Hartford’s enduring cultural landmarks.

More than 35,000 people are buried there, including industrialists, politicians, artists, military heroes and cultural icons whose stories trace the rise of Connecticut itself.

Among the cemetery’s most visited graves is that of actress Katharine Hepburn, the four-time Academy Award winner whose family roots in Hartford ran deep. Nearby rests firearms inventor Samuel Colt, whose Colt Manufacturing Company helped make Hartford an industrial powerhouse in the 19th century. Financial titan J. P. Morgan and members of the influential Morgan family are also buried there, as are poet Wallace Stevens, anesthesia pioneer Horace Wells and educator Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, founder of what became the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford.

The cemetery also reflects Hartford’s political and civic legacy. Connecticut governors, Civil War figures and business

“Among

the cemetery’s most visited graves is that of actress Katharine Hepburn, the four-time Academy Award winner whose family roots in Hartford ran deep. Nearby rests firearms inventor Samuel Colt, whose Colt Manufacturing Company helped make Hartford an industrial powerhouse in the 19th century.”

leaders lie beneath elaborate monuments and mausoleums crafted by prominent architects and sculptors of the era. Some memorials are works of art in themselves, including towering obelisks, Tiffany stained-glass windows and the striking Morgan monument of red granite.

Yet Cedar Hill has evolved into far more than a historic cemetery.

In recent decades, the accompanying Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation has transformed the grounds into one of Greater Hartford’s most active centers for public history programming. Founded in 1999, the nonprofit organization works to preserve the cemetery’s historic art, architecture and natural resources while offering a robust calendar of educational events that draw visitors from across the region.

The cemetery is open from 7-8 p.m., April - Sept., and from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., all other months. From May through October, Cedar Hill hosts guided walking tours, history talks, bird walks, tree tours, photography programs and themed events exploring everything from Hartford’s Gilded Age to Victorian mourning traditions. Visitors can attend programs focused on cemetery symbolism, famous residents, historic landscape design and even wildlife.

The programming helps redefine how visitors think about cemeteries. Rather than places visited only in grief, Cedar Hill has become a living community resource where local history feels tangible and immediate. Families stroll the roads photographing monuments. History enthusiasts attend twilight tours. Birders gather at dawn to observe migratory species among the cemetery’s ponds and mature trees.

That blend of remembrance and community has earned Cedar Hill growing recognition as both a historic treasure and an urban oasis. Even online, visitors frequently describe the cemetery as one of Connecticut’s most beautiful and atmospheric places, praising its architecture, serenity and remarkable concentration of state history.

There is something quietly moving about Cedar Hill’s endurance. Hartford has changed dramatically since the cemetery opened shortly after the Civil War, yet the grounds continue to connect generations through stories carved in stone. A walk there can feel like stepping through chapters of Connecticut history — from industry and politics to literature, theater and social reform — all beneath the shade of century-old trees.

For many visitors, that is Cedar Hill Cemetery’s real power: not simply preserving the past, but keeping it vividly present.

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Experts Espresso Corner

ARTICLE BY MANOJ DASWANI, CHRIS ALGOO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IRA NOZIK PHOTOGRAPHERS

MAINTAINING A VERSATILE WARDROBE

Refreshing your wardrobe doesn’t always mean replacing your basics - it can also mean making them more versatile.

A dress shirt from Stenström is beautiful with a suit and tie, but visually interesting details — patterned inner cuffs, contrast button hole stitching —make them an appealing sportswear option. Deconstructed blazers are lightweight, travel friendly, and pair as well with denim as they do with a dress slack. Peter Assaraf offers neutral knit options, and Aristo has an array of vibrant colors with heathered tonal patterns.

The Verona is an elevated super soft chino with stretch fabric and clean silhouettes. They transition  from workwear when paired with a texturized Jack Victor sportcoat, to weekend-wear, with a knit from Bugatchi.

Reimagined essentials are an easy way to maximize your wardrobe. Double-duty Staples make packing less stressful! Tailoring is key to looking sharp and put-together.

Daswani Clothiers | daswani-clothiers.com

HARTFORD REGION REAL ESTATE TRENDS

Hartford County’s real estate market continues to show remarkable strength despite higher mortgage rates and ongoing affordability pressures. Inventory remains historically low across many towns, keeping competition elevated and prices firm.

Communities like Glastonbury, West Hartford, and Avon continue to attract buyers seeking strong schools, lifestyle amenities, and proximity to major employment centers.

In Glastonbury alone, the year-to-date median single-family home price climbed 17.7 percent to $682,500, while homes averaged just 16 days on market, highlighting how quickly well-priced properties continue to move.

Across Hartford County, many homes are still selling above asking price, especially updated properties in desirable neighborhoods. As rates fluctuate, buyers are becoming more strategic, but demand has not disappeared. Sellers who price correctly and prepare homes properly are still achieving exceptional results.

In today’s market, preparation, pricing strategy, and expert negotiation remain critical to success.

Christopher Algoo | chrisabhhs@gmail.com

Birdwatching Made Simple

EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.

START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP

If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”

Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.

Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS

Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”

Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”

Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.

KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY

Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work— birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.

To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.

Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.

WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS

Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.

For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

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Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

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NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 1ST

A Concert to Salute America

Duffy Elementary School, 95 Westminster Drive | 6:00 PM

West Hartford presents A Concert to Salute America's 250th Anniversary, featuring the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the West Hartford Women's Chorale. The event starts at 6 p.m., in the Duffy School auditorium. Admission is free. Visit westhartfordct.gov. for information.

JULY 1ST

America 250: Hartford's Long Weekend Kickoff Concert

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 6:00 PM

Kick off Hartford’s America 250 Long Weekend with this free kickoff concert launching five days of celebrations across the Capital City. Experience an unforgettable evening featuring fife and drum performances, dance, spoken word, Indigenous performances, and an incredible headlining performance by the 102nd Army Band and more! Visit Riverfront.org for more information.

JULY 4TH

Hartford Bonanza 2026

Bushnell Park, 1 Jewell St., Hartford | 12:00 PM

Hartford Bonanza — the city's Independence Day festival featuring the region's biggest fireworks display — is a free celebration of community and culture through music, art, civic pride, food trucks, recreation, and creative connections. This year, it serves as our statewide celebration of American democracy with an epic program on two stages, in recognition of America 250. Visit ctvisit.com.

JULY 8TH

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

St. Joseph University, 1678 Asylum Ave. | 7:30 PM

Capital Classics Theatre Company presents its popular Greater Hartford Shakespeare festival beginning July 8 through Aug. 2. With growing demand, Capital Classics will stage ten rotating performances of each play, Wednesday through Sunday evenings for four weeks. General admission tickets are $25 online, in advance of the show, and $30 at the door. Visit Capitalclassics.org.

JULY 8TH

The Wild Party

Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road | 7:30 PM

The Wild Party plunges audiences into the roaring 1920s, where jazz, dance, and danger collide. Queenie and Burrs are a dysfunctional couple of vaudeville performers whose relationship teeters on the brink. In an attempt to salvage their relationship, they throw a lavish party in their Manhattan apartment with a parade of colorful and unpredictable guests. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for tickets.

JULY 14TH

West Hartford Tabletop Game Club

Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St. | 5:30 PM

The West Hartford Tabletop Game Club is a friendly, inclusive, and accessible tabletop role playing game group for adults of all experience levels. We are open to all players, game systems, and ideas, with a focus on creating a fun, welcoming, and safe gaming environment.  westhartfordlibrary.org.

JULY 15TH

Watkinson Hosts Information Sessions

Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave. | 6:00 PM

Join the staff at Watkinson School to learn more about its exceptional educational program. Our community is characterized by excellent results and happy, successful students. We invite you to come see for yourself on Wednesday July 15 or Aug. 5 for an Info Session Barbecue. Register by visiting watkinson.org.

JULY 15TH

Angels Among Us

Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave., Hartford | 10:00 AM

Learn about the angelic figures that grace the landscape of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Connie Robinson will acquaint you with the Angels of Mercy, Life, Peace, and more on this tour of the historic cemetery. Admission to the program is $10.00 and free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made online at cedarhillfoundation.org.

JULY 17TH

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz

Bushnell Park, 99 Trinity St., Hartford | 6:00 PM

The Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, New England’s largest free public jazz gathering, is back for 2026 with a full lineup of world class entertainment. This event is free and open to the public and runs from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit Hartford.com.

JULY 18TH

From Milk to Ice Cream: Life on the Webster Farm

Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, Noah Webster House 227 South Main St. | 12:00 PM

Thomas Jefferson and Noah Webster may not have agreed on much, but who doesn’t agree that we all scream for ice cream? Thomas Jefferson is credited with creating the first ice cream recipe. Try your hand at making your own ice cream at this fun, history event! Visit noahwebsterhouse.org.

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