West Hartford, CT June 2026

The June Strategy Shift

Hello, Growth-Seekers!

June has arrived, bringing with it the glow of the summer solstice and a unique opportunity to reflect. In this issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine, we explore the intersection of celebration and strategy—bridging the gap between the stories we tell and the results we drive.

Father’s Day is June 21, and it serves as the centerpiece of this month’s issue. To honor the occasion, we’ve curated stories that profile successful local businessmen and explore the latest trends in men’s health and nutrition.

In 2026, we are seeing a significant shift in how we honor these figures: the trend has moved from “stuff” to “stories.” Modern marketing (and gift-giving) is about creating a “tactile memory.” Whether it’s custom-etched glassware or a DIY project kit, the goal is to move beyond the standard tie and offer a personalized experience that lingers long after the day is over.

Beyond the celebrations, June represents the most vital “seam” in the business calendar. It is the perfect moment for a mid-year audit. With the long, vibrant days of summer ahead, now is the window to look at your spreadsheets with a clear eye:

• Are you halfway to your annual goals?

• How can you recalibrate your strategy before the high-stakes push of Q4?

As you audit your growth, consider how the marketing landscape has evolved into a complex, multi-touchpoint ecosystem. The old “Rule of 7” is now a non-linear maze. Today, the most resilient brands are diversifying by blending the speed of digital with the undeniable staying power of print.

In an era of digital fatigue, physical media has become a “secret weapon.” It isn’t a relic; it’s the anchor of a modern strategy. Consider these insights:

• Retention: Neuroscience shows we retain information 70 percent better on paper than on screens.

• Trust: Print adds a layer of permanence and credibility that pixels cannot replicate.

• Results: By integrating high-quality direct mail or tactile brochures with QR codes, businesses are seeing response rates up to 400% higher than digital-only efforts.

I challenge you to look at your marketing through this wider lens. Are you meeting your audience where they live — both online and in their hands? This June try to bridge that gap, ensuring your business finishes the year stronger than ever.

From all of us at West Hartford Lifestyle, have a Happy Father’s Day!

June 2026

PUBLISHER

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

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

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

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Dave Claro | dave.claro@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brian Boyer, Peter Inserillo, Pranav Dave, Dawn Gagliardi, Kelsey Meyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Robert Connell, Shyam Shivareddy, Vincent Wrenn, Allie Belluci, Connecticut Headshots

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Scenes from the recent 2026 West Hartford State of the Town Address. The annual meeting included presentations from Mayor

business monthly

Tabletop Gaming Center Takes Part in Advancing Heroes Fund Event

Table Gaming Center's designer and outreach manager recently attended an Advancing Heroes Fund event that was held in Bristol. Game Designer Ryan Woolley ran a two-day Dungeons & Dragons Adventure, and Valentine Warner, the Newington store's outreach manager, represented Tabletop Gaming Center at the company's booth. The Advancing Heroes Fund is a nonprofit that supports emergency medical personnel with grants to cover the costs of advanced training and education. Visit tabletopgamingcenter.com.

Scan to read more

Char.cu.te.rie Opens at Blue Back Corner

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and local officials recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Char.cu.te.rie at Blue Back Corner. Opened by Anna Estiandan, a health care and nutrition specialist for 25 years, Char.cu.te.rie  is a new dine-in and take-out restaurant that allows customer to build their own charcuterie boards. Located at 80 Memorial Road, Char.cu.te.rie also offers catering services and is now accepting reservations. Visit char-cu-te-rie.com for information.

Integrity Wealth Expands with New Glastonbury Office

Integrity Wealth is proud to announce the opening of its new office at 95 Glastonbury Blvd, 2nd Floor, Suite 205. This expansion reflects the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Connecticut with personalized retirement and financial planning strategies. As a fiduciary, Integrity Wealth focuses on delivering independent, client-first advice across investments, retirement income planning, tax planning and much more. Visit IntegrityWealthRetirement.com.

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Stepping Stone Wealth Earns Forbe's "Best in State"

Recognition

Stepping Stone Wealth is proud to share that the firm has been recognized on  Forbes’ 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list. The honor reflects the team’s ongoing dedication to helping clients focus on their financial goals with clarity and confidence. This recognition highlights the professionalism, collaboration, and client- centered approach that define the Stepping Stone Wealth experience and the trust clients place in the team every day. Visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/stepping-stone-wealth/team-profile Scan to read more

Make your next gathering truly magical at the stunning Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

Reserve your date today! Contact Shantal Lapid at facilityrental@pequotmuseum.org.

SHYAM

Shivareddy DR.

The Co-Founder of Purple Dental and Crest Family Dental is a leading figure in Hartford County’s Dental Community

Dr. Shyam Shivareddy—known to patients and colleagues alike as Dr. Sam—has established himself as a leading figure in Hartford County’s dental community through a combination of dedication, drive, and genuine passion for patient care.

As co-owner of Crest Family Dental in Hartford and Purple Dental in Glastonbury, he works alongside his wife and partner, Dr. Poornima (Nima) Kadagad, affectionately known as Dr. K. Together, they share a clear and consistent mission: to create a dental home where every patient feels informed, respected, and confident in their care.

A dynamic husband-and-wife team, Dr. Sam and Dr. K bring both expertise and warmth to their practices, blending advanced clinical skill with a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Their commitment to excellence is rooted in years of continued education and investment— not only in their own professional growth, but also in the development of their team.

Dr. Sam began his journey in dentistry by earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery before being accepted into the prestigious Doctor of Dental Surgery program at New York University College of Dentistry.

In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a Major in the United States Army and has been honored with the U.S. Army Achievement Medal. His clinical expertise spans from routine restorative procedures to comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation, and he is a certified Invisalign provider.

Dr. K brings equally impressive credentials to the practice. A graduate of both Boston University and KLE University, she holds multiple degrees in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States, building upon foundational training she began in India. She has also completed a mastery series in sleep apnea through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Actively engaged in the professional community, Dr. K is a member of the Connecticut State Dental Association, Hartford Dental Association, American Dental Association, and AADSM.

Their dedication to service extends well beyond the walls of their offices. Dr. K has volunteered with Mission of Mercy in Guatemala, reflecting her passion for outreach and education. Dr. Sam also gives back extensively, volunteering approximately 15 days each year to provide free dental care to underserved communities. He regularly participates in continuing education courses, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest advancements in modern dentistry.

Accessibility remains central to Dr. Sam’s vision. Purple Dental was founded as a community-focused practice, led by a team that lives locally and actively participates in regional initiatives. The office is also a proud member of the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“Seeing the change not just in a patient’s smile, but in their confidence and quality of life, is what makes this work so meaningful.”

Dr. Shyam Shivareddy

Designed with patient convenience in mind, the practice removes traditional barriers to care by offering flexible scheduling, emergency services, and membership-style payment options for those without insurance. Advanced technology—including 3D imaging, digital scanning, and minimally invasive techniques—enhances precision while improving patient comfort. This commitment to innovation reflects Dr. Sam’s broader philosophy: dentistry should be efficient, accurate, and as stress-free as possible.

For Dr. Sam, dentistry is about more than treating teeth—it is about supporting long-term health and well-being. Preventive care, early detection, and patient education are central to his approach, reinforcing the important connection between oral health and overall wellness. By emphasizing routine care alongside advanced treatment, he helps patients avoid more serious issues in the future.

Above all, what drives Dr. Sam is the transformation he sees in his patients.

“Seeing the change not just in a patient’s smile, but in their confidence and quality of life, is what makes this work so meaningful,” he shares. Colleagues and patients alike recognize that his work goes beyond procedures—it is about changing how people feel about dentistry and about themselves. Helping each patient feel heard, supported, and proud of their smile remains, for him, the most rewarding part of the profession.

Crest Family Dental LLC

85 Seymour St., Suite 1018, Hartford Purple Dental LLC

2963 Main St., Glastonbury Phone: 860-327-6453

Online: purpledentalct.com, crestfamilydental.com

On Social: @purpledentalllc, @crestfamilydentalllc

CHARITABLE GIVING GUIDANCE FROM Cummings & Lockwood LLC

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHARITIES ARE IMPORTANT IN ESTATE PLANNING

ARTICLE BY BRIANNA L. MARQUIS

Charitable giving is a long-standing tradition in the United States and can be an important component of your estate plan as a means of giving back to the community and leaving behind a lasting philanthropic legacy.

Barbara Bush, the former First Lady, once noted that “giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”

TAX INCENTIVES FOR CHARITABLE GIVING

While there are many personal and altruistic reasons for giving, many affluent donors are also motivated by the tax savings that can be associated with a charitable gift.

The Internal Revenue Code provides tax incentives to encourage charitable giving.  Generally, the tax incentives are more favorable if a charitable gift is made (i) during the donor’s lifetime (rather than at death), (ii) to a public charity (rather than a private foundation), and (iii) with highly appreciated property held long-term (rather than cash).

Following are some of the key tax advantages associated with philanthropic giving:

• Income Tax -- A donor may be entitled to an income tax charitable deduction made to a qualified charity (an organization recognized as tax-exempt in the pursuit of philanthropic, non-profit or civic activities) as long as the donor does not receive anything in return. There are annual caps that limit the total amount of charitable contribution deductions.

• Estate Tax -- Generally, contributions to organizations that qualify for the income tax deduction also qualify for the federal estate tax charitable deduction. For estate tax purposes, there are no limitations on the amount of the deduction for qualifying contributions.

• Gift Tax -- Similarly, contributions to organizations that qualify for the income tax deduction also qualify for the federal gift tax charitable deduction. For gift tax purposes there are no limitations on the amount of the deduction for qualifying contributions.

•

These would include charitable trusts like charitable remainder unitrusts.

Still other vehicles, including private foundations, provide for a tradition of giving beyond your lifetime, thereby solidifying your philanthropic legacy across future generations. You can select one or a combination of these vehicles depending upon your estate and tax planning strategies and your philanthropic goals.

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING INTO YOUR ESTATE PLAN

“Cummings & Lockwood’s private client attorneys assist affluent individuals and families with all aspects of their charitable giving.”

GIFTS, ASSETS AND OTHER VEHICLES USED FOR CHARITABLE GIVING

There are many different kinds of gifts or alternative assets that will enable you to contribute to a charitable organization while also realizing greater tax benefits for yourself or your beneficiaries.

Some strategies provide for charitable giving during your lifetime, such as outright giving, while others provide for the gift to occur upon your death, such as bequests in your estate planning documents. Some vehicles provide for charitable giving while also generating lifetime income, which helps with retirement, estate planning and tax management.

Cummings & Lockwood’s private clients attorneys assist affluent individuals and families with all aspects of their charitable giving and help them to meet their philanthropic goals as part of the estate and tax planning process.

In assisting clients, our attorneys pay special attention to the client’s overall plan to be sure that the particular charitable strategy achieves the client’s intended goals for the gift. This may take the form of a simple one-time gift during lifetime or at death or a more complex charitable strategy.

The firm’s trusts and estates attorneys can help clients in the creation, implementation, monitoring and administration of various charitable giving vehicles, such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, donor advised funds and private foundations, as well as in structuring pledges and gifts to public charities.

Brianna L. Marquis Principal, Private Clients Group

Cummings & Lockwood LLC

Blue Back Square, West Hartford

Phone: 860.313.4923

Email: bmarquis@cl-law.com Online: cl-law.com

Father and Son Gaming

TABLETOP GAMING CENTER PROVIDES CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS

The dice clatter across the table, a burst of laughter follows, and a group of strangers—at least a few hours ago—lean in over a shared map. At the Tabletop Gaming Center in Newington, moments like these are routine, not remarkable. What keeps people coming back isn’t just the games—it’s the connections formed around them.

Now in its 15th year, Tabletop Gaming is a thriving, independently owned gaming hub for players of all ages. On any given day, the space hums with activity, from after-school groups to late-night strategy sessions, all tied together by a shared sense of belonging.

Manager Robert Connell sees that connection play out in real time, and in his own life. Outside of running the store, he regularly sits down for games with his son, a ritual he says mirrors what he hopes other families experience when they walk through the door.

“It’s some of the best times we get together. You’re focused on the same thing, working through challenges, laughing. It gives you a chance to really connect.”

Newcomers might walk in unsure of shelves packed with board games, trading cards and role-playing guides. But that hesitation rarely lasts.

“People think, ‘I don’t know how to play any of this,’ but within 10 minutes, they’re laughing, talking and part of a group,” Robert says.

Staff members guide players through rules, recommend games and even pull up a chair when needed, helping remove the barriers that can keep people from trying something new. The result is a space where phones are put away and conversations unfold face-to-face.

For Jim Bonaldo, that business culture is personal. He first came to the center looking for something to do with his son, Ray. What began as a one-time visit has turned into a weekly ritual.

“It’s our thing now. We come here, pick a game, and just spend a few hours together. No distractions, just time together.”

Jim, part of a generation raised on digital entertainment, says tabletop gaming offers something screens can’t.

“You’re actually talking to people, making decisions together. It feels more real.”

That sense of connection — between parent and child, friends and even grandparents — is what Robert believes gives tabletop gaming its staying power.

“There’s a real community here. People start recognizing each other, then planning games together. It grows from there.”

Dedicated kids’ tables, often led by staff with backgrounds in social work,  introduce younger players to teamwork, communication and problem-solving through games like Dungeons & Dragons.

“We’ve seen kids who are shy or anxious really come out of their shells,” says Heather Napier, Tabletop Gaming Center’s publicist and digital programs coordinator. “Parents tell us this is where their kids feel comfortable.”

The center’s programming reflects that broad appeal. Weekly board game nights, Pokémon leagues, and Magic: The Gathering tournaments fill the calendar, alongside open play sessions that invite drop-ins. A vast inventory — known as “The Vault” — ensures there’s always something new to try.

Even as the business embraces digital tools, streaming tutorials and live sessions online, the focus remains firmly on in-person interaction.

“In a world where so much happens on screens, this gives people a chance to be present,” Robert says. “To sit across from someone and share an experience.”

For families like the Bonaldos — and for Robert and his own son — that shared experience has become something lasting.

“It’s simple,” Ray says. “We’re just spending time together—but it feels special every time.”

Tabletop Gaming Center

741 New Britain Ave., Newington Phone: 860-436-2213

Online: tabletopgamingcenter.com

“It’s our thing now. We come here, pick a game, and just spend a few hours together. No distractions, just time together.” Ray Bonaldo

“In a world where so much happens on screens, this gives people a chance to be present. To sit across from someone and share an experience.”

Robert Connell

AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

Arden Courts is a residential memory care community with nearly 30 years of memory care research and experience. We’re dedicated to care and programming that gives dignity and independence to every resident.

To learn more about our services and commitment to our community, or to arrange for a tour, please contact us today.

GAMEDAY MEN’S HEALTH WEST HARTFORD

Created in 2018 and committed to helping men live their best lives through a novel and medically-supervised treatment program, Gameday Men’s Health opened a clinic in June 2024 in West Hartford. With more than 400 clinics across the US and Canada, Gameday is the largest men’s health clinic in North America. By leveraging doctor-guided care, private sports lounge clinics, and personalized protocols, Gameday is redefining modern men’s health with personalized, doctor-led treatments that deliver real results. Confidence, energy, and performance — backed by science. Gameday offers many treatments including testosterone replacement therapy, peptides, weight loss, vitamins, sexual wellness, hair loss, and treatment for sports injury.

of Peptides and Nutrition For Men

A Q&A With Dr. Jean Carlos Jimenez, Medical Director, On the Importance

ARTICLE BY JULIA SALZBERG, APRN

Q: WHAT ARE PEPTIDES, AND WHY DO MEN USE THEM?

A: Peptides are branch-chain amino acids your body already uses naturally as signaling molecules to regulate processes like boosting recovery, optimizing metabolism,  improving sleep and tissue repair. They work by binding to specific receptors in the body, helping support natural biological pathways already involved in healing and performance. At Gameday, we use medical-grade peptides to help support these natural processes in a targeted, clinically guided way.

Q: ARE PEPTIDES JUST SUPPLEMENTS?

A: No. Peptides are prescription-based medical treatments, not over-the-counter supplements. They work on specific receptors in the body and require proper dosing and monitoring by a medical provider.

Q: CAN PEPTIDES BE USED WITH TESTOSTERONE THERAPY?

A: Yes — and many men choose to combine them. TRT helps with energy, mood, libido, and muscle building. Peptides add support in areas like:

• Fat loss •Recovery •Sleep quality

Together, they create a more complete optimization plan.

Q: ARE PEPTIDES SAFE TO USE LONG-TERM?

A: Peptides used at Gameday have strong safety profiles when monitored correctly. Providers often use structured treatment cycles, meaning peptides are used for a period of time followed by a break. This approach helps maintain effectiveness, reduce potential tolerance, and allows for ongoing evaluation of response and safety.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PEPTIDE CONSULTATION?

A: The focuses of a peptide consultation are understanding a patient’s desired outcomes and understanding their medical history. These two things help determine if a treatment would be safe for a patient, and if so, which treatment plan would help the patient meet their goals. These plans are tailored for each patient, as every man’s body is different.

Q: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT PEPTIDE THERAPY?

A: That peptides work overnight. They’re powerful, but they rely on natural processes — so changes happen steadily, not instantly. Another misconception: peptides replace healthy habits. They don’t. They enhance the results you get from good nutrition, sleep, and training.

Gameday Men’s Health

18 N. Main Street, Suite 204, West Hartford Online: gamedaymenshealth.com/west-hartford

Phone: 959-236-8977

Text: 959-335-6366

you need a trusted professional guiding you every step of the way. But one agent can only do so much. With a team-based approach, you hire one dedicated agent and benefit from the expertise and support of our entire team. From marketing and market analysis to searching for off-market opportunities, negotiations, and transaction management, we work together behind the scenes to make sure nothing is overlooked and every detail is handled with care. MarshallOstopRealEstate.com | paula.ostop@raveis.com | @paulaostoprealtor

Your Family. Your Business. Your Charities. Your Wealth. Your Legacy.

At Cummings & Lockwood, you receive sophisticated and carefully curated legal advice based on decades of experience and tailored to your specific goals, together with the personalized attention and elevated client experience you should expect from your professional advisors.

n Private Clients | Trusts and Estates

n Fiduciary and Probate Litigation

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n Commercial and Residential Real Estate

FUEL THE WORK

The Science Behind Nutrition Coaching at Relentless Performance

ARTICLE BY PETER INSERILLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNECTICUT HEADSHOTS

In a world filled with diet trends, conflicting advice, and shortterm fixes, nutrition has become unnecessarily complicated. At Relentless Performance in Farmington, our philosophy is simple: nutrition should enhance how you live, train, and perform—not restrict it.

“Our philosophy is simple: nutrition should enhance how you live, train, and perform — not restrict it.”

Peter Inserillo

Through a structured, evidence-based coaching process, we help clients achieve meaningful body recomposition, improved training performance, and measurable improvements in their health markers.

Our Nutrition Coaching program is designed for people who want results that last. Whether the goal is reducing body fat, improving energy, increasing lean muscle, or correcting metabolic markers seen in bloodwork, our system is built around a phased process that prioritizes sustainability and long-term success.

Rather than relying on rigid meal plans or unsustainable dieting, our approach focuses on education, accountability, and data. Every client begins with a detailed intake process where we evaluate their current habits, training schedule, lifestyle demands, and health history. From there, we guide them through a structured progression of nutritional strategies that allow the body to adapt, improve, and ultimately perform better.

The first phase focuses on building awareness and foundational habits. Clients learn how to structure meals, understand macronutrients, and align their nutrition with their training and daily energy demands. This stage often produces the first noticeable changes— improved energy levels, more consistent appetite regulation, and early shifts in body composition.

The second phase introduces more targeted strategies designed to accelerate results. By carefully adjusting caloric intake, nutrient timing, and recovery nutrition, clients begin to see more pronounced improvements in body recomposition and training performance. Athletes often notice faster recovery between sessions, improved strength output, and more consistent endurance during conditioning work.

The final phase centers on optimization and sustainability. At this stage, nutrition is no longer something that requires constant thought or restriction—it becomes an integrated part of the

client’s lifestyle. Clients leave with a deep understanding of how to fuel their body for performance, longevity, and health.

What separates Relentless Performance from typical nutrition programs is the clinical rigor behind the coaching. Our system is not based on guesswork or popular diet culture. Instead, we track progress through objective data including body composition changes, performance metrics in training, and improvements in blood lab biomarkers such as glucose regulation, lipid panels, and inflammatory markers.

The results speak for themselves.

With three certified nutrition coaches on staff, Relentless Performance has helped dozens of clients transform their health and performance. Our clients include busy professionals, high-level athletes, and adults simply looking to regain control of their health. Many arrive frustrated after years of trying different diets that produced temporary weight loss but never lasting change.

Through individualized coaching, consistent accountability, and a process rooted in proven nutritional science, they begin to see what is possible when nutrition finally aligns with their lifestyle and training.

The success stories continue to grow. Clients report significant reductions in body fat while maintaining or increasing muscle mass. Others see improvements in blood markers that had been trending in the wrong direction for years. Many simply feel better—stronger, more energized, and more confident in how they fuel their body.

At Relentless Performance, nutrition is not about perfection. It’s about building a system that works.

Because when nutrition is done correctly, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for improving how you look, how you perform, and how long you stay healthy.

To learn more about Nutrition Coaching at Relentless Performance, visit RelentlessPT.com or stop by our Farmington location to speak with one of our certified coaches

Relentless Performance

58 Farmington Ave., Farmington

Phone: 860-816-4697

Online: RelentlessPT.com

Is Whiskey On Ice

Nice?

BY EVE BUSHMAN

In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.

A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.

THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER

HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:

Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.

On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.

Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.

Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.

Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”

Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 2ND

Walk to Wellness

Westfarms Mall, 1500 New Britain Ave. | 9:00 AM

Join Hartford Healthcare for this free monthly educational presentation.  Each month we feature a different topic led by a subject-matter expert. June is men's health and cancer awareness. The expert will give a brief presentation, followed by a live Q&A with the audience. After the session, they’ll also be available for additional conversations. Registration is required, email bridget.cooke@hhchealth.org.

JUNE 3RD

A Year With Frog and Toad

Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road | 3:00 PM

Based on Arnold Lobel's Beloved Characters this three-time Tony Award Nominee, including Best Musical, about two best friends hops onto Playhouse on Park's Main Stage. Besides June 3, 0ther performance dates include Saturday, May 23 and May 30, 1 and 4 p.m., and Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for times and ticket information.

JUNE 4TH

West Hartford Juneteenth Block Party Series 2026

Blue Back Square, Isham Road | 6:00 PM

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the Juneteenth Block Party Series. This year, the Juneteenth Committee, West Hartford's Community Engagement Office and RiseUP, is reimagining our annual celebration as a three-night Block Party Series right in the heart of Blue Back Square! Join us Thursday June 4th, 11th, and 18th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.to honor Juneteenth. Visit @WHJuneteenthCelebration on Facebook for information.

JUNE 5TH

Elizabeth Park Conservancy Hosts Wine & Roses Fundraisers

Pond House Cafe at Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Ave. | 6:30 PM

The Elizabeth Park Conservancy invites you to attend Wine & Roses, the Conservancy’s annual fundraiser. The event will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, and live music by MDM3—all to benefit the gardens of Elizabeth Park. Space is limited. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Visit WineandRoses2026.eventbrite.com for information and tickets.

JUNE 5TH

Hartford Taste Festival

Trumbull Street, Downtown Hartford | 12:00 PM

For three days, the area of Trumbull and Pratt Streets comes alive with culinary adventures, experiential entertainment, and expansive, cool music at Hartford Taste Festival. Come taste what's hot Hartford and leave with as many leftovers as you can carry. Visit Hartford.com for more information.

JUNE 6TH

Celebrate! West Hartford

Town Hall, 50 South Main St. | 12:00 PM

Celebrate! West Hartford is a popular, family-oriented two-day community festival held on the grounds of Town Hall. Since 1987 CWH has been fostering community spirit through the arts, amusements, entertainment, food, road races, and showcasing local businesses & non-profits. CWH is committed to serving neighbors in need by donating a portion of proceeds to local charities. Visit Westhartfordct.gov for information.

JUNE 6TH

West Hartford Arts & Crafts Show

50 South Main St. | 10:00 AM

This juried arts show attracts master artists from Connecticut, the greater New England region and many eastern states. The show prides itself on its creative mix of long-term exhibitors with devoted followers and newly accepted artisans showcasing their work to our supportive community. Nearly 40,000 visitors attend the event, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Visit  CelebrateArtsCrafts@WestHartfordCT.gov for information.

JUNE 6TH

Tree Walk at Cedar Hill Cemetery

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

Join arborist John Kehoe on this walk featuring Cedar Hill Cemetery’s rare and notable trees. The free tour, through the ornamental foreground and historic memorial sections, will highlight trees such as the beautiful European Weeping Beech, the unusual (for the Northeast) Umbrella Magnolia, and the Huss Hemlock named for a resident of Cedar Hill. Visit cedarhillfoundation.org for more information.

JUNE 14TH

Blue Back Farmers Market

West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main St. | 10:00 AM

Come for the food, stay for the fun. West Hartford's Sunday Blue Back Farmers Markets kicks off Sunday, June 14. The market offers live music, food demos, interactive events and more than 15 vendors through October in the Town Hall Parking Lot, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional dates this month include June 21 & 28.  Visit bluebackfarmersmarket.org for information.

JUNE 25TH

Riverfront Hartford 5K

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

Enjoy happy hour running along the river with a series of race options. Kick off the summer weekend early with the popular Thursday evening 5K in Hartford, the first of three Riverfront races. After the 3.1 mile race, cool off with an ice cold craft brew from New England Brewing Company at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Visit hartfordmarathon.com for information.

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Experts Espresso Corner

M&G Landscaping: Handling Invasive Crabgrass; Dawn Gagliardi Esq., Realtor: Selling in a Hot Market

Dave, M&G Landscapi

ARTICLE BY PRANAV DAVE, DAWN GAGLIARDI

DEALING WITH CRABGRASS

While crabgrass typically shows up in summer, the work to prevent it begins in the spring. In my years of building and maintaining landscapes across Connecticut, I know prevention is always the most effective strategy. Crabgrass thrives in weak, thin turf and compacted soils. Bare spots, poor drainage, and mowing too short create the perfect environment for it. A dense, well-fed lawn is your first line of defense. Applying a pre-emergent in early spring—before soil temperatures reach about 55 degrees—can stop crabgrass before it begins.

Once crabgrass appears, control becomes more reactive. Targeted treatments can help, but results vary depending on timing and severity. Improving overall lawn health is critical to prevent future outbreaks. Crabgrass is a symptom of underlying issues. Focus on proper mowing height, fertilization, and soil health, and you’ll not only reduce crabgrass— you’ll build a lawn that naturally resists it.

mnglandscaping.com | 860-516-0866

GETTING YOUR STRONGEST OFFER IN A SELLER’S MARKET

For sellers in today’s market, opportunity is high — but strategy still matters. In hot markets like West Hartford, low inventory and strong demand continue to create a true seller’s market, where well-positioned homes often attract multiple offers and even bidding wars.

However, this doesn’t mean sellers can skip the fundamentals. Buyers may be competing, but they’re also discerning. Homes that are priced correctly and presented as move-in ready are the ones generating the strongest offers. In fact, multiple-offer situations are most common when a home is properly priced and shows well, not when it’s simply listed high and tested on the market.

Preparation is key. Thoughtful staging, minor updates, and professional marketing create the kind of first impression that drives urgency. Pricing remains equally critical—overpricing can stall momentum, even in a hot market, while a strategic price point can spark competition and push the final sale higher.

860-810-3237 | dawnlgagliardi@gmail.com