PALETTE • BOWH WINNERS • WEDDING • FINANCE • GARDEN
Teens Terrific in
TERRIFIC TEENS
Story by Lisa Lelas, photos by Todd Fairchild
6th annual spotlight on eight young people.
FALL FASHION
Styling and Photography by Cheyney Barrieau
Featuring BK & Co, Daswani, Hope & Stetson and Silver Dahlia.
BOWH WINNERS
Photos by Ira Nozik and Todd Fairchild
Winners of the second annual “Best of West Hartford.”
PALETTE
Salute to The Arts, with a spotlight on University of Saint Joseph.
DEPARTMENTS
Happy Fall!
SUBSCRIPTION
PEOPLE
Best
GARDEN
FINANCE
Financial Roadmap
HONORARY TERRIFIC TEEN
Sam Newton
WEDDING
Edwards & Frailey
PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 www.we-ha.com office 860-508-4032 A WHM EDIA , INC COMPANY
West Hartford Magazine is published six times a year by WHMedia, Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS:One year for $35. Newsstand $4.95 each. To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127; www.we-ha.com. EDITORIAL & LETTERS: editor@westhartfordmagazine.com –please include full name, town and phone number (for verification only, not for publication). ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©2016 WHMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. West Hartford Magazine is a registered trademark owned by WHMedia, Inc. The opinions expressed by writers published by West Hartford Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.
Publisher
Thomas P. Hickey, II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com
Creative Services
Joy B. Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com
Sales & Marketing
Judi Ann Lausier
Contributing Writers & Columnists
Karla A. Dalley, Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA, Lisa Lelas, Ronni Newton
Guest Style Editors
Stacey Mills (Silver Dahlia), Margot McDonough and Brianna Tetreault (Hope and Stetson), Karen Herbert (BK&Co.), MJ Daswani (Daswani)
Photography Director
Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT
Contributing Photographers
Craig Bailey, Cheyney Barrieau, Anthony Decarlo, Al Ferreira, Andy Hart, Steven Laschever, David B. Newman, Ira Nozik Photographers
Videography
David Chmielewski/DirectLine Media
Interns
Dylan Carneiro, Tanner Kriedel
Bookkeeper
Debbie Roberts
Proofreader
Barbara Gordon
Publishing Advisor
Jonathan Moffly
Print Advisor
Bob Carr
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Thomas P. Hickey, II, Joy B. Taylor, James H. Gould, III
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THE TEENS!
TERRIFIC TEENS is my favorite issue of the year (or wait do I say that about every issue?) By design, we select, one male and one female graduate from Conard, Hall, KO and Northwest and feature them. This is now our sixth TERRIFIC TEEN issue so congratulations to each teen and their families because, as you will read, their upbringing in West Hartford has played an important role in making them who they are today.
It’s important to note that these TEENS are selected by us because they are ‘good kids’ and best represent West Hartford in our opinion. We have been keeping a watchful eye on some of these teens for years, hoping to feature them upon graduation from high school.
I always suggest to family and friends to have your teens sit down and read about these students (in the magazine or on We-Ha.com) because they are so inspirational!
I want to give a special shout out to my nephew, Liam Bruce who graduated from Conard. To me he will always be a ‘Terrific Teen’ but it wouldn’t be fair to select you Liam. Okay, now you know the only bad thing about being related to me (ha ha!) Best wishes to you and the class of 2016!
THE ARTS!
Palette, our arts Issue, was bumped to this issue because our 2nd Annual Best of West Hartford Issue was just too big with 27 pages of editorial spotlighting each finalist! Wow, Joy tackled all of that on her own, simply amazing!
Years ago I met Signe from the Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association and she had an idea to brand Bishops Corner as an Arts destination. So she gets all the credit for bringing together the Association, University of Hartford and the University of St. Joseph’s culminating in some amazing Arts Programs. Lisa had an opportunity to sit down with each group to share all that is going on right in our backyards!
FASHION!
Cheyney once again continues to thrill our readers with her eye on Fashion this time with a local presentation of Fall Fashion for all ages. If you missed the Fashion Fusion Show on the Showmobile in The Center back on October 13th don’t miss another. Michael Zeller from Zeller Furs said it best, “this presentation of fashion is something you would see in New York and it is available right here in The Center.” Speaking of fashion, make sure you order your Vineyard Vines We-Ha clothing online at We-Ha.com/store, or at Silver Dahlia at 970 Farmington Avenue.
Remember the only way to guarantee delivery to your home or office so you don’t miss a single issue is to SUBSCRIBE. You also get We-Ha.com as well. GREAT GIFT idea this Holiday Season for only $35 annually.
Your next issue of WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE will be in your home just as we start our HOLIDAY SEASON so get ready for our ANNUAL HOLIDAY STROLL on Thursday, December 1st and remember to SHOP LOCAL for all your special gift needs!
Thank you,
Thomas P. Hickey II Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com
Tom at the second annual Best of West Hartford Awards Show.
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for complete stories and photos from the following events ... and MORE!
Best of West Hartford Awards
The Best of West Hartford winners were chosen from among 277 finalists in 49 categories. The businesses were nominated this spring and from June through Aug. 31, votes were cast for the winners. The people nominated (one vote per email address) and the people voted (one vote per email address). It was a true people’s choice contest.
Please turn to page 14 for a complete list of winners.
Photo byIRA NOZIK
4th Annual WeHa Whiskey Festival
The 4th Annual WeHa Whiskey Festival was a resounding success, with 350 guests on hand to sample more than 200 different whiskey selections.
The event was held at the Hartford Golf Club this year, and both dining rooms were packed with tasting tables and exhibitors.
The event, which benefited Camp Courant, was sponsored by Maximum Beverage and Pure Marketing. We-Ha.com and Eat IN CT were media sponsors.
The Bridge’s Mission is to foster the courage and strength in children and families to meet life’s challenges and build fulfilling lives. We are here
The Bridge is a comprehensive, regional family service agency offering prevention and intervention programs for young people and families in West Hartford, the Greater Hartford region, and beyond. We provide counseling, youth shelters, parent education, in-school groups, a Teen Center, summer camp, early-learning playgroups, after-school support and enrichment activities.
Spring AAU Basketball tryouts
Boys and girls 3rd grade thru 12th
Our dates are Nov 12/13 , Dec 10/11 Jan 14/15, Last one Feb 11/12
Winter league starts Jan 7th Saturdays only 5th grade and under 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6th thru 10th 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Skills and drills first hour 2nd hour games are played. www.eteams.com/magictime05 Email: magictimebasketball@gmail.com 860-478-3322 1022 Farmington Avenue • West Hartford, CT 06107 Tel: 860.521.8035 www.bridgefamilycenter.org
Photo by CHEYNEY BARRIEAU/EAT IN CT
by Karla A. Dalley
Fall Gardening
If you have spent the summer trying to keep thirsty plants watered, the last thing you want to hear is that you should go out now to buy lots of new plants and put them in the ground. But with weather patterns the way they have been the last few years, fall may be our "new" spring and perhaps, as gardeners, we should be re-focusing our efforts in the fall.
There are several reasons why fall is actually the "better" season for gardening. In terms of weather, it is similar to spring: days and nights are cooler and if there is going to be any rainfall, we generally get it in the spring or fall, rather than the heat of the summer.
So we need to re-train ourselves to think of fall as a great planting time, and not just as a time when garden centers are carrying mums and pumpkins--because I promise you they are carrying a lot more than that!
Most garden centers bring in a new crop of perennials that are fresh and ready to go into your gardens. At the same time, there will be many perennials that are just slightly past peak that are discounted.
Planting in the fall gives plants a jump start because the soil is still warm. In the spring, we gardeners are raring to go, but quite often we plant long before the soil is warm. So our plants sit there, taking weeks to settle in and actually grow! In the fall, the warmer soil helps the plants settle in nicely (provided you do continue to water them if nature is still being stingy with the moisture) and next spring you'll have perennials--or trees or shrubs--that are ready to grow right in your gardens, instead of needing time to settle in.
Karla Dalley is a garden writer and speaker from West Hartford. kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com is The Best Time for
And did I mention the sales? Most garden
centers are already discounting perennials, trees and shrubs. This can be the perfect time to get a larger plant than you might originally have purchased at a discount. These sales are often "progressive" in some way, either based on quantity of purchase (the more you buy, the higher the discount) or date (the later in the season, the higher the discount). For those of you who like to really shop sales, and if you don't have your heart set on a given plant, these progressive sales timed to date can really get you some great bargains! Fall is also the time when you can only plant certain things like spring flowering Holland bulbs. I know of many folks who have given up on those because of various "critter" issues like deer, squirrels or voles. Usually, these can be overcome, but it's just a question of what you are willing to do and when.
I am an organic gardener so I never use anything as toxic as moth balls in the garden--that's just not a remedy I am willing to employ for a few flowers. And I have deer, squirrels and voles, although the voles rarely go after my bulbs--apparently they're too busy with other things in the garden! The deer and the squirrels, however, are another story!
Bulbs have a distinct scent and squirrels and chipmunks can detect that scent so it is important, when planting bulbs, to clean up their "skins." Once I learned that trick, I have had far fewer issues with squirrels digging up the bulbs in the fall. Remember from last issue about squirrels preferring the soil that the gardener has already loosened to bury their nuts and seeds. So tamp
the soil above your newly planted bulbs. Follow that up with a sprinkle of black or red pepper or some critter repellent and you are all set until spring.
Deer are a bit more challenging to deter. You need only worry about deterring them in the spring, when the bulbs are emerging. Repellents are what work here, and you need to find the ones that they haven't encountered before and habituated to. Your garden center will have the best advice in early spring--before the buds form! For squirrels and chipmunks, a little red pepper or black pepper usually works.
For pesky voles? Anything that keeps them from encountering the bulb will work. There are little mesh cages and a product called Vole-Bloc™, which is hard fired baked clay to surround each bulb. Even dipping bulbs in repellents provides some protections. All those solutions are fairly labor intensive, however. If voles are a serious problem, try bulbs in containers.
After a long spring and summer of gardening, perhaps the last thing you want to do is think about more gardening in the fall. But maybe we all need to change our mindset so that we make fall our primary gardening season. The weather is glorious and the plants are on sale. What could be better? ■
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Top 3 “Best of” Announced!
Congratulations to all the Winners and Runners-Up of the Second Annual Best
of
West
Hartford People’s Choice Awards
by Tom Hickey, photos by Todd Fairchild (exterior), Ira Nozik (event), and SnapSeat Photo Booth
Best of West Hartford contest finalists, town officials, business leaders, and residents watched the revealing of the results of West Hartford’s second annual people’s choice contest on September 8, 2016 as they enjoyed cocktails, mingling and great food as well as a magician, chair massages, and more at the awards show at Town Hall.
Mayor Shari Cantor, who was traveling in Bavaria, prepared some pre-recorded remarks and, thanks to David Chmielewski of Direct Line Media, was able to kick off the evening on the video screen. The stage was beautifully accessorized as a “great room” courtesy of the Home Design District.
The winners were kept secret, under lock and key in the office of Filomeno & Company by Kathryn Plourde. Kathryn was the only one who knew the winners prior to Thursday evening (at left handing the winners to host NBC Connecticut’s Brad Drazen). The winners were chosen from among 277 finalists in 49 categories. The businesses were nominated this spring and from June through Aug. 31, votes were cast for the winners. The people nominated (one vote per email address) and the people voted (one vote per email address). It was a true people’s choice contest.
.CAMP SHALOM
.Renbrook School Summer Adventure
.Noah Webster House Colonial Camp PARK 2016:
.Elizabeth Park
.Fernridge Park
.Westmoor Park
PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE 2016: . . .Mandell JCC
.Lollipop Tree Nursery School
.Montessori School of Greater Hartford RECREATION 2016:
.Elizabeth Park
.Reservoir
.Town of WH Parks & Leisure Services
COFFEE/TEA 2016: .
.J. René Coffee Roasters
.Hartford Baking Co.
.Café Sofia
ETHNIC RESTAURANT 2016: . . . .Arugula
.Black Bamboo
.East West Grille
FAMILY RESTAURANT 2016: . . . .A.C. Petersen Farms
.The Cheesecake Factory
.Blue Plate Kitchen
FINE DINING 2016:
.Restaurant Bricco
.Treva
.Max Oyster Bar
BAKERY 2016:
.Hartford Baking Company
.Elmwood Pastry Shop
.NoRA Cupcake Company BREAKFAST RESTAURANT 2016: Effie’s Place
.Quaker Diner
.Blue Plate Kitchen
BURGER RESTAURANT 2016: .
.Max Burger
.Plan B
.Five Guys Burgers and Fries
GROCERY STORE 2016: .
DESSERT 2016:
ICE CREAM SHOP 2016:
. .Whole Foods, Raymond Road
.Trader Joes
.Halls Market
.The Cheesecake Factory
.Halls Bake Shop
.Ritas Ice
.A.C. Petersen Farms
.Sweet Frog West Hartford
.Ben & Jerrys
CAMP 2016:
PIZZA PLACE 2016:
BUSINESS LUNCH 2016:
WINE SHOP 2016:
LIQUOR STORE 2016:
EXCERCISE/FITNESS 2016:
PERSONAL TRAINER 2016:
HAIR SALON 2016:
BARBER SHOP 2016:
MANICURE/PEDICURE2016:
SPA 2016:
SATELLITE MEDICAL 2016:
HOME HEALTH CARE 2016:
BANK/FINANCIAL 2016:
GARDEN/FLORIST 2016:
HOME IMPROVEMENT 2016:
.Harrys Bishops Corner
.Frank Pepe Pizza of West Hartford
.Luna Pizza
. .Restaurant Bricco
.Max Oyster Bar
.bartaco
.The Wise Old Dog
.West Side Wines & Spirits
.Harvest Wine & Spirits
.Maximum Beverage
.Crazy Bruce’s Liquors
.Parkview Wine & Spirits
.Mandell JCC Greater Hartford
.Work In Progress Fitness (WIP)
.BodyRoc Fit Lab
.D’Mario Sowa from Akua Ba Fitness
.Shaun Chambers from BodyRoc
.Jon Camacho New York Sports Club
.Salon Medusa
.BLO blow dry bar
.Matthew Phillips Salon
.Degras Barber Shop
.Bristle & Blade
.Kennedys Barber Club
.Silk Nails
.Thu Lan Nail Retreat
.Grace Nails
.Massage Envy
.Blue Mercury West Hartford
.Victorian Day Spa
.AFC URGENT CARE West Hartford
.Hartford Medical Group Walk-In
.New England Urgent Care
.Jewish Family Services
.Companions for Living
.Bank of America
.Webster Bank
.TD Bank
.Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe
.Gledhill Nursery
.Lane & Lenge Florist
.Bartlett Brainard
.JP Carroll Construction
.McNally’s Modern Maintenance LAWN/LANDSCAPING 2016:
.EcoTurf
.Trout Brook Landscaping
.Zysk Brothers Landscaping
LAW FIRM/LAWYER 2016:
PET SERVICES 2016:
.Eagan,Donohue, Van Dyke & Falsey
.Steier & McCormick
.Stanger & Associates
.Veterinary Specialists of CT
.Petals & Paws
.Petcare Veterinary Services REAL ESTATE COMPANY 2016: . .William Raveis Real Estate
.Berkshire Hathaway
.RE/MAX Premier, Realtors WEALTH MANAGEMENT 2016: .Fidelity Investments
.Charles Schwab
.Northstar Wealth Partners
TAVERN 2016:
LATE NIGHT SPOT 2016:
MEN’S NAT’L FASHION 2016:
WOMEN’S NAT’L FASH. 2016:
EYE WEAR 2016:
.Max Oyster Bar
.Corner Pug
.Beachland Tavern
.McLaddens West Hartford
.bartaco
.Barcelona West Hartford
.McLaddens West Hartford
.JoS A. Bank Clothiers
.Brooks Brothers Westfarms
.Macy’s
.Nordstroms
.Marshalls
.Lord & Taylor
.Central Optica
.Harvey and Lewis
.Solinsky
WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES 2016: .Charming Charlie
.Silver Dahlia
.Lux Bond & Green
GIFT SHOP 2016:
SPECIALTY RETAIL 2016:
.Ten Thousand Villages
.Silver Dahlia
.Gift-o-logy
.Toy Chest
.Penzeys Spices
.Cookshop Plus
HOME IMPROVE. RETAIL 2016: .Larsen’s ACE Hardware
.Home Depot
JEWELRY STORE 2016:
SPORTS RETAIL 2016:
.Budget Blinds of West Hartford
.Lux Bond & Green
.Becker’s Fine Jewelry
.Charming Charlie
.Fleet Feet
.REI
.Play It Again Sports MEN’S LOCAL FASHION 2016: . .Daswani Clothiers
.Oscars Tux
.Bob DeGemmis Dressed to the Nines WOMEN’S LOCAL FASH. 2016: . .BK & Co
.Kimberly Boutique
.Ooh La La Boutique
Financial
by Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA
The Benefits of a Roadmap
Everyone knows the benefits of planning. Imagine training for a marathon without a plan? How about a trip to Walt Disney World? If you plan it, you'll maximize every day and ensure you see and experience everything you want. If not, you will most likely have a completely different trip than you anticipated.
A few years ago we took a family trip to Italy. Fifteen of us went. Without a plan, we would have started each day trying to decide what to do. We realized early on that with 15 people that could have taken most of the day each day to solicit ideas and come to consensus. So, instead, we asked for ideas six months in advance and worked out a schedule for each day. We built flexibility into the schedule so we could relax and take in any unexpected diversions that caught our attention (Negronis and appetizers in the Piazza outside the Pantheon come to mind…).
So, if it's true for marathons and vacations imagine what planning can do for your financial future. So why don't we do it?
"There's plenty of time for that later,” you reason. "I'm twenty-five and going to live until ninety.” Or "I'm forty with fifty years to go.” Or "I'm sixty and feel great.”
But here's the crazy part: the longer you wait, the harder it is. You have less options and less time to fulfill your goals. And not only that, you've trained yourself to live one way and then at age 60 have to adjust.
But the worst part about waiting is that you lose the benefit of "the magic of compounding.” Money invested for long periods of time accumulates to significantly greater amounts than shorter-term investments. To put that in perspective, consider that if you invest $400/month and earn four percent per year starting at age 25, you'll have almost $500k at age 65. If you start at age 35, you'll have approximately $300k and
if you wait until age 45, you'll have approximately $150k. So, if you start at age 25, you'll invest $96k more than by starting at age 45, but you end up with almost $350k more at age 65! And that's using only a four percent rate of return. At six percent, the numbers are eye-opening - almost $800k when you start at age 25 versus almost $200k starting at age 45.
So, guess what? It’s urgent after all. Assessing your current state
Once you decide to create a plan, how do you get started? The first step is to assess your current state. List your assets and debts as of today. Organize them into categories - cash, investments, property, business interests, and personal assets. Then factor in the amount you owe on your mortgage, home equity loans, credit cards, car loans, college debt, etc. Once you have that listed, total up the assets and subtract the debts. The result is your current Net Worth and your starting point for planning your financial roadmap.
Setting a budget
Setting a budget is next. List your sources of income (before tax) and expenses. If you haven't been tracking them and they aren't readily available, start by reviewing your checking account activity for the last few months to determine average monthly amounts and then annualize. Don't forget to adjust for seasonal variations (heating, cooling, etc.), and to add in for expenses that don’t show up every month (property taxes, vacations, tuition expenses) in particular. Finally, look at your most recent tax return and add in the state and federal taxes you pay, including Social Security and Medicare. You’ll also need to factor in any contributions you're making to your 401k or other savings plans you may have.
Projecting forward
Determining your annual cash flow is im-
portant, but it's just the foundation on which to build the plan. Once you have it listed out, the next step is to project it forward. This is where software becomes very helpful. There are many choices of financial planning software available and with those, you can set a baseline projection and then modify it with "what ifs?” What if I retire early? What if we sell our house? What if our investments earn less (or more) than we projected?
In setting the baseline projection, you need to think about how long you will work, what your retirement benefits (if any) will be, what rate of return your investments will generate, what inflation will do to your expenses and how your spending and expenses will change over time. This is where you'll factor in wedding costs, repayment of college debt, job changes, the cost of long term care (and insurance), the sale of your business, the purchase (or sale) of a second home, the end of your mortgage payments, and change in tax liabilities to name a few.
Once you've done that, it becomes an exercise in monitoring the plan and adjusting as you go forward. Provided you plan ahead, you can be confident that your financial roadmap will keep you on the path to financial health, no matter your journey. ■
Thomas J. Filomeno, CPA, is President of Filomeno & Company, P.C. He can be reached at 860-760-7031 or tjf@filomeno.com. To learn more, visit www.filomeno.com.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial advisor/tax/legal consultant regarding your personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.
Terrific Teens
West
Hartford Magazine’s
6th annual spotlight on noteworthy graduates making a difference in our community!
Story by Lisa Lelas
Every autumn West Hartford Magazine takes great pride in introducing a few recent high school graduates as examples of excellence in our community as well as in their own future. While we cannot possibly include all of the worthy students, we have selected eight students from the four West Hartford high schools as this year’s “Terrific Teens”!
Each of these students possesses an admirable work ethic with a drive to succeed and a desire to make a difference in the
world. They exemplify what being a good role model is all about and although they are not seeking fame, our community has noticed them as future “movers and shakers” of the world.
Congratulations to this year’s prestigious group of teens, clockwise from top left: Hayley Eicher, Kaitlin McGuire, Gabe Wolman, Michael Sisti, Noah Drazen, Will Moustakakis, Mamata Malla, and Annabella Correa-Maynard
We look forward to watching your dreams unfold as you go out into the world to continue inspiring us all!
Photos by Todd Fairchild
Photographed at Westmoor Park
“From coming from another country with broken English to running for class president is surreal. I learned early on that anything is achievable with a ‘can do’ attitude!”
-Mamata Malla
Born in Nepal and moving to America in middle school, Mamata has learned you can move mountains with hard work and determination. This Conard graduate now attends UConn for business and political science. “I definitely see myself in some type of leadership role,” she surmises.
Moving to West Hartford in the fifth grade from a foreign country had its challenges but mostly gave her new opportunities. By the time she was in high school, Mamata was already actively involved. She was the co-president of the Conard Student Council, editor in chief of the yearbook, on the Senior Class Board, and was awarded the Lowenberg Lions Club Scholarship.
“From coming from another country with broken English to running for class president is surreal. I learned early on that
Mamata Malla
anything is achievable with a ‘can do’ attitude!” This certainly paid off for her and her classmates when she helped spearhead the fight with Town Hall to bring the school’s homecoming celebration back to Town Hall. She was also instrumental in discussions with the Board of Education regarding Conard’s Chieftain mascot and logo, and was on the committee to ultimately redesign the logo.
Mamata remains deeply rooted in her homeland culture. Her father, Tejesh B. Malla, is one of the founding members of the Nepalese Association of Connecticut in West Hartford. “People may not be aware that there is a great Nepali community here
in town with over 500 members. I participate in the cultural dances as part of our annual fundraiser events.”
“One of my biggest mentors is Dr. Tracey Wilson, a student counselor and advisor at Conard. She was also my human rights teacher and she supported me. She made me realize that I was strong and that anything was possible.”
Mamata’s favorite food is American pizza and her local hang-out with friends is Blue Back Square. But perhaps nothing will compare to her favorite high school memory: the day of the Homecoming Dance at Town Hall. “I worked so hard for it. I got very emotional the night of the dance. It meant so much to me.”
Future business leader CONARD HIGH SCHOOL
Michael Sisti
Future cyber
security specialist CONARD HIGH SCHOOL
This Conard graduate is going to put his computer skills to good use. Now a computer science major at Yale University, Michael’s goals are clear: to join the Air Force ROTC as a commissioned officer to do cyber security. “I love following the economy, the news and politics. And I’ve always been interested in the military. The more I researched it, the more I liked what programs they had to offer. You are not only serving your country but gaining invaluable career and leadership opportunities.”
During his high school years, Michael ran cross country and was on the indoor and outdoor track teams. He wrote for the school newspaper, was treasurer of the National Honor Society, on the Junior Class Board, and participated in the Model UN program. He was also part of the Latin Honor Society, received the AP Scholar Award, and was awarded the Rensselaer Medal. Outside the classroom, Michael worked with the Ron Foley Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer, volunteering at their annual fundraising galas. Also active in his church, St. Thomas the Apostle, Michael has been an altar server since fourth grade and has been active in many of the church’s youth groups.
Interestingly, just as he may now be an inspiration for younger kids in West Hartford as a “Terrific Teen,’” Michael attributes his own drive to succeed to upperclassmen he saw at Conard when he was just a freshman. “I watched the older students who were involved in everything get into top schools. I realized if you put in the hard work you can go far!”
As a runner, Michael also walked away with a valuable lesson from the varsity track team. “I trained so much one year that I developed knee problems. It took a long time to work through the immense pain to get back to my top speed again. I learned that all the work we do on the way to our goals should be valued.”
Among Michael’s favorite things: eating mac and cheese and going to a good science fiction action movie. His favorite quote comes from Socrates: “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.”
“I love following the economy, the news and politics. And I’ve always been interested in the military. ...You are not only serving your country but gaining invaluable career and leadership opportunities.”
-Michael Sisti
Annabella Correa-Maynard
Future civil rights lawyer
HALL HIGH SCHOOL
This Hall graduate is intent on making the world a better, more inclusive place. Now studying political science and economics at Barnard College at Columbia University, Annabella has plans to become a lawyer for civil or human rights. “I’ve always been interested in social justice. As a person of color, I think it’s important to create changes.”
A jazz dancer for many years, Annabella can be found reading whenever her jazz shoes are off. “Reading is my hobby. Anything, especially non-fiction, autobiographies, books that have a good plot line.”
During her high school years at Hall, she was involved with their mock trial team, was editor in chief of the “Hall Highlights” school newspaper and was the co-leader of “Voices of the Other” – a new group to promote diversity in the West Hartford community through various projects/events donating clothing to the homeless and victims of domestic violence.
As an honor roll student, Annabella was also in the Cum Laude Society, the Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and received the Michaels Jewelers Award for her strong leadership skills in extra curricular activities. She also volunteered for NCCJ Any Town, a non-profit program that runs a camp to learn about social justice.
“Much of my inspiration comes from strong, encouraging women. I admire authorToni Morrison but especially look up to my mom [Wanda Correa] who really taught me to be independent. Also, watching as my dad [Otis Maynard] supports various organizations in need has taught me the importance of ‘paying it back’ and ‘paying it forward,’ I know that I have the power to make the world a little more positive. We all do.”
Annabella loves the color blue because she loves the ocean. Her favorite go-to place whenever she’s back in town is the Blue Plate Kitchen in Bishops Corner. Perhaps it’s her favorite quote by Diane Von Furstenberg that sums up her core values: “I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the kind of woman I wanted to be.”
“Much of my inspiration comes from strong, encouraging women. I admire authorToni Morrison but especially look up to my mom [Wanda Correa] who really taught me to be independent. ...”
-Annabella Correa-Maynard
“My involvement with Friendship Circle had a huge impact on my outlook on the world. I now try to bring joy into everything I do.”
-Noah Drazen
If anybody can turn lemons into sweettasting lemonade it’s Noah, who is an example of what drive and determination can bring. “I have always suffered from ADD,” he admits, “that intrigued me to learn more about how the brain works.” Now a freshman at Dartmouth, Noah plans to become a neuroscientist/doctor or possibly a physicist because of his deep love for the sciences.
Noah likes to keep actively involved in his community and school. At Hall, he was in the National Honor Society, Chinese Honor Society, and served as treasurer for the Spanish Honor Society. He was a college board AP Scholar and the recipient of the Dave Deacon Athletic Award as a senior multi-sport athlete (swim team and soccer team). Noah was president of the Chem for
Noah Drazen
Future neuroscientist or physicist HALL HIGH SCHOOL
Kids club, an outreach program that visits elementary schools to teach fun science experiments, etc. He was also part of both the mixed chorus and male a capella groups at Hall.
Outside of high school Noah was active in the Jewish-based community program called The Friendship Circle, where students mentor young “buddies” with special needs. Noah became president of that organization last year. “My involvement with Friendship Circle had a huge impact on my outlook on the world. I now try to bring joy into everything I do.”
He attributes his drive and determination to three people in his life. “My great-grand-
mother, who passed away last year at age 94, was an amazing lady. She had an incredible sense of humor but somehow always taught me lessons. She had an authentic joy about living. My mom [Lauren Drazen] is one of the most dedicated people I know, and my dad [Brad Drazen] is really my go-to person about anything in the world. He’s a really good guy…and really smart!”
Noah smiles as he thinks about his favorite foods: Peking duck and penne a la vodka. His favorite color is red and his favorite vacation experience was to Madrid, Spain, where he did an exchange program through Hall. When he’s not studying or volunteering, Noah most enjoys singing, listening to music and collecting vinyl records!
Hayley Eicher
Future musical theater star
KINGSWOOD OXFORD
Some may say Hayley was already bitten by the performing bug when she just a toddler. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and originally set her sights on becoming a ballerina. A few years ago, she began taking voice lessons and studying musical theater. “My ultimate goal now is Broadway,” she says, “but I’d be happy anywhere doing theater.” She is currently a musical theater major at Syracuse University.
“My biggest mentors in the business have been my teachers in high school and at the Hartt School. My acting coach at Kingswood Oxford, Joshua M. Seder, was probably most influential to me. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am now. He helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses and taught me how to shape them both. Also, my parents (JoAnn and Doug Eicher) and my sisters (Lauren and Julie). Having a family that is supportive of the arts is very important.”
Aside from performing, Hayley embraces all art forms. She started her own small jewelry business called ‘Chunky Heel by HBE’ featuring handmade jewelry items she sells via Instagram (@chunkyheel.by.HBE).
Hayley will never forget her involvement with Team Tobati at KO. This is an annual mission trip to Tobati, Paraguay, a town well below the poverty line, whereby students help the community by constructing and renovating buildings and more. “It was really eye opening to what poverty looks like compared to what we think of poverty in America. So many people are living in cardboard boxes. I have become much more appreciative of what we have. Be thankful for what you have but be aware of how other people live. Experiencing this in person is really humbling.”
In high school, Hayley played field hockey and did yoga. “I was also part of the GSA club (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) and the fashion club.” Her favorite food: chocolate. Favorite color: pink. As a self-proclaimed “coffee snob,” Hayley’s favorite hangout place in town is J.René Coffee Roasters on Park Road. Her favorite quote comes from the hit show “Hamilton”: “There’s a million things I haven’t done, just you wait…just you wait!”
“My biggest mentors in the business have been my teachers in high school and at the Hartt School. My acting coach at Kingswood Oxford, Joshua M. Seder, was probably most influential to me. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
-Hayley Eicher
“My dad represents who I want to be, in that he’s a self-made success story. As an immigrant from South Africa, with a great work ethic, he built a business and now owns and manages hotels.”
-Gabe Wolman
Even before graduating from Kingswood Oxford High School, Gabe already had his future path established. Now a freshman at Cornell University, he is studying finance and hotel management to begin manifesting his dream. “My family is in the hotel industry and I’ve worked in that business since I was 14,” he says.
He attributes his drive and ambition to his father, Mark Wolman. “My dad represents who I want to be, in that he’s a selfmade success story. As an immigrant from South Africa, with a great work ethic, he built a business and now owns and manages hotels.”
During his high school years at KO,
Gabe Wolman
Future hotel mogul KINGSWOOD OXFORD
Gabe’s favorite subjects were history and chemistry. He was on the school’s soccer and track teams and he ran two clubs: The Habitat for Humanity Club (continuing the legacy of the club his older sister started at the school) and The Shatterproof Club, which is part of an organization to raise money to fight drug addiction in and around the Hartford community. The Shatterproof Club has sponsored endeavors such as repelling down tall buildings like the Hartford Hilton.
Gabe was also a volunteer “buddy” in The
Friendship Circle, a Jewish based community program mentoring kids with challenges. “After my own Friendship Circle buddy, Joey (with non-verbal autism) passed away, so many people came to his funeral. I realized, even as a non-verbal boy with autism, his life impacted so many. I now know how fragile life is and you should do all you can to make a difference.”
Gabe was a member of the Cum Laude Society and an honor roll student. His favorite food: mac and cheese. When he’s back in town he enjoys hanging out with friends at Blue Back Square.
His favorite quote: “Republicans buy shoes too” by Michael Jordan.
Kaitlin McGuire
Future history teacher NORTHWEST CATHOLIC
After graduating from Northwest Catholic, Kaitlin is attending the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, for secondary education with a major in history. “I’d love to become a high school history teacher,” she explains. “Growing up, my dad and his entire side of the family were always history buffs, talking about the world wars and such. I grew to love it, as well. I especially loved my history classes in high school.”
Kaitlin played varsity volleyball at Northwest and was involved with many school clubs. “I was on the student recruitment committee, part of a program for tutoring kids after school, I volunteered for the Special Olympics, and was also involved with the school’s Unified Volleyball program. I have found that volunteer work gives you a different perspective. When you see kids with special needs being so capable, it’s amazing!”
As a National Honor Society student, Kaitlin also received an English Award, the Donald Barry Knights of Columbus State Scholarship, O’Meara Foundation Scholarship toward college, and if that wasn’t enough, she also received a school plaque for receiving first honors (having above 3.67 GPA) in all semesters throughout high school!
So, just who can inspire someone with so much natural inspiration herself? “My English teacher at Northwest,” Kaitlin replies without a pause, “Joan Keating-McKeon. Although she was very challenging as a teacher, she demanded we do our best. She honed my skills to be my best always. She taught me that failure wasn’t an option.”
As a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, Kaitlin most enjoys reading the book series – a favorite pastime during high school whenever she wasn’t working at her uncle’s family business, McGuire Properties. Her favorite companion is her English Springer spaniel, Bridget, and her favorite places in town are The Center and Blue Back Square.
Audrey Hepburn inspired Kaitlin with her favorite quote: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy. It’s all that matters.”
“ ... I volunteered for the Special Olympics, and was also involved with the school’s Unified Volleyball program. I have found that volunteer work gives you a different perspective. When you see kids with special needs being so capable, it’s amazing!”
-Kaitlin McGuire
Will Moustakakis
Future international diplomat NORTHWEST CATHOLIC
This graduate of Northwest Catholic is on his way toward helping change the world for the better. Majoring in international affairs at Lafayette College, he is considering future work for the State Department or even the United Nations. “I think it would be a cool way to see the world and help people at the same time.”
Will was quite active during high school. He was part of the school jazz band as a trumpet player helping the band win a competition at Berklee College of Music. He also played varsity soccer. He was part of the Model United Nations Club and vice president of the school’s High School Democrats of America club as well as a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the Jazz Music Award.
“I also spent a lot of time volunteering at St. Francis Hospital, reading to kids to help calm them in the pediatric waiting room. I also volunteered at the Ivan Lendl Camp at University of Saint Joseph for kids with special needs. My volunteer work has been a rewarding experience for me. Knowing that I’m helping people makes me want to volunteer even more.” Will also spent time as a soccer referee for the West Hartford Youth Soccer Association.
He admires one person in particular: Nelson Mandela. “He was simply the greatest human being of all time. He never conceded his beliefs. Always stayed true to his authentic self. Through all his sacrifices, he was able to become the first black president of South Africa.”
Keeping close to his family’s Greek roots, Will especially enjoys his travels to Greece. “I still have many relatives living there and it’s always a fun place to visit.”
When he’s in town, Will can often be found hanging out with friends in West Hartford Center. He loves Science fiction and comedies and best sums up his outlook on life with the ancient biblical quote: “This too shall pass.” ■
“I also volunteered at the Ivan Lendl Camp at University of Saint Joseph for kids with special needs. My volunteer work has been a rewarding experience for me. Knowing that I’m helping people makes me want to volunteer even more.”
-Will Moustakakis
Honorary Terrific Teen Sam Newton
CONARD HIGH SCHOOL by
Ronni Newton
My son graduated from Conard in June 2016, with many accomplishments on his resume, but we decided he couldn’t even be considered as a “Terrific Teen” with a capital “T” because of my relationship with We-Ha.com and its sister publication, West Hartford Magazine. Instead, we’re calling him an “Honorary Terrific Teen.”
Sam is now a freshman at UConn, majoring in actuarial science. He’s always loved math and statistics, and when he attended his first presentation on what being an actuary entailed, he said he was immediately “intrigued.” He’s already immersed in college life as a pledge for a fraternity (FIJI) and playing intramural soccer, and has season tickets to both UConn football and men’s basketball.
While at Conard, Sam was captain of both the soccer and baseball teams his senior year, which was a great opportunity to mentor younger players and build leadership skills. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and won the ROTC Scholar-Athlete Award and a Two-Sport Four-Year award. He was also a member of the “Kids Helping Kids” club that supported the iCan Bike program – a summer camp to help children with special needs learn how to ride two-wheel bicycles. Sam has also been a frequent volunteer with A Hand Up – a non-profit that assists individuals with a transition from homelessness or other situations into independent housing.
Sam’s favorite food is fettuccine alfredo, and his favorite quote comes from Vince Lombardi: “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” ■
By Paul Slade Smith
