WeHa
WeHa
Publisher Tom Hickey
Director, Creative Services
Joy Taylor
Publisher: Tom Hickey
tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com
Associate Publisher Leslie Iarusso
Creative Services: Joy Taylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com
Art Director
Elisa S. Wagner
Graphic Design: Chris Bonito chrisb@ledgerpublications.com
Graphic Designer Chris Bonito
Contributing Writers & Columnists:
Contributing Writers & Columnists: Chris Conway, Erin Fox, Karla Dalley, Ertan Seyyar Sener, Lisa Martin
Linda Bailey, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, Todd Fairchild, Keith Griffin, Jeff Hodges, Michelle Epstein Hollander, Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin, Carol Murdoch
Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT
Photography Director: Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT
Intern
Hunter Marotto
Contributing Photographers: Ronni Newton, Joy Taylor, Hunter Marotto
Proofreader Tim Knecht
Videography: David Chmielewski/DirectLine Media
Publishing Partner Ledger Publications
Intern: Hunter Marotto
Websites We-Ha.com, WestHartfordMagazine.com, Wehawheels.com
Proofreader: Tim Knecht
Mike Roy/Roy Web Design
Principals
Website: westhartfordmagazine.com We-Ha.com Mike Roy/Roy Web Design
Thomas P. Hickey II, Joy B. Taylor, James H. Gould III
Principals:
Thomas P. Hickey, II, Joy B. Taylor, James H. Gould, III
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“I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is Marketing and Technology with a connection to a great International Network.”
Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!
CELEBRATE
2020 promises to be a special year for Joy Taylor and me, as we prepare to celebrate 30 productive – and often fun – years of working together as business partners. Indeed, Joy and I have worked together side by side, through thick and thin, navigating our way through the business world, with Joy in the role of creative genius and me the marketing maven. Or, to put it another way, I come up with all the ideas and she makes it all come to life.
Joy and I cut our teeth at the now-defunct Imprint, Inc., owned and operated by Chris Larsen. When Imprint was sold, we moved over to Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. to assist John Coots. We learned all about quality from Chris, and how to be a lean, mean corporate machine from John. We would never have survived three decades without their mentorship. Thank you, Chris and John!
Eventually, Joy and I set out on our own to found Hometown Marketing, setting up shop on Park Road. In addition to our media buying and marketing services division, we published Playbills statewide (excluding Fairfield County) and donated 50% of our net profit to the arts.
After a time, we published the area’s first fullcolor, glossy, targeted lifestyle magazines: Living in West Hartford, Living in the Valley and Living on the Shoreline. Several years later, with the support of Jim Gould and under the guidance of Jonathan
Tom & Joy at our first anniversary “Hoe-Down” party in 1990
Moffly, we formed WHMEDIA, moved to West Hartford Center and launched West Hartford Magazine, now called WeHa Magazine
Through it all, we have maintained a laser-sharp focus on the marketing needs of our clients, including Foxwoods, Cherry & Webb, Shawmut Bank, Hartford Civic Center, Old Saybrook Shopping Center…and the list goes on. We are proud to report that we have consistently increased sales for these and other clients in an ever-changing market.
Today, while we publish both traditional and digital products, our reach is targeted to those who are connected to us via social media. Our numbers are impressive and continue to grow at breakneck speed.
Likewise, our event business has exploded. Among the increasingly popular local “happenings” we organize and oversee are best of West Hartford, Taste of Elmwood, Taste of Bishops Corner, Taste of Blue Back & The Center, Taste of Home Design District – Food Truck Festival, WeHa HA Comedy Nights, WeHa POP UP and, most recently, WeHa Wheels. Speaking of which… WeHa Wheels continues to create quite a BUZZ! Go to wehawheels.com and book your next FREE ride for a classy and safe night out (see the ad on page 5 for details).
We also proudly provide services to the likes of APK Charities, Bloomfield Business Alliance, Catholic Charities, First Church, First Tee CT, Essential Health, Mountain Valley Treatment Center, and Stanger Stanfield Law, to name but a few.
Needless to say, none of this success would have been possible without the strong, unerring support of my family -- Shevon, Garrett and Heather Hickey; Andy, Lindsey (and Jean-Luc) and Nate Taylor, as well as our extended families and friends!
By the time you read this in print at home, in your office, in Delamar or on the Barnes & Noble (Blue Back Square) newsstand, it has been LIVE online for the world to enjoy! More often than not, before you’ve had a chance to tell spread the word of just about anything, we’ve had it posted, shared, retweeted, etc. So, if you haven’t already done so, and you want to be in on the latest local news, we welcome you to follow us:
Facebook West Hartford Magazine
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Twitter @westhartfordmag @wehartford
Instagram @westhartfordite Hashtags #wehaevents #bestofweha #weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy
Finally, we give special thanks to our partners at the Jewish Ledger for once again co-publishing this issue with us. For a sneak preview of all that’s in store for you in 2020, turn to page 51!
Remember, the only way to guarantee delivery to your home or office so you don’t miss a single issue is to SUBSCRIBE (we also have a combo package price with the Jewish Ledger). Your subscription also includes We-Ha.com. A GREAT GIFT idea for only $35 annually! If you don’t subscribe NOW for 2020, this will be your last issue (unless we just received your subscription). For questions regarding your subscription, call Howard at 860.231.2424.
Thomas P. Hickey ll, Publisher tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com
Every Child. Every Family. Every Time.
It is our mission, our passion and our privilege.
For 50 years, the Bridge Family Center has dedicated itself to enhancing and changing the lives of those who come to us seeking care, hope and healing. Some find their way to the Bridge through our comprehensive Counseling Centers, others through our safe shelters or dynamic Family Resource Center, and some come to know the Bridge through the varied and diverse Independent Living and Youth and Family Services programs we offer.
While there are many paths to the Bridge, and each journey is personal,
the destination remains constant. We provide a time, place or means of connection or transition – in fact, this is the very definition of a bridge – for every individual we encounter. It is the principle on which we were founded five decades ago, and it is continues to serve as our guiding light today.
The Bridge was born as Educational Resources, Inc. in 1969, a time of war, social unrest, and generational strife.
An inspiring group of community residents, led by the Bridge’s first Executive Director, Dick Jackson, began training volunteers and peer counselors to work with troubled youth. A year
later, a drop-in center was opened to provide a social alternative to the drug culture and become a place where young people and adults could meet, talk, and solve problems. About 1,000 young people visited the Bridge in its first year.
Our distinction as a responsive social service agency began with a simple coffeehouse and flourished under the direction of Executive Director Ruth Freymann. After a four-year arduous effort to establish a regional shelter for teens, her vision was finally realized with the opening of Junction 1019 on Christmas Eve in 1978. It was immediately occupied by struggling youth,
many who were homeless or runaways. Although the name has changed from Junction 1019 to the Bridge Youth Shelter, to Freymann House, in honor of its founder, the basic principles of the shelter remain the same decades later. We are here for youth who have experienced significant trauma in their challenging lives. While bad circumstances have brought them to us, significant and positive changes can be made during their stay.
Today, the Bridge operates four shelters, or Short-Term Assessment and Respite (STAR) homes, in West Hartford, Southington, Wolcott and Harwinton for boys and girls aged 11-18. All the shelters are holistic in nature, serving the total child and providing or advocating for every need a child has when she or he comes to us. As one would imagine, these needs are great and include shelter, food, clothing, medical and dental care, counseling and family reconciliation support, primary education, life skills training, drug and sex education, and recreational and social activities.
By the end of its first decade, the Bridge was operating a shelter, two drop-in centers and a counseling center. It was also functioning as the Youth Service Bureau for West Hartford, a role
“In 1969, a group of courageous, compassionate, and bold people saw a need in the community of West Hartford and chose not to look the other way and hope that someone else would handle the situation. Instead, they stepped in, rolled up their sleeves, opened their hearts, minds, and checkbooks to make a difference in their community.
“So many things have changed in our world over the past 50 years, but many things remain the same. For five decades, the Bridge has consistently placed children and families at the center of our work. We offer shelter, guidance, and acceptance. Like our founding leaders, we continue to work hard. We do not give up easily and we make it happen…every child, every family, every time.”
we continue to fulfill today. Through numerous and strong collaborations with the schools, police, community agencies, and town officials, we provide prevention and intervention services and are responsible for assessment, resource development, community involvement, and advocacy on behalf of children, youth and families.
Our presence in the West Hartford schools today ensures students at all grade levels have access to positive youth development programs that foster a sense of competence, usefulness and belonging.
Through support groups, we help young people develop life skills and explore a variety of topics including decision-making, stress and anger management, and problem solving.
Our Teen Center, which was recently
renamed “The Base,” is housed in the Elmwood Community Center and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. A safe, supervised, substance-free drop-in center, The Base offers a variety of activities including basketball, billiards, and monthly special events to West Hartford high schoolers.
When Selma Lobel took over as Executive Director in 1980, she brought with her a pioneering teen acting company called Looking In Theatre. This innovative troupe performed skits in area schools dramatizing real-life issues facing youth.
Wayne Starkey became the fourth Executive Director of the Bridge in 1987 and inaugurated the Independent Living Program to assist youths in State care become self-supporting and responsible adults. This program has advanced over the years and is instrumental in helping thousands of disadvantaged youths make informed, constructive decisions about their future. Our Community Based Life Skills, Community Housing Assistance Program, and Youth in Transition programs support male and female adolescents ages 16 and older to develop a high level of self-sufficiency as they move from dependent to independent living.
Once again responding to the needs of the community, the Bridge opened the Family Resource Center (FRC) at Charter Oak Academy in 1991. Since its inception, the FRC has nurtured the development of healthy families, created connections between families
Margaret Hann Executive Director
Dick Jackson, founder of the Bridge
and schools, and built a network of support for children from birth to age 11. It quickly earned a national reputation for excellence and has earned several awards and designations, including being selected as a “School of the 21st Century – National Demonstration Site” by the Yale Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy, and as one of the ten best programs in the country by Working Mother magazine.
Walking through the doors of the Family Resource Center today, one finds a warm, caring, bustling center of activity offering programs for young children, school-age children, parents, and caregivers. Days begin with PEACE Place, a before- and after-school care center for preschoolers, and continue with family literacy programs, early learning playgroups, peer support groups and after-school enrichment classes. Many evenings the FRC hosts parent education and leadership programs. While multiple languages are spoken at the Center, everyone experiences the universal feelings of support and acceptance.
Shortly after David Johnston was appointed Executive Director in 1994, the Bridge’s administrative office Counseling Center moved to Farmington Avenue, where they reside today. Johnston provided a deepening visibility of the Bridge in the community and in 1995 the Bridge was officially named the Bridge Family Center.
Under the current Executive Director, Margaret Hann, who was appointed to the position in 1998, the Bridge has experienced tremendous growth, evolving and thriving as it continues to respond to the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve. The Bridge has undergone multiple strategic planning processes that have fortified the internal structure of the organization while ensuring the strength and vitality of our programs and services.
Our counseling programs have expanded to offer a broad range of services to children, adults, couples and families in the Greater Hartford region. Recognizing that easy access to our skilled therapists is essential to productive and successful treatment, the Bridge opened Bridge East, a counseling center in Rockville, in 2011, and Bridge West, a counseling center in Avon, in 2014. Our multidisciplinary team addresses complex issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors in a supportive and caring environment.
Our resiliency, strength and commitment have enabled us to touch the lives of more than 400,000 individuals since 1969. From our start as a teen drop-in center to our evolution as a multi-service family agency today, our
history is rich and our roots are deep. As we reflect on what we have accomplished, it is with profound gratitude. We are grateful to the people who not only saw, but responded, to a pressing need in our community. As we look forward, it is with great optimism and confidence. Our programs and services are robust and critical and through our relationships with the State, the towns we serve, and our philanthropic partners, we know we will continue to realize our vision of serving every child, every family, every time.
“The Bridge and I have been joined at the hip (or the heart) since 1993. I was privileged to work there in communications for 23 years. Now I am honored to serve on the Bridge Board of Directors and the Children’s Charity Ball committee. I volunteer a morning a week at the Bridge’s Family Resource Center and find joy i n helping staff as they work with little ones and their parents or other caregivers.
On January 18, 2020, my husband John and I will be co-Honorary Chairs of the Bridge gala along with Mary and Paul Butler. We are honored to do so.
“Our ED Margaret says once you are connected to the Bridge you never leave, and the truth is, I don’t want to leave. I am deeply committed to the Bridge’s mission of helping kids and families through life’s challenges. I have witnessed the difference its programs and the compassion of its staff have made in countless lives. I step back now and then to ask myself why I am doing this. The answer is always the same — in some small way to give kids and families a chance at a better life.”
Judy Bierly Former Employee and Current Volunteer
BEAUTY THE FIX IS IN!
Dehydration and aging are out. And the Fountain of Youth may have been finally found.
The search for the Fountain of Youth, a spring-fed pool that restores youth, has been going on for thousands of years. Herodutus wrote about the fountain in 5th century BC. The Caribbean Indians told stories of restorative waters found in the mythical land of Bimini. The intrepid explorer, Ponce de Leon, got wind of these legends and crossed the ocean blue in search of those magical waters. Instead Ponce found Florida.
The Fountain Fix is formulated to revitalize mitochondria, which are the powerhouse of the body’s cells. The proprietary Fountain Fix formula contains the human compound nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). People naturally produce NAD, but that production reduces with age.
The powerful health effects of NAD have been long known, and now it is possible, via IV therapy, to replenish the body’s NAD. NAD repairs and restores the body’s mitochondria, giving people more energy, better health, and an offset to the effects of aging.
Each Fix and each Booster are formulated to resupply the body with needed vitamins and minerals. Because the vitamins are administered with IV or by injection, they are entirely absorbed by the body and start working immediately.
The Fix formulations insure proper hydration, boost energy, help with weight loss, and enhance facial glow.
The Myers Fix, inspired by the vitamin cocktail invented by the late Dr. John Myers, achieves concentrations of nutrients not obtainable with oral administration. The Party Fix is for hearty partiers planning a big night, or having had a fun night. The Immunity Fix fights flus and colds. The Glutathione Fix is the mother of all antioxidants. The Fit Fix is for runners, athletes, and gardeners. The Slim Fix speaks for itself.
Each Fix or Booster is administered by highly trained professional registered nurses, under the supervision of the spa’s Medical Director.
The Fix IV Therapy, a wellness boutique spa at 1000 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford, celebrated its first anniversary in October. Open every day except Tuesday. Happy Hour is every Wednesday from 3-5 featuring $15 Boosters.
Contact: Erin Fox, Owner of The Fix. Thefixivtherapy.com. 860-206-3677.
Christina Cianci & Bret Kuchenbecker
Photos by M. Studios; mstudiosri.com
Bret told Christina they were going to spend the day at a wine vineyard, but it was a clever diversion. He had family members decorate Christina’s grandmother’s house in Black Point with roses and old photos. She thought they were heading down to the house to help move furniture, but when they arrived there was no one in sight. Christina was led to the back deck where old photos and roses were spread out. He walked her out to the pier (blindfolded!!) where champagne and two engraved glasses were set-up on a small bench. Bret proposed on the pier with both families watching from a distance (hiding behind nearby bushes!). The wedding was at Emmanuel Church in Newport Rhode Island with the receptions at Belle Mer, also in Newport. The couple honeymooned in Positano and Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Members of the wedding party: Ariana Nestler (Maid of Honor / West Hartford, CT), Jessica Shoflick (West Hartford, CT), Megan Burton (West Hartford, CT), Lisa Brody (West Hartford, CT), Angela Cianci (Farmington, CT), Molly Brennan (Bourne, MA), Kathleen Rollins (West Hartford, CT), Abbey Cohn (West Hartford, CT), Tyler Kuchenbecker (Best Man / Monroe, CT), Jordan Bridge (Tolland, CT), Anthony Pucci (Monroe, CT), Paul Cianci (Farmington, CT), Nicholas Cianci (Newington, CT), Leonidas Kontoes (Sunapee, NH), Justin Cirasola (Oceanside, NY), Michael Buquicchio (Oceanside, NY).
ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT
TERRIFIC TEENS
Even though this is our 8th Annual spotlight on local Teens in West Hartford, the task of choosing the young adults to feature hasn’t gotten any easier! Our goal has always been to find the kids who capture attention not just because they earned the highest grades, or the highest points in a game, but because they are all-around good kids. As you can imagine, there is no short supply of eligible students! And sometimes, like happened this year we have been watching them from afar for years. We have a new twist this year; in this feature our spotlight is on two graduates from Northwest Catholic High School. Our tradition is to pick one male and one female from each school, Conard, Hall, Hebrew Academy Kingswood Oxford, and Northwest Catholic High School. Over the course of the next year each issue will feature a school so they each stand out in their own unique way, both the students and the schools. We hope you enjoy it!
Sean Macary
WHM: If you could tell your freshman year self one thing about high school, what would it be?
SEAN: One thing that I would tell my freshman year self about high school would be that it goes by very fast. It seems as if in the blink of an eye you are walking into high school for the first day and then suddenly walking out on the last. I would tell my younger self to slow down and enjoy high school and all that it entails, rather than focus primarily on what lies ahead down the road, because many of the experiences that you will have in high school are ones that you will likely never have the opportunity to have again.
WHM: Who inspires you and why?
SEAN: The two people who inspire me the most are my mom and dad. Growing up, they made every sacrifice necessary to ensure that my two brothers and I were exposed to any/all opportunities available to us. Whether it was driving all over New England early on Saturday mornings for out-of -state hockey games, or rushing around back and forth across town to make sure we all got to
Sean Macary is a 2x All-State hockey player and High School Hobey Baker Award winner
school or practices, my parents’ sacrifice of their time is something that I will always remember and be grateful for.
WHM: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
SEAN: Hockey has always been a constant factor in my life. Growing up, I played in many different rinks and made some of my best friends through the sport. Each year, my dad and I build a rink in our backyard. Few things are better than being out on that rink in the middle of the winter playing a game of pond hockey with some friends.
One of my favorite experiences I’ve had playing hockey has been playing with my brother. For the last two years of high school we were defensive partners. Although I’m done playing hockey competitively, I know I will find a way to be involved in the sport one way or another. Besides hockey, lacrosse, skim boarding, and skiing are several of my other favorite things to spend time doing. Honestly, I enjoy doing anything competitive.
WHM: If you’ll be attending college, tell us where and why you chose this school. SEAN: I am currently attending the University of Connecticut studying Engineering.
I chose to go to UConn because of its strong academic reputation, close proximity to home, and large state- school atmosphere found primarily in larger schools. Interestingly I am a 3rd-generation UConn student as both my mom/ dad and grandfather are graduates. The school has obviously changed a lot over time, but it is neat to think I’m going to the same school as they attended.
WHM: Any other anecdotes or fun facts about yourself?
SEAN: My favorite food is pizza and I love Frank’s Hot Sauce - I put that stuff on everything!
Hope Moustakakis
WHM: If you could tell your freshman year self one thing about high school, what would it be?
HOPE: I would tell my freshman year self to try to enjoy high school as much as I could, rather than just focusing on getting through it. I think I mastered this concept in my junior and senior years, but it would have been better to have implemented it earlier in my high school career.
WHM: Who inspires you and why?
HOPE: My mother continues to inspire me daily because she is one of the strongest people I know. I remember being little and crawling into her bed with my brother after dinner to listen to her read chapter books to us, no matter how bad her day was or how late is was. In that way, she always put my brother and I before herself. Both of my parents have always been extremely supportive of me and I definitely could not have achieved what I did in high school without them.
WHM: If you’ll be attending college, tell us where and why you chose this school. HOPE: I am attending college at Rice University in Houston, Texas. I chose to go to Rice because it has challenging academics with a supportive community, rather than a competitive one.
I also chose it because of the tight-knit residential colleges, the diversity of the student body, and the happiness of the students. I saw myself fitting in at Rice and I love the city of Houston and wanted to experience life in another part of the country.
WHM: Any other anecdotes or fun facts about yourself?
HOPE: Three people (two Conard girls and I) from West Hartford got into Rice, which is pretty odd considering the fact that about half the student body is from Texas, it is a small school of only about 4,000 students, and the acceptance rate is super low.
Hope Moustakakis is attending the highly-competitive Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Liz Winland & Jack Heslin
Photos by Constance Schiano; constanceschiano.com
“We met at Northwest Catholic High School and dated for the better part of the last 14 years since we met. We often go on walks at the West Hartford Reservoir, so Jack took Liz there to propose to find out that an AIDS walk was going on at the same time. Eventually we got away from all the people and Jack popped the question.” The couple honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii. “We just wanted to relax on our honeymoon and figured Hawaii would be the best place for hiking, surfing, paddle boarding, zip lining, eating and drinking!”
The wedding was at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards, Simsbury, Connecticut.
Members of the wedding party: (parents) Bob & Denise Winland and John & Tracey Heslin; Maid of Honor: Maggie Hooley (Sister to the Bride), Best Man: Tom Heslin (Brother to the groom), Bridesmaids: Brittney Burrow (Huffman), Shealagh Begley, Haley Heslin, Rachael Ramonas Groomsmen: Seamus Kerin, Quinn Petry, Ryan Dowd, Matt Keaveny.
This full color digital magazine will be seen by 40,000 potential customers on Black Friday, November 29th, and available on jewishledger.com, westhartfordmagazine.com, We-Ha.com and ExperienceWH. It also features live links to advertisers websites.
Eat, and enjoy the beauty of Rome
BY LISA MARTIN
After my cruise on the Celebrity Edge, and before my trip to Croatia and its neighbor, Bosnia and Herzegovina described in previous editions of West Hartford Magazine, I wanted to stop in Rome for a few days to experience the holiday joy Roman style. The lights, food, and history all sparkled.
Rome in December was magical. Arriving in the afternoon, I found streets with white holiday lights stretched overhead, building to building, street after street, each set of lights arranged in its own design.
The weather was comfortable, so that walking around with a light jacket worked day and night. I stayed around the corner from the Spanish Steps, part of the Piazza di Spagna. There were crowds, there were the best roasted chestnuts I’ve ever had, and walking up and down the roads with high end stores on Via Condotti made strolling and window shopping blissful. After an hour of walking it was time for dinner. On this first night I found a small restaurant down the street from our hotel with outside seating, where I savored the large mussels with olive oil and lemon. At the end of the day I retired to the boutique hotel, with Italian hospitality, and warm and welcoming areas. There has never been a hotel where I actually looked forward to sitting in the lounge at the end of the day, creamy sherbet orange couches, comfortable after a long day of walking.
The following day in Rome was delightful. Everything was open and it
was not crowded like in the summer months or the early fall. The early morning Vatican Museum was busy but walking through the Sistine Chapel was a much different experience from what my friend had in September. My friend was ushered through the Sistine Chapel in just two minutes. I got to stay and look for over 15 minutes. You can’t take pictures, so I looked up and soaked in all that I could! The artwork, whether it was the extensive number of exquisite paintings, or the well-worn design under your feet, was overwhelming. In the afternoon, the Colosseum was easy. We heard about its opening in 80 AD, the 100 days of games, and how after 400 years of use it became a source of building materials. Our skip-the-line tickets included access to the lower Gladiator level. This newer underground tour is limited as fewer people can visit that area in a day. It was fascinating to see where all the animals were kept, and to learn that the underground was flooded to bring up boats so a reenactment of a famous battle could be presented, using real arrows, to the death.
My travel companion and I went on a private walking history tour of Rome’s Jewish ghetto. We learned about the Jewish community, and how the Romans gave ransom in gold to support their Jewish citizens during WWII, although the Nazis still deported between 1,000 and 2,000 people. This December the Jewish ghetto of Rome was a bustling happy neighborhood as the oldest Jewish neighborhood in Europe. The Via del Portico d’Ottavi extended to a street lined with kosher restaurants – they were all full so it was hard to decide where to have lunch! We finally chose and I tasted the most delicious meat and tomato lasagna, at Bellacarne. The surprise was the fried artichoke – crispy and delicious, I have never had an artichoke prepared this way before – splayed-out leaves to crunch on, with the center of the artichoke sweet and warm.
I used my phone to follow the map to get me there. Very few people were out at 7:30 am, a few runners and very few cars. Even about two blocks from the Fountain, I heard the water rush, so I put down the phone and followed the sound of the water. I came upon the side of the fountain on this bright, sunny morning. The white of the statues made the immense fountain seem even larger. I positioned myself in front and took it in. The sun was shining across the Palazzo Poli, the building behind the fountain, and there were only about six other people there. After spending half an hour or so, I moved in closer to see the details, the statue of Oceanus, his chariot and horses. I had the Fountain to myself to see and hear its artistic power. Later that day, about 6 pm, I went back. This time, it was crowded, the sound of voices drowned out the rushing water, and to see the whole fountain from the back of the street was not possible. Go in the morning if you can!
See the hotel’s Christmas menu on page 22.
Lisa Martin, Travel Advisor, Luxury Cruise Specialist, ACC for Cruise Planners, (Land and Cruise).
860-929-0708, lisa.martin@ cruiseplanners.com www.totaltraveltoday.com
As an option, I recommend you go to Rome for Christmas and the New Year. The hotel I stayed in has a multi-day holiday option to dine from December 24 through brunch on January 1. With their permission, here is their Christmas Eve dinner:
MENU’DELLA SANTA NOTTE
24 Dicembre 2019
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER December 24th 2019
“Scambio di battute” Gambero Kataifi purea di topinambur e salsa teriaky Kataifi prawn Jerusalem artichoke purée and teriyaki sauce
Scampi e broccolo cimarolo fritti, chutney d’arancia
Fried scampi and cimarolo broccoli, orange chutney
Tagliolini all’uovo con spigola, limone d’Amalfi candito e ricotta di bufala campana
Homemade tagliolini with sea bass, Amalfi candied lemon and buffalo ricotta
Trancio d’ombrina con riduzione di guazzetto ai frutti di mare e pachino gialli
Croaker with seafood and yellow cherry tomato sauce
Cream tart con crema all’arancia, cannella, frutti sabbiati e caramello salato
Orange cream tart, cinnamon, sugared fruits and salted caramel
Musica dal vivo Live Music
Canteloube Kabalevsky Ness Beethoven
Plants for Holiday Entertaining
BY KARLA A. DALLEY
It’s a magical time of year. Everywhere you go, there are stores, restaurants, and shops tastefully decorated in colorful holiday swags, greenery and poinsettias. Many will have decorated trees as well, either the old-fashioned type or something less traditional in silver or pink!
If it seems that everyone skips over Thanksgiving and goes directly to the holidays, you’re right. Occasionally I have been able to find fun “Thanksgiving” décor but in terms of decorating, the two big holidays once summer is over are Halloween and Christmas. If you’re not celebrating those, you’re going to have to get creative.
Luckily, to decorate for Thanksgiving, there are plenty of “autumn”- themed ideas. We live in such a beautiful place — people actually take trips here to see our foliage. So we should never be without a wealth of ideas.
There are always plentiful pumpkins, gourds and colorful squash available with which to decorate (as well as to eat — yum!). Mix in some deeper-toned cut flowers — or even the fabulous house plants that are available now. Some of the Marantaceae family (prayer plants, calathaeas and stromanthes) have fabulous coloring—and while they fold up their leaves somewhat in the evening, the backs of their leaves and their stems can be ruby-colored. This genus of plants is having a moment — enjoy it and use it.
Once we reach the actual holiday season, options abound for decorating your home with live plants. Poinsettias are the first and most obvious choice. When poinsettias are grouped or massed, there is nothing more lovely. They provide a brilliant pop of color
that nothing else can equal in this darkest time of year. Holiday cactus are great plants in bloom but they are not particularly “toss away” plants. They can live for decades — and they have an odd habit of blooming anywhere between Halloween and January. So attempting to get them to bloom on schedule in succeeding years might be a frustrating endeavor. Still, they brighten the home with lovely color at an otherwise dark time of year and require a minimum of care — I am a huge fan and I probably have 15 of them, several of which are already in bloom.
Amaryllis are also lovely, but being a bulb, they bloom rather erratically the first year (4-6 weeks from potting, which is an iffy time frame if you are trying to force masses of them into bloom for a party). They are also top-heavy and tend to topple their pots if not secured in heavy containers. As cut flowers, however, they are long-lasting and dramatic so if you are trying to entertain, cut amaryllis is definitely the way to go — they are much easier to work with — and they also are great in floral arrangements as well.
House plants work quite well as untraditional holiday plants, for those that would prefer something that doesn’t remind them of the holidays well into the new year — or for those that don’t celebrate the holidays but still entertain this time of year.
Plants that come in a subdued color palate that work well as “holiday” plants — or as traditional house plants — are the aglaonemas, or chinese evergreens. A lot of breeding work has been done on these plants in the last ten years and they now come in shades of pinks, reds, speckled and flecked—and well and silver and white leaved as well.
Rex begonias — with their large colorful leaves — are another group of plants that works well as decorative plants for holiday entertaining. Their color spectrum is almost limitless from muted greens to bold reds and even oranges.
Plants that are often sold this time of year are cyclamen — either the smaller version with their decorative leaves or the larger ones. Both varieties have colorful flowers in shades of white, red, pink, purple and fuchsia. Massed pots of tiny white cyclamen would be great on a New Year’s Eve buffet table. Cyclamen like to be kept cool, if possible. Finally, phalaenopsis orchids are much easier to care for than they appear — and they are an easy and elegant house plant for decoration. One thing to remember: Plants are living things and are not truly decorations. So while it may be fine to use them as decorative objects for a party on occasion, once the party is over, they should be moved back to their preferred light requirements or they will die. Plants can’t live without light and water. If you would prefer not to have this fuss, cut floral arrangements are the way to go.
With that in mind, there is no reason that living plants should not be part of your festive holiday celebrations! Happy Holidays!
Karla Dalley is a garden writer and speaker from West Hartford.
kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com
Photo courtesy of the Olive Gypsy Boutique, by ADRIANA LAJOIE PHOTOGRAPHY
SEat, Drink and Be Merry!
ay “Cheers” for a spectacular holiday gathering! There is a lot that goes into the planning to make that “Cheers” super successful. I’d like to help pick those perfect pairings for this holiday season. The holidays are warm, festive and filled with great food. Because of the season, holiday wines can be bigger, heartier wines that stand up to traditional flavors like turkey, currants, cranberries, prime rib and other holiday delights, whatever they may be. While it can seem daunting to select the perfect wine, there are some choices that go naturally well with holiday foods. These wines might include medium and full bodied reds with lots of spice, festive, sparkling wines as well as richer whites. If it’s your turn to host that holiday gathering, I hope to give a few pointers so you can choose wines that will surely make you the “Host with the Most!”
With the wide range of foods and flavors at the holidays, the objective of this article is to provide some guidelines to food and wine pairing for the holidays with specific applications so that wine selection is less confusing and more enjoyable. Here are the keys concepts to think about when pairing: 1) Versatility, 2) Consider texture not just flavor, and 3) Whether you want to compliment or contrast with the flavor of the dish. There are many wines that will be able to pair with any certain dish; let’s just remember to keep the options open. There is never one perfect choice, but there are choices that will work better than others. Let’s look at a few of the possible courses and see which concept works best.
Appetizers and hors d‘oeuvres are always in abundance at all holiday gatherings. These fun little hand-tomouth bites are perfect to make the crowd happy quick. What wine you ask? Well, versatility is the key. Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! Champagne of course
is the king of bubbles and would be most welcome at any party. There are other choices that will put a spark in your glass. Cava from Spain, Prosecco from Italy, any number of wines from France labeled Crémant, fine sparkling wines from a number of regions in France. Here is a list of a few of the Crémant wines areas and how it will be listed on the label. Crémant de Alsace, Crémant de Bordeaux, Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Die, Crémant du Jura, Crémant de Limoux, Crémant de Loire and Crémant de Luxembourg. Bubbles are refreshing and cleanse the palate, getting it ready for that next new little bite of bursting flavor.
Cheese, you ask? Yes please. If lactose doesn’t work for or with you, please skip this paragraph or take a Lactaid. Well, this pairing is no laughing matter. Cheese, of all its beautiful varieties can be very difficult to pair. My usual goto is white, white, white (except for hard- aged cheeses that call for a red.) I like it when a wine contrasts with a cheese. For example, a rich creamy cheese like Camembert works very nicely with a wine that has a little crispness with some brighter acidity. I like the way it cuts through that beautiful fattiness. A wine with a little sugar like Riesling is great from some of those creamy, salty blues. Yum. To quote the great Mâitre Fromogier Max McCalman, My first instinct is to get away from traditional notions about pairings. I like to promote pairings of lesser-known, less serious or ponderous but nonetheless delightful wines with cheeses. Savennières, Pinot Blanc, and Albariño are good examples. Fantastic word to live by. Let’s use this thought for the next course.
The main course is the main event at most holiday gatherings. Who will be the contenders for wine? Selecting the right wine for the main course is a simple as thinking, complement the
dish. Think about the texture as much as the flavor. Match the textures and flavors and the two will dance nicely on the palate. A simple solution to pairing wine with the main course can be as easy as four questions to ask yourself. 1) Does the food overpower the wine? 2) Does the wine overpower the food? 3) When the wine and food are combined in mouth, what tircheary flavor does it create? And finally, is that flavor that is created pleasing? Done. As far as dessert, the simple solution is to choose a wine as sweet as the dessert. The sweetness of the dessert subtracts the sweetness of the wine.
One thing is for sure; the holidays are upon us. Whether you are hosting or have to bring a bottle of something to add to the spirits of the occasion, think pairing and all the possibilities. There are no hard and fast rules to the art of pairing. So I hope we have touched upon some of the ideas I like to run through when finding that perfect pair! I hope this will only add to the enjoyment, no matter where you are planning to spend these special times, but I only hope one thing. You are with the people you love, friends that make you laugh and wine that will pair and enhance the experience. But always remember, the bottle of wine is only as good as the people you share it with. Happy holidays!
Ertan Seyyar Sener Buyer/Manager West
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Think Globally, Spend Locally
BY CHRIS CONWAY
Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Tesla… the list goes on of the current titans of industry whose products, services and philosophies drive the global economy and influence culture across hemispheres. While these are just a few of the companies that make up the current pantheon of global business, they have something else in common; they started small…very small…in some cases in garages.
I doubt any one of us has a day when our actions are not dictated by one of the aforementioned companies. And while their reach is far and wide, they exist alongside an equally powerful ideology: Shop Local!
As executive director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, I have the honor of serving many of the businesses in our community that drive our local economy. The vast majority of the over 550 businesses that make up the Chamber Membership roster are small. Several of them are sole proprietorships. Some even exist within the same industry. Take fitness for example: Ignite Fitness, Lifer Fitness Studio and Total Fit Studio are three businesses owned and operated by local entrepreneurs - Kim Zengerle, Debra Fountain and Gabriela Peralta respectively. Each one brings her own unique skills and experience to their clients. They have all chosen West Hartford as their home base, which not only enriches our town, but also drives our economy and employs the people in our community.
The Chamber of Commerce’s function is to support the overall business
environment in our town. We do that in a variety of ways. The Chamber provides resources, marketing support and networking opportunities to our Member businesses and organizations to help them succeed and grow. Very
61. Feel like a fun night out on the town? Page after page…you get the point. By choosing a locally owned and operated business, you are not only supporting that business, but your community as a whole.
often businesses can leverage each other for referrals or by utilizing each other’s services. A personal injury attorney could have a website built by one Member while also creating strategic alliances with physical therapists and auto body shops to assist their clients. A local non-profit could use one of our Members to print their annual report and find a new Member for their Board of Directors at a Chamber networking function. The possible connections are endless.
Another way we help is by encouraging Members and the public to patronize Chamber Members. Our printed and online directory is a valuable resource for almost any want or need. From Elmwood to Bishop’s Corner, we’ve got it all covered. Hungry? Page 55-56. Had a fender-bender? Page 48. Toothache? Page 52. Want to pop the question? Page
I would be remiss if I did not mention that some large national and international companies see the value in Chamber Membership, but that is a rarity. Companies like Microsoft, OrangeTheory and Costco are Members of the Chamber and their local representatives serve on some of our committees and regularly participate at events.
Next time you need something (and before you check Angie’s List), visit our website WHChamber.com or pick up a printed copy of our directory at the Chamber of Commerce office or Town Hall. Chances are a Chamber Member can serve your need. Who knows? Your patronage may fund the next big thing!
860.421.2300 or cconway@whchamber
Spotlight on our cover artist: Ellen Darling
Ellen Darling is a Connecticut native and has lived in the West Hartford/Farmington area for the past 20 years. She has had a lifelong love of the arts and began photography in the days of film cameras and tiny darkrooms. When her sons came along, she somewhat reluctantly explored digital photography, when she found that it sometimes took many rolls of film to capture one or two great shots of squirming babies and busy toddlers. Ellen became enamored with the endless creative opportunities that digital photography presented, having always had a strong graphic interest as well, and began experimenting with textures and layers and photopainting.
Ellen specializes in both event and fine art photography. She has photographed everything from social events, commercial literature, programs, to publicity work for organizations such as Arts for Learning, Community Health Center and Gifts of Love. She traveled to Sundance Film Festival for MovieMaker Magazine and Italian Rolling Stone.
She was Still Photographer and Creative Consultant for a feature length documentary Rhythms of Life. Ellen’s art has been exhibited in numerous juried events at West Hartford Art League, Shoreline Arts Alliance and New Britain Museum of American Art, and has been spotted adorning local libraries and professional offices. She enjoys donating her photography services and art pieces to philanthropic events and fundraising auctions. Ellen shares her creative passion with other artists in groups such as WeHa Artists Emporium and Berkshire Photography Group. Ellen finds her inspiration in nature, light, shadow, texture… a foggy morning, a lakeside sunset. She looks at her surroundings through an artist’s eyes and sees the world through a photographer’s lens. Her camera is always ready to capture the beauty she finds in everyday moments. For further information regarding available art work, photography services or commissioned work, contact her at emd921@att.net. n
Ellen Darling contact: emd921@att.net
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Satisfy your love of learning in a community of active, engaged seniors. At The McAuley, intellectual curiosity is worth celebrating. With stimulating on-site lectures and classes from Trinity College and the University of Hartford, free courses next door at the University of Saint Joseph, thought-provoking book discussions, and access to cultural events across West Hartford, there are plenty of ways to keep learning while enjoying the lifestyle you deserve.
TRENDING
Celebrations 2019
TRENDING CELEBRATIONS 2019
contents
PAGE 8
Beautiful Dreamer
Cirque Dreams
Holidaze lights up the holiday season
PAGE 9
Table Talk
The art of setting a spectacular table is simple. Once you know the basics
PAGE 12
Scent-sational!
Five glorious (homemade) holiday scents to to tickle your nose.
PAGE 14
Read All About it
Coffee table books that make great gifts for book lovers and others.
PAGE 15
Conversation Stoppers
Tips on how to navigate political conversations at your holiday dinner.
Phyllis Meredith Photography
Wedding Cakes & Flowers
ON STAGE
Broadway director Neil Goldberg talks about the magic of Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams Holidaze seems to be the perfect antidote for holiday angst. What is it about the show that provides holiday stress relief?
NG: “Cirque Dreams Holidaze is stylized as part contemporary circus, part Broadway musical and a non-stop holiday stage spectacular. One of today’s greatest diversions remains clever, innovative and mesmerizing entertainment. Escaping for two hours into a fantastical place without boundaries, limitless imagination and pure “how do they do that” performance artistry is the essence of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Folks commonly leave a Cirque Dreams Holidaze show feeling like they’ve been transported into the holiday spirit and wanting to begin celebrating the season.”
What is the theme for this year’s show?
NG: “The theme for Cirque Dreams Holidaze remains true to the holiday seasons. Every year we add new scenes, more elaborate pro-
duction numbers, new acts, music and wildly imaginative costumes. Those looking to escape the hurried daily routines of their lives can do so at Cirque Dreams Holidaze this holiday season.”
What was your inspiration to create Cirque Dreams?
NG: “Jules Verne’s ‘Cirque Municipal’ was my original inspiration for creating Cirque Dreams. The color, energy and spectacle of traditional circus attracted my imagination to blend Broadway theatrics in every Cirque Dreams presentation.”
Your productions are well known for their attention to set design and costumes. Does ths year’s Cirque Dreams Holidaze fit the bill?
NG: “Costume and set design is one of my greatest passions. Enhancing a story through texture and visuals elevates every moment on stage. Cirque Dreams Holidaze is set in a wonderland of oversized gift boxes, toy soldiers, candy canes and trees. Over 500 costumes,
hats and props are adorned with nearly 10,000 Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and beads, each radiating the glistening season. Every costume tells its own story and is a piece of moving art enhanced by the artist that wears and brings it to life… from small hand puppets to 15’ tall marionette-like manipulated costumes. The many layers of scenic and costume elements throughout Cirque Dreams Holidaze creates spectacular appeal for a wide age range of audiences.”
What are some highlights of this year’s show?
NG: “Audiences are surprised when the curtain rises and the stage reveals a multimillion dollar holiday wonderland. The show quickly acceler ates into a fast-paced series of non-stop action, acts, costume changes, illusions and more. The New Year’s Eve scene is a spectacular acrobatic romance. The end of Act 1 transforms the entire stage into the largest gingerbread house and a
24’ tall cookie through an adrenaline-paced series of flipping, spinning and tossing through the air. The slippery penguins (near the end of the show) are always an audience favorite in a fun-filled presentation of gravity-defying balancing. The aerial acts of soaring ribbons, flying angels, twirling soldiers and more always energize the crowd, leaving them in disbelief from their daring and dangling routines.”
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Pictured above: Waterfront ceremony at Glastonbury Boathouse (Luke Wayne Photography), Boathouse banquet hall, (Kate Lauren Studios Photography), and Riverfront Community Center patio.
SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY DINNER
The holidays are the perfect time to gather family and friends around the table for a sumptuous meal. Of course, menu matters. But so does a festive atmosphere, formal or informal. So, break out your heirloom china or the hodgepodge collection of dinnerware you picked up at a local estate sale, and consider these table-setting tips for a warm and wonderful holiday dinner.
SIZE MATTERS
At least it does when it comes to tablecloth. Because a table cloth is the foundation of every beautifully appointed table. The rule of thumb is that casual occasions call for a tablecloth with a 6”-8”inch drop (from table edge to tablecloth hem). A formal event requires a tablecloth with a 15” drop. A table runner placed on top of a tablecloth should have a matching length. For a round table, measure the diameter of your tabletop and add twice the desired drop. And don’t forget to figure in extra leaves!
FOLLOW THE RULES
When it comes to setting the table, the old adage “a place for everything and everything in its place” is the rule of thumb. A few of those rules: Soup bowls go on top of dinner plates; salad plates go above the forks to the left side of the dinner plate; bread plates are placed slightly above the salad plate. Flatware should be laid out in the order that guests will use it, working your way from the outside in: Forks belong on the left of the dinner plate; knives and spoons go to the right. Knife edges should face the dinner
plate. Dessert forks or spoons can be placed horizontally at the top of the dinner plate. Keep utensils, glassware, and dinnerware to a minimum. And don’t set out a plethora of utensils unless your guests will actually need them during the course of the meal.
PERSONALITY PLUS
At least it does when it comes to Sure, there are some rules that must be followed, but that’s not to say a place setting can’t reflect your own individual style or personality. Take napkins, for example. They can be placed on the left with the forks or adorned with a napkin ring on top of the plate. Simply folded or intricately fanned, the options are endless. When it comes to linens, white is nice and can be dressed up with an overlay of lace or the like. Or, you can have fun with color, adding just a pop or an over the top explosion. And don’t forget patterns like fabulous florals or gorgeous geometric prints. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns and styles, like vintage with modern, ornate with the more subdued and understated, traditional with whimsical.
BREATHE DEEP!
Scentscaping your holiday celebration
This winter’s new trend is scentscaping -- filling your home with seasonal scents that invite guests in and wrap them in a warm holiday hug. It makes a big difference -- but it’s surprisingly simple: putting on a simmer pot or placing a bowl of fragrant pinecones mixed with cinnamon sticks on your mantel will do the trick. And you can do it all yourself! Here’s how to spread some heavenly scents throughout your house this holiday season.
AROMATIC FIRE STARTERS
Instead of kindling your fire with old newspaper, try these easy-to-make holiday-scented fire starters. Besides filling your
house with a winter fragrance, they make great stocking stuffers and party favors!
Gather together beeswax, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, mini pine cones, dried rosemary, cotton wicks, paper muffin liners, and pan. Then, fill the cupcake liners with bay leaves, cones, spices and herbs. Nestle a 1 ½” piece of cotton wick into the center of each well. Melt the wax and pour it into each well, making sure the items are partially submerged in the hot wax. Let cool, then remove from the muffin tin. Store in a tin or jar until ready to use!
Note: These are only for use in traditional fireplaces. Do not use for gas fireplaces or woodburning stoves.
HOLIDAY-SCENTED SIMMER POT
Toss some fragrant herbs into a pot of water and simmer away! We like to toss in orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and apple peels -- but you can use your own imagination. Then, keep it heated on low throughout the day. Bonus: the simmering water acts as a natural humidifier in dry winter homes. From: The Happier Homemaker
SPICED ORANGE POMANDER BALLS
Pomanders are a traditional holiday decoration that takes just a few minutes to make. And there are soooo many ways to use them! Hang them on your Christmas tree. Arrange them as a pretty centerpiece. Or wrap them up in a cellphane bag as a party favor. They make great air fresheners, too!
To make your pomanders you’ll need firm, fresh citrus fruit, some toothpicks, a jar of whole cloves, a citrus zester or a sharp vegetable peeler, a couple of rubber bands and, if you decide
to hang the pomanders, some kitchen twine. Use a corner of the citrus zester to make a few designs in the skin of the orange. A peeler works too, but will make wider strips. Push the cloves into the orange.
For added fragrance, you can finish by rolling the pomanders in ground spices, like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and of course, cloves. From simplebites.net.
SPICY FALL ROOM SPRAY
Even more instant than the pot simmer is a room spray made with essential oils. This blend really brings a nice woodsy, spicy outdoorsy scent indoors. You’ll need: 3 tablespoons vodka; ethyl
alcohol or witch hazel; 10 drops juniper or cedar wood essential oil; 10 drops clary sage or rosemary essential oil; 10 drops bergamot or orange essential oil; 10 drops cinnamon or clove essential oil.
Combine it all in a spray bottle and fill to the top with water. Shake well before spritzing. Makes 8 ounces. Note: do not spray directly onto skin, and avoid getting spray in eyes or inhaling.
By Lindsey Johnson
MASON JAR OIL CANDLE LAMP
This beautiful candle lamp is created with pine cones, evergreens, and cinnamon sticks, combined with essential oils that not only create a wonderful scent, but also makes for a great holiday gift.
Start by filling pint mason jars with botanicals: e.g., cranberries,
dried orange slices , pine cones , cinnamon sticks and some fresh cedar from the yard. Don’t stuff them too full. You need to leave some room for a floating wick (regular wicks will sink; floating wicks, used to light menorahs, are available at stores that carry Chanukah supplies). Using a wooden skewer - an old pencil would work too - position the plant material where it looks best. Add some essential oils –rosemary, sweet orange, lemon, cinnamon oil) to your olive oil. Then fill the jar with the oil, then add your floating wick.
As the oil burns, you can add some water, which will make the oil will rise, and allow you to burn the candle longer. However, if the candle goes unused for several days the water will turn and bacteria may start to grow, making the candle cloudy. It’s best to just add more oil to raise the level above the botanicals.
BEAUTIFUL READER
Coffee table books that make picture-perfect gifts
Everybody wants something pretty for the holidays, and few things are more beautiful to look at than a coffee table book. Plus, really good ones don’t just look good, they can also expand your horizons. Here are a few favorite titles that are sure to impress the film buff, music lover, or fashionista in your life.
FENDI ROMA by Carlo Ducci and Lella Scalia
$162
This gorgeous 272-page tome pays homage to 90 years of Fendi designs and the Italian city that influenced them.
70 YEARS OF CAPITOL RECORDS by Barney Hoskyns $113 Peek inside the world of the iconic record label, which has released music by eveyone from Miles Davis to Katy Perry.
NEW YORK:
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by Polly Devlin, photography by Annie Schlechter
$26
The over-the-top, idiosyncratic, and creative homes of New Yorkers. You’ll feel like you’ve
been invited to a dinner party where the conversation will not disappoint.
MADDIE LOUNGING ON THINGS by Theron Humphrey
$14
More than a collection of photographs depicting the quirky coonhound, Maddie, this book is also about the profound relationship between Theron Humphrey and his best friend as they travel the country.
HOUSEPLANTS AND HOT SAUCE: A SEEK-AND-FIND BOOK FOR GROWN-UPS by Sally Nixon
$13
Search for items such as “six girls wearing their sunglasses at night,” within an intricately illustrated scene of topsy-turvy. A Where’s Waldo for the modern age.
THE FLOWER EXPERT: IDEAS AND INPSIRATION FOR A LIFE WITH FLOWERS by Fleur McHarg
$25
The Melbourne-based style icon brings artistry to her arrangements, as well as her flower photography.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
36 HOURS WORLD: 150 CITIES FROM ABU DHABI TO ZURICH by Barbara Ireland
$28
Weekend trips to any city from Sao Paulo to Seoul to Sydney. This book contains 150 cities across six continents, each tailored for a memorable and feasible 36-hour stay.
TOUGH TALK
Politics seems to be the hot -make that incendiary -- topic on the tip of American tongues these days. Unfortunately, with emotions running high, that can lead to some tense, even confrontational, conversations at holiday gatherings. Here are tips to keep the conversation constructive and maintain the holiday spirit.
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES. Before you walk through the door, ask yourself if you’re okay talking politics. Don’t hesitate to set boundaries. It’s ok to say things like, “You know, the topic of immigration is upsetting to me. Can we skip it?”
REFUSE TO ARGUE Don’t be drawn into an argument. If tensions are rising, try saying, “Well, I think we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. Let’s go get some pie.”
LISTEN AND LEARN. It can be easy to get on your soapbox about an issue that’s important to you, but don’t forget to give the other person a chance to voice their own opinion. Opinions and feelings can’t be wrong. Facts can be wrong. Know the difference.
BE RESPECTFUL. Keep it polite and courteous. Don’t revert to name calling and don’t say things about the other person’s character. And, if someone insults you, don’t hesitate to ask them to cease and desist.
LIMIT THE ALCOHOL. Too much alcohol is like throwing oil on a fire. If Uncle Ned has really been hitting the eggnog hard, it might not be a good time to initiate a conversation about election results.
SHUT UP. If you’re pretty certain an argument is in the offing, consider keeping your thoughts and opinions to yourself.
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