Everyclienthasaparticularsetoflandscapingneeds,goalsand expectationswhenapproachinganoutdoordesign.Ifyouareseekinga “natural”look,orifyouprefera“refined”look,wecanhelpyouachieve yourgoals.Workingtogetherwecancreateadesignthat satisfiesyourneeds,withoutsacrificingyourdreams.
Callmeforapersonalconsultation! -Jeff
Window–Before
Window–After
Siding–Before
Siding–After
D.H.Radomski,HomeImprovementhasgrownintooneofthemostreputableand recognizablenamesinWestHartford...andbeyond.Whetheryou’relookingto makeyourhomemoreenergyefficient,orifyouwanttoimproveitsappearance andfunctionality,wecanhelpyouwithallofyourneeds,including:Roofing, Doors,Siding,Gutters&LeafProtection,Windows,DecksandPorchEnclosures. Pleasekeepinmind,we’lltraveltosummercottages,too.
ARTBLOOMSTHISSPRING ANDSUMMER
LisaLelas
Exceptionalshows,exhibitsand eventstoexplorethisseason. Including:Hill-SteadMuseum, NewBritainMuseumofAmericanArt,PlayhouseonParkand WestHartfordArtLeague
STYLE:SHOPLOCAL THISSEASON
ProducedbyBridgetteLarcada PhotographybyTrentonJackson Welcometheseasonwith: KimberlyBoutique,Antonia’s HairBoutique,LuxBond& Green,Silkworm,Sight,BK&Co., SpinMonorgrams&Gifts, MonarchJewelers,andBodytalk.
INSERT:SPECIALSECTION
FROMTHEPUBLISHER EnjoyPALETTE!
PEOPLE
W.H.Newcomers&Neighbors
SPOTLIGHT
ArtistJoshuaSmith
PEOPLE AroundTown
GARDEN
TipsandTricksfor PlantinginPrimeSeason!
BEAUTY
MatchingMake-uptothe Season’sGloriousColors!
WINE
Rosédefinitelyhasitsplacein today’strendycolorwheel
HomeDesignDistrictofWestHartford–Meetthebusinessownerswhomakethis destination“Yourroadtoabetterhome!”
ONTHECOVER: PaintingbyJoshuaSmithofFarmington.“TheMuse”,oiloncanvas. (Seemoreonpage16,andforyourinvitationtoseehisworkinperson,onJune10th,seepage51)
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ArtisticTrendSetters. ExploringTopFashion& ArtCitiesoftheWorld
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998FarmingtonAve.,Suite205,WestHartford,CT06107 www.westhartfordmagazine.com office860-523-1800
WestHartfordMagazineispublishedsixtimesayearbyWHMedia,Inc.SUBSCRIPTIONS:Oneyearfor$29.Newsstand$4.95each. Tosubscribe,reneworchangeaddresswrite:WestHartfordMagazine,998FarmingtonAvenue,Suite205,WestHartford,CT06107; www.westhartfordmagazine.com.EDITORIAL&LETTERS:editor@westhartfordmagazine.com–pleaseincludefullname,townandphone number(forverificationonly,notforpublication).ADVERTISING:860-523-1800.©2013WHMedia,Inc.Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthis periodicalmaybereproducedwithoutexpresspermissionofthepublisher.WestHartfordMagazineisaregisteredtrademarkownedby WHMedia,Inc.TheopinionsexpressedbywriterscommissionedforarticlespublishedbyWestHartfordMagazinearenotnecessarilythoseofthemagazine.
Publisher ThomasP.Hickey,II tomh@westhartfordmagazine.com
ChiefOperationsOfficer JoyBrighamTaylor joyt@westhartfordmagazine.com
ManagingEditor LisaLelas editor@westhartfordmagazine.com
PublicationDesigner JenniferInocencio graphics@westhartfordmagazine.com
StyleEditor BridgetteLarcada style@westhartfordmagazine.com
Interns
TrentonJackson,LaurenMilka
PublishingAdvisor JonathanMoffly
ContributingWriters&Columnists JoeBartlett,LydiaBrown,KarlaDalley,Tammy Kroll,RobertA.Laraia,LisaLelas,ErtanS.Sener
ContributingPhotographers CynthiaCagenello,TrentonJackson, RonniNewton/WestHartfordPatch, JoyTaylor,RichWagner
PrintAdvisor BobCarr
DigitalMedia/WebsiteCoordinator KateJones,Moonbase3
SocialMediaCoordinator LarahWinn
Bookkeeper DebbieRoberts bookkeeping@westhartfordmagazine.com
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Principals: ThomasP.Hickey,II JoyB.Taylor JamesH.Gould,III
WHMedia,Inc.: PublishersofWestHartford Magazine,DazzleandPalette.Custom Publicationsinclude:CCAOH“Help&Hope Magazine”;MonarchJewelers;Stanger&Arnold “TimesHaveChanged”andTheNewChildren’s Museum“Explore”.WebsiteDevelopment includes:www.ccaoh.org,www.thechildrensmuseumct.org,andwww.monarchjewelers.com.
950TroutBrookDrive WestHartford,CT06119 www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org 860.231.2824
Roaring Brook Nature Center
InHarmonywithNature
70GraceyRoad Canton,CT06019 www.roaringbrook.org 860.693.0263
ThissummerwillsizzleatThe NewChildren’sMuseumand RoaringBrookNatureCenter!
Ournewestexhibitisnowopen-Visit IMAGINATIONPLAYGROUND todaytowatchyour kids’creativitycometolife!ImaginationPlayground isamobileblock-basedplaysystemthattransforms children’sminds,bodies,andspiritsthroughactive, creativeplay.
Tokickoffthesummer,the“grownups”are invitedtojoinusfor“ANightonTheNile”–an excitingeveningfilledwithexoticfood,specialty cocktails,sciencefunandvisitsfromouranimal friends!thisisour17thAnnualGalatosupport ourinstitution,andittakesplaceonMay16th.
Thebutterfliesarecoming,thebutterfliesare coming!Thisisoneofourmostexcitingexhibitsof thesummer.Watchourwebsitefordetails!
Beforeyourkidscanevenutterthewords“what canwedotoday?”,youhavecountlessopportunities tosignthemupforsummercampsrangingfrom “JuniorGrossologists”to“JuniorVets”.
Pleaseconsultourwebsiteforallofthis andmore,andhaveagreatsummer! www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org
RobertGriesmer
President/CEO
TheChildren’s Museum
Palette readers… thank you for welcoming us into your home!
As the publishers of WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE, twice a year we identify neighbors in West Har tford, Farmington and Avon who we feel would be interested in having our spring (and winter holiday-Dazzle) special issues occupy a corner of the coffee table in your home We hope you enjoy Palette: our spring focus on ar t and fashion! If you like what you see please let us know by subscribing and guarantee deliver y to your home or office Visit us on line at w w w westhar tfordmagazine com for more details
Consider this your invitation to join WEST HARTFORD MAGAZINE – the media sponsor – at these exciting upcoming charity events in May: Join us on the front lawn of the West Har tford Town Hall on Saturday, May 11th for The Mayor ’s Charity Ball and again the following Thursday evening, May 16th, for The New Children’s Museum Gala (on-location at Trout Brook Drive) On Wednesday, June 12, we will host an ar t show at Chapter One, in West Har tford, featuring the work of Joshua Smith (see pages 16 and 51) This event will benefit local charities and be a fun night out in the beautiful showroom of Chapter One, at 121 Talcott Road
Hill-Stead Museum’s Sunken Garden Poetr y Festival will be celebrating 21 years this summer and thanks to Monarch Jewelers, Farmington Bank, DH Radomski, West Hartford Fence and Jeff Hodges Landscaping we have inser ted the playbill into this issue so you can plan on attending one or all of their events
A shout-out to Style Editor Bridgette, once again, as she continues to thrill our readers with her eye on Fashion (see Pages 54-71)
Please consider joining our Subscription Club (see page 82) so we can guarantee deliver y to your home or office and you won’t miss a single issue Wor th noting that if you JOIN the CLUB you get lots of perks like FREE tickets to events
Are you a golfer? Check out pages 48-49 for five oppor tunities to improve your game and suppor t wor thy non-profit organizations (even if you don’t golf ) at the same time!
Thomas P Hickey II Publisher tomh@westhar
tfordmagazine com
Magazines are Available at these locations: BARNES & NOBLE, Blue Back Square, West Hartford • PLIMPTON’S, 991 Farmington Ave , West Hartford EFFIE’S PLACE , 91 Park Rd , West Hartford • CORP. CENTER WEST, 433 S Main St , West Hartford MONARCH JEWELERS, 838 Farmington Ave , Farmington • BODYTALK, 51 E Main St (Rte 44), Avon Subscribe online at: www westhartfordmagazine com
EmilyAudibert,with WestHartfordPatchAdvertisingManager KaushikMakati,and SteveLeon,ownerof WineCellars4.
WestHartfordNewcomers&Neighbors (WHN&N) hostedamagicaleveningatthePondHousetoraiseover $6,300forTheTownThatCares(atowncharitythatruns thefoodpantry,andmanyothertypesofemergency assistance).Theevening’sfestivitiesbeganwithawine tastingbyWineCellars4,featuring33wines.10%of winepurchasesweredonatedtotheNoahWebsterHouse. Thesilentauctionfeaturedbasketsandgoodies.Special guestsfortheeveningincludedMayorScottSlifka speakingforthetown;MissConnecticut2012,Emily Audibertspeakingaboutfundraising;andthenight’s Emcee,JillPollackofHGTVCanada’sConsumed.Dancing washighlightedbyDJJoanDylanof100.5FM. Visitwww.WestHartfordNewComersClub.comformore informationaboutthisclub.
SpecialthankstofineartistJoshuaSmith forthisissue'scoverimage.AgraduateoftheUniversityofHartford withaMastersinpainting,JoshuaSmithfirststudiedattheLagunaCollegeofArt&Design.Withover25groupexhibitionsandmorethanadozensoloexhibitionsinthepastnineyears,SmithwasawardedtheprestigiousBest NewSOLOArtistattheNewYorkInternationalArtExpo2007,andmorerecentlyreceivedthe2013AcademyArts SciencesandLettresMedal.SeeJoshua’sartondisplayatChapterOne,121TalcottRoad,duringaspecialexhibiton Wednesday,June12.Learnmoreat:www.joshuasmithfineart.com.
courtesyoftheNassauCountyMuseum,detail
courtesy of the Tiffany & Co. Archives
Painter and Craftsman
May 24–September 29, 2013 at the New Britain Museum of American Art
Supportprovidedby:TheEdwardC.andAnnT.RobertsFoundation
ThePlayground,onNewPark Avenue,WestHartford,had thirtyridersparticipateinthe first“MissioninMotionSpin-AThon”tohelpraisefundsfor theLIVESTRONGCancerSurvivorFitnessProgramandthe YMCA'sStrongKidsCampaign. Justunder$4,000wasraised. (CLOCKWISEFROMTOPLEFT) Tim Venora andhiswife LaurieVenora,aLIVESTRONGinstructor. Dr.AndrewSalner intheLIVESTRONGjersey. Audrey and BruceCarlson PhotographycourtesyofShawnFongemie,ExecutiveDirectorWestHartford/Tri-TownYMCA
OneweekafterbombexplosionsatthefinishlineoftheBostonMarathontookthelives ofthreespectatorsandinjuredover260others,runnersgatheredatFleetFeet SportsinWestHartfordforatributerunandfundraiserforTheOneFundBoston. StephBlozy,ownerofFleetFeet,isinthetopphotoatthefarright. PhotographycourtesyofRONNINEWTON,WESTHARTFORDPATCH
totake careofyourcateringneeds!Whetheryouruniqueeventis largeorsmall,casualorformal–wecanhelpyouplan theperfectmenu,anditgoeswithoutsayingthatwe’ll tailoraplantoworkwithyourspecificneedsandbudget.
Lowrateswith unbeatablelocalservice AsWestHartford’sonly Certified PaymentProfessionals,wetakea consultativeapproach,gettingtoknow youandyourbusinessinorderto streamlineyourpaymentacceptance needs.Weofferservicessuchasmobile processing,automatedbilling,and electronicinvoicing,andcanintegrate ourserviceswithQuickBooks,pointof salesystems,andwebsiteshoppingcarts. Ourservicesarebackedwithanoterm contract,freeequipment,andpersonal accountservice.
“West Har tford Honorees” Tom O'Shea and his wife Carol (top), and Joe Stafford, Gail Repass Stafford and Kathleen Staunton ( bottom) were par t of the West Har tford contingent of the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee (CCCCC) which held its annual St Patrick ’s Day Parade Fundraiser at the West Har tford Town Hall. Photograpy cour tesy of KRISTEN SAUNDERS
The Junior League of Har tford hosted an evening dialogue at the Wadswor th Atheneum for its membership to discuss the topic, “Women in the Ar ts.” Moderated by Cathy Malloy, CEO – Greater Har tford Ar ts Council, panelists included Susan Talbott, Director & CEO – Wadswor th Atheneum; Judy Dworin, Executive & Ar tistic Director –Judy Dworin Performance Project; and Carrie Hammond, President & CEO –Har tford Symphony Orchestra Panelists pose with Junior League of Har tford President, Sarah Thrall Photograpy by CAROLYN HUDKINS
West Har tford resident, Patty Swanson was recently awarded the prestigious 2012 Connecticut Creative Photographer of the Year and the 2012 Connecticut Ar t/ Electronic Imaging Photographer of the Year by the Connecticut Professional Photographers’ Association (CTPPA) You may recognize Patty’s name as her work graced the cover of the Februar y/ March issue of West Har tford Magazine Photograpy by PAT TY SWANSON
Detailof“Duality”byAvonresidentandportraitartist KellyBirkenruth.Thispiecerecentlywon bestofshowattheWestHartfordArtLeague’sCT+6exhibit,inthetwogalleriesat37BuenaVista RoadinWestHartford.
OOurcommunityhasalways beenproudofitsartisticandculturalofferingsand thisspringandsummerisnoexception.
Fourofthestate’smostartisticvenuesare flauntinghotnewendeavorssure toenticeandinspireeveryone!
TheHill-SteadMuseum
ANationalHistoricLandmarkandanOfficialProject ofSaveAmerica’sTreasures,Hill-SteadMuseumin FarmingtonisastopontheConnecticutArtTrail andamemberofConnecticut’sHistoricGardens. The1901periodrooms,featuringavastcollectionof Impressionistmasterpiecesandoriginalfurnishings, areopenfortours,yearround.
Thisyearmarksthe21styearofHill-SteadMuseum’s prestigious‘SunkenGardenPoetryFestival’,heldoutdoorsinthemuseum’shistoricsunkengarden.ThefestivalopensWednesday,June12withPulitzer Prize-winner,TracyK.Smith,andcontinuesJune26 withPulitzerPrize-winner,PhilipSchulz.OnJuly10the festivalwelcomeshumanrightsadvocate,Carolyn ForcheandonJuly24it’snoneotherthanPresident Obama’sinauguralpoet,RichardBlancoasitsfeatured guest.TheseasonwrapsuponAugust7withformerU.S. PoetLaureateandpopularfavorite,BillyCollins.
“Thefestivalisatruereflectionofitsgardentheater,”
OnJuly24the(poetry)festival welcomesnoneotherthan PresidentObama’sinaugural poet,RichardBlancoasits featuredguest.
ThecrowdlistensintentlyduringaSunken-GardenPoetryreadingonthegroundsofFarmington’sHill-SteadMuseum.
saysMimiMadden,thefestival’sartisticdirector,“andhasavitalityandendurance thatspeaktothepowerofpoetryinour lives.We’rethrilledtopresentsuchasuperbcastofpoetsandmusicianseveryyear. There’sarealsenseofenthusiasmforthe FestivalandforHill-Steadasahubforpoetryinthestate.Andwearegratefulthat becauseofthisexceptionalcommunity, programslikethisandothersthriveatHillStead.
Justafewweekspriortothepoetryfestival,theHill-SteadMuseumpresentsitsannualMayMarketSpringSpectacular,a premiergardenandcraftsevent.Thisyear’s
keynotespeakerfortheeventisConnecticutresidentandnationallyrenownedhome andgardenstylist,CarollyneRoehm. Roehmisabest-sellingauthorofeleven booksandoneofAmerica’sleading tastemakers,trendsettersandlifestyleexperts.Herlatestpublicationis“Flowers.”
Roehmbeganherprofessionallifeinthe fashionworldwithOscardelaRenta,with whomsheworkedfortenyears.In1985,she launchedherownfashionhouse,and,althoughasuccessinthatrealm,shehada passionforbeautythatextendedbeyond thesphereofclothing.Shehasbeenfeaturedinpublicationsincluding HouseBeau-
Hill-SteadMuseum’sMayMarketspeakerCarollyne Roehm’sbook“Flowers.”
LouisComfortTiffany,PortofPiraeus,Greece,n.d.,Oiloncanvas,8x14in.
tiful,O,Fortune,ArchitecturalDigest,and NewYorkMagazine.
Withover65exhibitorsdottedthroughoutthelushgroundsofthemuseum’shistoric152-acrehilltopestate,Farmington Valley’sgardenandcraftsevent,drawsgarden,nature,home,lifestyle,historyanddesignenthusiastsfarandwideeveryyear.
Acknowledgedasthefirstmuseuminthe worlddedicatedsolelytocollectingAmericanart,theNewBritainMuseumofAmericanArt(NBMAA)isrenownedforits exclusiveartcollectionspanningthreecenturiesofAmericanhistory.Theaward-winningChaseFamilyBuilding,whichopened in2006,features15spaciousgallerieswhich showcasethepermanentcollectionandupwardsof25specialexhibitionsannuallyfeaturingAmericanmasters,emergingartists andprivatecollections.Ahugerosterofeducationalandcommunityoutreachprogramsareofferedthroughouttheyear.
Thisyear,theNBMAAproudlypresents TheBrillianceofLouisComfortTiffany:
PainterandCraftsmaninthemuseum’s McKernanGalleryfromMay24-September 29.Don’tmissthisrarewindowintothe paintingcareerofoneofAmerica’smostacclaimedartists!Openingreceptionwillbe heldonMay30from5:30-7:00PM.
TheBrillianceofLouisComfort Tiffany:PainterandCraftsmanexploresthe paintingsofLouisComfortTiffany(1848–1933).Ahighlysuccessfulandinfluential glass,jewelry,andinteriordesignermost closelyassociatedwiththeArtNouveau movement,LouisComfortTiffanywasfirst andalwaysapainterandwasthesonof CharlesLewisTiffany,whofoundedthe renownedjewelryandsilverfirmTiffany& Company.LouisComfortTiffanyinitially chosenottojointhefamilybusinessandinsteadpursuedhisownartisticinterests,but eventuallybroughthisartistictalentstothe familyjewelrybusiness.HedrewinspirationfromhisextensivetravelsthroughEurope,NorthAmerica,andNorthAfrica.
WhileTiffany’spaintingsarenotwidely known,theyrevealadeepunderstandingof lightandcolor.Ultimately,theseinterests developedTiffany’srefinementofglass,a
mediuminwhichheinvestedmuchofhis creativeenergies.
Atthecoreoftheexhibitionareover 100highlightsfromtheNassauCountyMuseum’scollectionofLouisComfortTiffany paintings,themostcomprehensiveofits kind.Thepaintingswillbearrangedaccordingtofourkeythemes:TheOrient,EuropeanScenes,AmericanLandscapes,and Figures&Still-lifes.Eachsectionwillbeaccentedwithstainedglasswindows,furniture,lamps,vasesandotherdecorative objectstodemonstratethecommonlink betweenTiffany’spaintinganddesign. TheseobjectscomefromanextensivecollectionoftheMarkTwainHouse&Museum,whoseinteriorwasdesignedby Tiffany’sfirm,AssociatedArtists,aswellas fromprivatecollections.Fivemagnificent necklacesdesignedorco-designedbyLouis ComfortTiffanyarealsoonloanfromthe premierholdingsofTiffany&Co.Archives.
Inadditiontothefeaturedexhibit,afull scheduleofaccompanyingeducationalprogrammingisplanned,includingthe CatharineM.RogersDistinguishedLecture:TheHouseTwain&TiffanyBuiltde-
liveredbyPattiPhillipon,BeatriceFox AuerbachChiefCuratoroftheMarkTwain House&Museumandapresentationonthe artofglass-makingbycraftsman,Sarah Segovia.Childrenandadultclasseswill focusonTiffany-inspiredprojectsandmaterials,aswillmerchandiseavailableinthe MuseumShop.
“We’reveryexcitedattheNBMAAtofill ourgallerywiththeworksofLouisComfort Tiffany!”saysMelissaNardiello,NBMAA marketinganddesignmanager,“everyone hasheardofTiffanylampsand,ofcourse, Tiffany&Co.,butwhoknewhewasalsoa painterandhowmuchitinfluencedwhat thecompanyproduced?”
PlayhouseonParkistheHartfordarea's mostaffordableandintimateprofessional theater,wheretheparkingisfree,theactors arerightoffBroadway,andthebackrowis justfourseatsfromthestage!ThePlayhouseturnsfourthisJuneanditwillbecelebratingitsanniversarywithabroadrange ofeducationalprogramsandatopnotch musicalshow!
Thissummerissuretobehotandspicyas PlayhouseonParkproudlypresentsthehit musical,Cabaret!Thisgroundbreaking 1998RevivalofCabaret,isbasedonthe bookbyJoeMasteroff,withoriginalmusic byJohnKanderandlyricsbyFredEbb.
SetinBerlinduringthe1930’s,astheNazi regimeisrisingtopower,thestoryfocuses onnightlifeattheseedy‘KitKatClub’and revolvesaroundanEnglishcabaretsinger, SallyBowlesandherrelationshipwitha youngAmericanwriter,CliffBradshaw. FromBroadwayinthe1960’s,theshowshot tointernationalpopularityviathe1972 OscarwinningBobFossefilmstarringLiza MinnelliandMichaelYorkandJoelGrey. Thisyear’ssummerproductionisunder thedirectionofPlayhouseco-founderand artisticdirector,SeanHarris,withmusical directionfromColinBritt,andchoreographybyfellowco-founderandartisticdirector,DarleneZoller.Thetheatreispleasedto announcethatactor,BrendanNorton, whommanywillrecognizefrompriorperformanceswillbeplayingtheroleofthe emcee.CabaretwillrunforaspecialextendedengagementfromJune12-July21. Ticketsrangefrom$32.50-$42.50andwill
RickFountain (right)andcastof “Ten...andcounting”atPlayhouseonPark. Conceivedanddirectedby DarleneZoller
Hill-SteadMuseum 35MountainRoad,Farmington www.hillstead.org (860)677-4787
Interimexecutivedirector:DebraK.Pasquale
TheNewBritainMuseum ofAmericanArt 56LexingtonStreet,NewBritain www.nbmaa.org (860)229-0257 Director:DouglasHyland
PlayhouseonPark 244ParkRoad,WestHartford www.PlayhouseOnPark.org (860)523-5900
Executivedirector:TracyFlater WestHartfordArtLeague 37BuenaVistaRoad,WestHartford www.westhartfordart.org (860)231-8019
Executivedirector,RoxanneStachelek
surely sell out quickly so order yours today!
The theatre is also excited about its upcoming ‘Summer Session’, a series of professional educational programs, offering opportunities for actors, dancers and singers of all ages and abilities. Programs include a two week intensive musical theatre preparatory course for students entering grades 3-8, a young actor training program for students entering kindergarten – grade 8, an intensive scene study course for high school students and adults, a directing workshop for high school teachers, a jazz dance boot camp, and evening master classes with professional guest artists. Space is limited
The award winning theatre also offers a variety of performances throughout the year. Plans are now underway for the 20132014 5th Anniversary Season!
“I am so proud of Playhouse on Park,” smiles executive director, Tracy Flater, “all that we do, the awards we have won (including Best Professional Theatre in CT ) and the critical acclaim we have achieved in just four short years. We have a long way to grow, and need more people to know about
us We are the ‘best kept secret’ in West Hartford.” Flater adds, “Our number one goal heading into season five is for more people to learn about our theatre and come see our performances! First rate, professional theatre at affordable costs, right here in Connecticut West Hartford is so lucky!”
Founded in 1934, The West Hartford Art League occupies two historic buildings on Buena Vista Road, as well as the town’s former one-room schoolhouse on Mountain Road, where studio art and pottery classes are now taught. The two galleries on Buena Vista showcase work by local, regional, and nationally known artists on a monthly basis. Admission to the galleries is always free and open to the public. They also offer a full schedule of children’s classes and a summer program every July for kids 5-18.
On Friday, June 14, The West Hartford Art League will present their 10th annual fundraiser, “Up on the Roof ” , held on the grassy roof overlooking its grounds and sculpture garden at 37 Buena Vista Road “Up on the Roof ” will illustrate their motto
that “the sky’s the limit” when it comes to art education and fun!
“Up on the Roof ” festivities will feature delicious food, drinks, music by DJ Peter H., and dancing, as well as both a live and silent auction with a wide variety of items. Live auction items include a weeklong visit to Martha’s Vineyard, a week’s stay in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and a trip to the legendary Hotel California in Baja, Mexico.
Goldsponsorsfortheeventinclude BNYMellonandSanbornMortgageCorporationofWestHartford.Maximum BeverageofBishopsCornerwillprovide bothwineandspeciallycreated“ARTgaritas”madewithHotelCalifornia brandTequila.OnyxSpirits,amicro-distilleryinEastHartford,willcreatetwo signaturecocktailsjustfortheoccasion madewithitspopularOnyxMoonshine, ahigh-proofgrainalcoholthatisthe firstauthenticmoonshinetobemadein ConnecticutsinceProhibition.
JordanCaterersofCheshire,regularlynamedthestate’sbestcatererby ConnecticutMagazine,willprovidedinner.Inaddition,horsd’oeuvreswillbe donatedbyseverallocalcompaniesincludingtheBlueElephantTrailThai restaurantinWestHartfordCenter,and anantipastotablewillfeatureartisanal farmsteadgoatmilkcheesesfromthe award-winningBeltaneFarmin Lebanon,CT,assortedcheesesfrom NewEngland-basedCabotCreamery,artisanalbreadfromtheChabasoArtisanBakeryinNewHaven,andplattersfeaturing
Mediterraneandelights,grilledveggies,and naturalcharcuteriemeatfromWhole FoodsMarket.Dessertswillincludecrepes madetoorderfromLaPetiteFrancebakery
inWestHartfordCenter.
Proceedsfromtheeventwillhelpto “paintabrightfuture”forchildreninthe greaterHartfordareabysponsoring summercampscholarships,aswellas supportingeducationalprogrammingat theWestHartfordArtLeague,anonprofitregionalartsorganizationwith morethan700membersstatewide.The WestHartfordArtLeagueoffersyearroundclassesforbothchildrenand adults,alongwithfreemonthlyartexhibitionsinitstwogalleries,andhas placedartthroughoutthelocalcommunityaspartofits“ArtinPublicPlaces” program.
“Ourannualfundraisersupportsour communityprograms”,saysexecutive director,RoxanneStachelek,“suchas theannualArtWalkfestivalweholdin September,alongwithprovidingneed basedscholarshipstoourclasses.” Stachelekisexcitedaboutthisyear’s fundraiser,“We’vegotagreatevent planned.It’sagreatopportunitytohavefun whileyousupportourorganizationandthe arts!” ■
TheChamberhaslaunchedanewinitiativecalled Quest500;theprogram’smissionistoreachatotal of500membersbyMay15th!
ForeachNEWpaidmemberthata current Chamber memberbringsin,theywillreceive$50offtheir nextrenewal.ThereferringChambermemberand thenewmemberwillbeenteredintoadrawingfor a$100giftcard...andmore(seeboxatright).
ThewinnerswillberecognizedattheChamber’s AnnualMeeting:June5th,WampanoagCountryClub.
Pleasevisitourwebsiteformorespecificdetails: www.whchamber.comorcontact BarbaraorMaryellenat(860)521-2300.
NEWMEMBERS AREENTEREDINTO:
■ Adrawingfora ChamberMember BenefitPackage (2ticketstothe annualmeetingin June;onesetof Chambermember mailinglabels;anew memberspotlight ontheChamber websiteand/orin ane-mailblast).
■ Adrawingfora $100giftcard.
byKarlaA.Dalley
Thisisthetimeofyearthat gardenerslivefor…even thosewhojustpurchasea fewpacksofannualsora hangingbasketortwo! Everywhereyougo,the worldisariotofflowers,plants,flowering trees,fruitandberrybushes,herbs, vegetablesplants,somewithfullgrown fruitalreadyonthem.Thebountyis overwhelming!
Bymakingsomethoughtfulchoicesnow atthegardencenter,yourgardenupkeep fortherestoftheseasoncanbemademuch easier.
First,decideonthetypeofgardeningyou willbedoing.Doyouneedtoreplacesome plantsthathavediedoverthewinter?Are youfillingsomespotswithannualsfor color?Areyouplantingedibles(herbs, vegetablesorperhapssomeberrybushes)? Areyourenovatinganexistinggarden? Knowingthiswillhelpyoufocusonwhat youneedatthegardencenterandkeepyou fromgettingdistractedbyallthealluring choices.
Checkthesunlightinyourgardenarea. Duetoaroughpastwinter,manytreeshave comedowninyardsandwhatmighthave beenashadegardeninthepast,couldnow beafullsungarden.Differentplantsmight needtobechosenforthatspot,andsomeof theexistingplantsmayneedtobemoved.
Planyourbloomtime.Whenthinking aboutpurchasingplantsforanewgarden, (oranythatyoumightberenovating)make severaltripstothegardencenteratvarious timesoftheseason.Ifyoupurchaseallthe plantsinAprilorMay,you'llhavealovely, springbloomingbedthatwillbenothing butfoliagefortherestoftheseason.Evenif
alloftheplantsyou'vechosendobloomin spring,thistypeofgardencanbelovelyfor therestoftheseasonifyouchoosesome plantswith‘colorful’foliage:variegated leaves,chartreuseleaves,ordarkerburgundyorpurpleleaves.Planaccordingly.
Whenplanting,remembertoleave properspacingbetweentheplantsto accommodatetheirmaturesize.During thefirstseasonthegardenmaylooksparse. Mulchinginbetweentheplantswillhelp unifythebed,orplantingsmallerannuals in-betweenforayearortwomightallow theplantstofillintotheirmaturesizewithoutbeingover-crowded.
Rememberafewthingsaboutnewlypurchasedplants.Takethosesizeandspacing requirementsliberally.Sometimesaplant straightfromthegardencenterwillbehave differentlythefirstyearinthegardenthan itwillinsucceedingyears.Aplantmay growtaller,orshorterasinthecaseof mumsandasters,forexample,thanthetag indicates.Withrespecttoultimateheight, rememberhowbiga6'shrubcanbe.Nurserypotsizecansometimesbedeceiving withshrubs.Thoseshrubsthatlookcute anddwarfcanstillgrowlarge,ifthatiswhat thecultivarisdesignedtodo!
Ediblesarealltheragenowandmostare colorfulanddecorativeenoughtobeincorporatedintoexistinglandscapebedsor plantedintopots.Justbesurethatnopesticidesareusedinthesegardens…youdon't wanttogothroughallthetroubleofgrowingyourownfoodandthenmistakenly sprayitwithpoisonousherbicide!
Herbsgrowbeautifullyinpotsandsome evenprefertogrowthisway.Basil,aswell assomeoftheotherMediterraneanherbs likethymeandrosemaryseemtolovecon-
tainerculture.Bestofall,aslongasyou haveasunnyspotnearthekitchen,the herbsarealwaysinreach.
And,asfarasdecoratingwithfreshflowers,rememberthatmanyperennialshavea longbloomtime,andofcourse,annuals bloomthroughmostoforallofthesummer.Freshflowersareaneasysummerdecorationbothindoorsandonthepatioor porch.Ifthisissomethingthatappealsto you,chooseflowersatthegardencenteraccordingly.Myhomeisrarelywithoutcut hydrangeasfrommygarden,forexample. Andwhileflowerarrangingisn'tmystrong suit,theydolooklovelywithalargecut hostaleafortwobehindthem.
Finally,noarticleaboutgardeningcanconclude withoutrememberingRichardPatrissi.Theman knownas"the MayorofParkRoad"wasalsothelong-time ownerofPatrissiGardenCenter.Beginners andseasonedgardenersalikecouldfind treasuresthere,bothintheirplantsaswell asinthefamily.RichardPatrissi'sfamilyrecentlyre-purchasedthegardencenter. Familyownedgardencentersarebecoming ararecommoditythesedays.Asgardeners, weneedtodoallthatwecantohelpthem thrive. ■
KarlaDalleyisagarden writerandspeakerfrom WestHartford. kdalley@comcast.net. gardendaze.wordpress.com
LocatedintheNewParkAvenueareaofWest Hartford,the HomeDesignDistrict offers everythingtoday’sbusyhomeownercouldneed tobuild,renovate,decorate,repairorfurnisha home.Whetheryouarea“do-it-your-selfer”or inneedoffulldesignandinstallationservices, youcanfinditthere!Theindependentmember businesseslocatedinonesquaremilemake homeprojectseasyandenjoyable.Itmaysound clichétosaythis,butit’strue.Whenyouvisit thebusinesses,meettheexpertsandseethe showroomsandthevastselectionandgrand arrayofdesignideas,you’llbeblownawayby theservice,affordabilityandquality.
Turnthepagetomeetthefacesbehind thebusinessesshownhere!
Since1992,SteveVendetta’s CTShower &Bath isbestknownfortheircustom glassenclosurestofitanytuborshower. Buttheyoffersomuchmore,including designandremodeloftheentirebath. You’llbeabletochoosefromanexhaustivelistofqualitybrandnameproducts thatwillfityourbudget.Steveandhis teamwanttohelpyoubuildtheperfect bath–yoursanctuary. 555NewParkAvenue.860.236.6500 www.CTShowerandBath.com.
GlassSamplesinavariety oftextures.
Theguysat CoastalTool&Supply knowtheirtools. CoastalTool has beeninbusinessforoverthirtytwo yearsandtheextemelyknowledgable staffcansellyoutherighttoolfor anyjobattheireverydaylowprices. Theypridethemselvesontherelationshipsthattheyhaveestablished overtheyearsbyservinghomeowners,contractors,industry,andstate andfederalagencies.Ifyoucan’tget totheirstore,visitthemonlineat www.CoastalTool.com. 510New ParkAvenue. 860.233.8213.
For76years Bartlett Brainard hasbeenknown asthecontractorin GreaterHartfordthat standsbehindtheirproductsandservice.From roofing,siding,windows anddoors–they’vegot theoutsideofyourhome covered!Atwo-timewinneroftheBetterBusiness BureauTorchAwardfor OutstandingMarketplace Ethicstestifiestotheir qualityyoucantrust. CathyDavis represents thethirdgenerationof YandowsatBartlett Brainardandthefirst womanowner.Withover 30yearsofexperienceand knowledge,shealsoadds awoman’sperspectivein herdesignservicesand attentiontodetail. 75TalcottRoad. 860.233.4475 www.BartlettBrainard.com
MarvinJanow’s CustomFraming Depot at 485NewParkAvenue has beenprovidingcreativeframingfor homeowners,officesandartistsfor morethan40years.Theyhavehundredsofmouldingsinstockandready toframeyourcherishedpieces!They arealsoknownforverycreative,custommirrors.Marvinandhisdaughter Laurel,arereadytomeetwithyouto planyourframingprojects.Stopinto seethevastselectionandtheirnew computerizematcutterwilldowondersforyourartpieces. 860.236.0800
www.CustomFramingDepot.com
DaleneFlooringCarpetOne: Witha vastarrayofflooringoptionstochoose from,DaleneFlooringoffersthelatest trendsinwood,laminate,tile,vinyl,carpet(broadloom,arearugsandrunners) andlinoleum.Theyalsospecializeindustlesssandingandfinishingofexistinghardwood.Asalocal,family-owned& operatedflooringstoreforover63years, theyhavetheknowledgeandexperience tohelpyoucreatethespaceyouimagined. Theyworkwithmanylocaldesignersand areaccustomedtohandlingcustomfabrications,intricateinstallationsandcarrya high-endselectionofwoolcarpets. 588NewParkAve.860.231.1576 www.DaleneFlooring.com
HollandKitchens&Baths featuresa spectacularshowroomwithallthetop-rated kitchenproductssuchasWood-Mode& Brookhavencabinets,CambriaQuartzcountertops,GrohefaucetsandsinksandSub-Zero refrigerators.Theirexperienceddesigners,who arerenownedfortheiringenuity,arehappyto assistyouwiththedesignofyourproject.And withover40yearsofexperienceinhomeremodeling,theirstaffhastheabilitytotakeyourproject fromdesigntocompletion.Theyhavethequality craftsmenthatwillmakeyourdreamprojecta realityandsomethingyouwillbeproudtoshow off! 590NewParkAvenue.860.236.3111. www.HollandKitchens.com
SalCamera andhisloyalteamofskilled tradesmenknowthestonebusinessand givegreatattentiontodetail. Surfacesin Stone providescustomcountertops,vanities,fireplacesurroundsandothercustompiecesinalmosteverycoloryoucan imagine,inGranite,Marble,Limestone, Soapstone,andmore.Theyalsohave manyengineeredquartzbased stones.Visittheirshowroomin Tile
America forexamplesoftheir finework. 585NewParkAvenue 860.236.1931
SurfacesInStone.com
Jerry at JoeCornfield’sWallpaper hasover600,000wallpaperpatterns, andover1,000wallpaperbookson hand.Ifyoucan’tfinditthere,you won’tfinditanywhere!Aselect groupofbookscanbeborrowed toallowyoutolookatthepatterns inyourownhome.Newtothe showroomaredesignerblinds& shadesaswellascustomcloset designsondisplay. 485NewParkAvenue 860.233.0070 www.WindowsWallsClosets.com.
Jerry andloyal side-kick Corkyinthe wallpaper “library.”
BartlettBrainardProducts Category:Windows,Doors&Siding www.BartlettBrainard.com
CTShower&Bath Category:BathDesign&Products www.CTShowerandBath.com
CoastalTool&Supply Category:Tools www.CoastalTool.com
CunninghamSupply Category:PlumbingFixtures& Supplies www.CunninghamSupply.net
CustomFramingDepot Category:PictureFraming www.CustomFramingDepot.com DaleneFlooringCarpetOne Category:FloorCovering
www.DaleneFlooring.com
JoeCornfield’sWallpaper Category:WindowTreatments, WallCovering www.WindowWallsClosets.com HollandKitchens&Baths,LLC Category:Kitchens&BathDesign www.Hollandkitchens.com
SurfacesinStone Category:Countertops www.SurfacesInStone.com
TileAmerica! Category:Tile&Stone www.TileAmerica.com
JoeLimieroinacornerof histileshowroom
Tile samples. Wood-texturedfloortile.
JoeLimiero’s enthusiasmfor newandartistic tilesisobvious. Thevarietyof colors,textures andpatternson displayat Tile America! at 585 NewParkAvenue willblowyour mind! (The5,000 sq.footshowroomis full,neatandinviting.)Theglasstiles arestillpopularasanaccent,as arethemetallics.Oneofthenewer stylesthatisgrowinginpopularity isthetilemadetolooklikewood! 860.236.1931 www.TileAmerica.com
CunninghamSupply isathird-generation,familyownedandoperatedresidentialandcommercial plumbingandheatingsupplier.Theyhavebeen providingtopnotchservicetohomeownersand contractorssince1948.Their“KohlerPremier Showroom”at 705OakwoodAvenueExtension inWestHartfordwillsurpriseyou–itisavirtual Kohlercatalog! 860.953.2101. www.CunninghamSupply.net
byTammyKroll
Warmweatherhasfinallyarrivedandsohas springfashion,inallitsglorious,floral beautytobrightenandsoftenmemoriesof theharshwinter.Bye-byestarkblacksand redsandhellosoft,femininepastels.Let’s explorehowwecanseamlesslytransform ourwinterskinandhairtocomplementthislook!
Withtheintricacyofprintsthisfashionseason,it’sbesttokeep ourcomplexionsasmoothcanvasfordramatic,butsoft,eyesand lips.Startwithclean,fresh,blemishfreeskin.Besuretousepure andsafe,PHbalancedproductstocleanseandmoisturize. Readlabelsandavoidanywithmineraloil,animalbyproducts, preservativesandchemicalfragrance–allofwhichcancause drying,allergicreactionsandinhibitproperskinrespiration. Tryacellularrenewalmaskwithanaturalexfoliate,likepapaya enzymetoremovedeadskinandrevealanewglow.Followupwith asuperhydratingmasktofurtherplumpupskintoappearmore youthful.
Next,investinaqualitymake-upprimertosmoothimperfections,minimizethelookofporesandprovidealonglastingbasefor softcolorstoadhereto.Lightlydabsomeyellowtonedconcealer (bestcoveragefordarkcircles)underyoureyes,concentratingon
theinnercorner,thensmoothonaliquidfoundation,perfect forthistimeofyear.Chooseonewithaddedbrightenersand moisturizerstofightthewinterslingeringsallowness.Ourskin cravesmoistureafterdrywinter’sairandindoorheatingsystems havedonetheirdamage.Don’tforgettheSPFof20orhigherin yourmoisturizersandfoundationstoprotectskinfromthesun’s damagingrays.Wecanslipinandoutofourcuteoutfitsbut wecannotchangeoutofourskin.Soitisimportanttogiveitthe ultimateofcare!
Accordingtolocalmake-upartistandesthetician,MollyRoberts, pastelsarealsoinformake-upandnails.Shadesoflilac,mintand palepinkarewhatworksthisseasonfornails.Peachisinforlips, eyesandcheeks.Therearemanyshadesavailablesobesuretotry outafewbeforecommitting,tofindthosejustrightforyou.Eyes cangodramaticthisseasontobalanceoutfashion’sintricateprints andpatterns.Browsarefullerandwellgroomed(fillinskimpy browswithamatchingpencilusinglightfeatherystrokesfora naturallook).Whilethesmokyeyeisstillastaple,experiment withthevarietyofcolorstocoordinatewithyouroutfit.Lighter shadesduringthedayanddeeper,moreheavilylinedforan eveningout…perhapsevenaddingsomesparklesanddecorative rhinestones,forfun.Experimentwithfalseeyelashesorhavea
• Ourskincravesmoisture afterdrywinterairandindoorheatingsystemshavedonetheirdamage.
• Shadesoflilac,mintandpalepink arewhatworksthisseasonfor nails.Peachisinforlips,eyesandcheeks.
• Alwayslinethelipwithcolor closelymatchingyourlips’naturaltone.
• Agoodstylistwill notonlygiveyoutheperfectcutandcolorbutalsomixspecialhighlightand tonestoflatteryourcomplexion.
westhartfordcenter 982farmingtonave. 860.216.0124 findusonfacebook!
professionalpermanently applythemtoreallyopen upyoureyes.Another eye-openingtrickisto dabalittleluminescent highlightontheinnercornersoftheeyesbythe bridgeofthenoseandon yourbrowbone(even blendsomeonyourcheek bonestohighlightthem, aswell).Lipsarefulland lushthisseasoninbrightpeaches, tangerineandevenfuchsia–astaplecolor thisseason.Hereagain,useahighly moisturizingformulaandfinishwitha shinyglossforafuller,brightenedlook. Alwayslinethelipwithcolorclosely matchingyourlips’naturaltone.
Hairthisseasonrangesfromlong straightorsoftwaves,tosleekpulledback ponytailsandevenretrobeehivelooks! Pixieshavealsobeenspotted.Sothereare plentyofoptionsavailabletoyou.Consult withyourhairstylisttogetitjustright. Agoodstylistwillnotonlygiveyouthe perfectcutandcolorbutalsomixspecial highlight&tonestoflatteryourcomplexion.Tokeepyourtressesintiptopshape, avoidoverwashingwithsulfateladenshampoos.Sometimesagoodrinse andconditionerisallthatisneeded. Experimentwiththemany,new,dry shampoosonthemarket,aswell.Many swearbytheirabilitytofreshenyourstyle andenableyoutogrowoutyourhaireasier.
So,whatareyouwaitingfor?It’stime togetoutwiththegirlfriends,enjoythe warmweather,lunchandshop!And,while youarecultivatingthatnewgardenofa wardrobeto‘plant’inyourcloset,pamper yourselfthisseasonandletyourself blossom! ■
TammyKrollisaDistrict ManagerwithArbonneSkin Care&alicensedZumba instructor.Contacther TammyKroll2@yahoo.com.
AllcontentwithinthisBEAUTYcolumnisprovidedforgeneral informationandeducationaluseonly,andshouldnotbetreated asasubstitutefortheadviceofyourownbeautician.
Rosédefinitelyhasitsplacein today’strendycolorwheelofwine!
byErtanS.Sener
IrememberthisTwainquote–incenterofpage–every timeItastewine,especiallywhenIamchoosingwine forotherstoenjoy.Theonestyleofwinethatisbecomingeasierandeasiertosuggest,butstillmightget apauseandaraisedeyebrowwhensuggestedis…rosé. No,no,no…notthatsweetpinkstuffthatyouhaveto getwhenyourgreatauntcomesoverfortheholidays(and eventhatisokay,refertotheopeningquote!),butthatwonderful,dry,refreshingwine,whenchilled,isthebridgeof enjoymentbetweenwhiteandred.Let’stakeaWine101 momenttoexploretheworldofroséinthreeeasysteps.
Whatdoesawinemakerhavetodotoget theirwinetoblush?YouknowwhatImean… thatperfectpinkhue.Well,rememberthatthe colorofwinecomesfromtheskinofthegrapes, ortheanthocyanins.So,noskincontact,no colorinthejuice.Whitewinecanalsobemadefrom redgrapes(considerChampagne).Thereareanumberofwaystomakerosé,buttodaytherearetwopreferredmethods.Thefirstistokeeptheskinsincontact withthejuiceforashorttime,ashortmaceration.Thiscouldbe aslittleasafewhoursuptoacoupleofdays.Dependingonthe grapevarietywilldependonhowlongthisprocesswilltake.Some grapevarietieshavehigheranthocyaninsthanothers.Forexample, inthesouthofFrance,wheretheMediterranianclimatecallsforthe refreshingqualitiesofrosé,thegrapemostcommonlyused tomakeroséistheredgrapeGrenache,sinceitisslightlylackingin anthocyanins.Thesecondmethodistoactuallybleed(saignée) smallamountsoffinishedredwineintosomefinishedwhitewine, togetthedesiredhue.Thecolorsofroséareverybeautiful!They rangethespectrumofpinkfromverylight,almostunpersevible, toalightred.Well,timetomovetosecondstep.
Pears,Peach,PassionFruit,OrangeBlossoms,Floral,Wild Strawberries…seewhatImean?Thatisjustashortlistofperfumesthatwilljumpoutoftheglass.Now,ontostepthree…
“Thereareno standardsoftasteinwine, cigars,poetry,prose,etc. Eachman’sowntasteisthe standard,andthemajority votecannotdecideforhim orinanyslightestdegree affectthesupremacyofhis ownstandard,” –MarkTwain,1895
Rosésareagreatwineforthistimeofyearwhentemperaturesarerising,anditmightfeeltoohotforaglassofred.The tasteofrosé,dependingonthegrapevarietyorvarietiesused, couldreflectthesimilarscentsthatareonthenose.Besides thereflectionofgreatrefreshingfruitflavorsdeliveredtothe palatefromthisdrywine,isthetextureormouthfeel.Rosé ismeanttobeservedchilledsoitimmediatelyperksup thepalate,thenthesensesaresurprisedbythe wonderfulreflectionofredfruitthattheflavor hastooffer.Allthispleasureiscontainedina liquidthathasacreamytexturecoveringthe tastebudsinallitsbeauty.Roséisafantastic choiceforanendlesslistoffoodpairings.Perfectpairforanythinginthepicnicbasket,especiallymayonnaisebaseddressingsorspreads,such aschickensalad,eggsalad,aiolis,deviledeggs…youget thepicture.Rosésaregreatwithsaladsandcanstandup tomanystylesofsaladdressings.Justbecauseit’spink,doesn’t meanitisnottough.Rosécanstanduptocertainfoodsthatarenot winefriendlysuchasartichokesandasparagus!Flanksteak,sure! Chicken,ofcourse!Pastaswithalighttomatocreamsauce, um…YUM!Therearereallynobadpairingswithrosé,justsome thatarebetterthanothers.Notjustforhotweather,roséiseven greatasachoicefortheThanksgivingtable.Whenwhitesarenot enoughandredsaretoomuch,Itendtothinkpink,roséthatis.
Rosédefinitelyhasitsplaceinthecolorwheelofwine.Havefun thisseasontryingthevariationsonathemewithalltherosésthere aretosample.Roséisthatno-brainer,whenyouarelookingfora perfectwinetopairwithanoutdoorconcert,grillin’atapicnic,or justrelaxingonthefrontporchthisseason.Cheers! ■
Remembertotaketimetostopandsmelltherosés!Theoverall smellofeachwineisasuniqueasitscolorandtasteprofile.Get yournosereallyintheretodiscoverallthewondersofrosé.The “nose”(thebouquetandaromaofthewine)canbeasprettyasthe color.You’llbeamazedofallthecomponentsthenosemightcontain.WildCherry,PinkGrapefruit,Raspberry,BlackPepper,Herbs,
ErtanS.Sener,wineeducator,hasbeenseenin Wine SpectatorMagazine,andisthebuyer/managerat WestSideWines&Spirits.860-233-1241. westsidewines.com.
Thetophonoras‘THE’fashioncapitalofthe modernworldin2012:London,England. RegentStreetisoneofthemajorshoppingstreetsin Europe,wellknowntotouristsandLondonersalike.
byLydiaBrown
Thelureofarthistoryand trendyfashioncertainly drivesmanytoexciting destinationsalloverthe world.Ifyouareafashionista,oraloverofallthings artistic,youtoo,maywant toconsiderexploringsomeofthehippest citiesontheglobe!WherewouldYOUgo?
Wheneverartandfashionarementioned inthesamebreath,surelyvisionsofParis immediatelycometomind.Let’sfaceit, Parisisconsideredtheiconicfashion capitaloftheworldandboastssomeofthe finestartmuseumstoboot.Thousandsof touristsflocktotheseethe“cityoflights” andexperiencetheambienceoftheFrench
culture.Experiencessuchasfloatingdown theRiverSeineasthecitybridgesbeginto alight,magicallyonebyone,asifoncue, onlydrawsyouinevenfurther.Butalas, Parisdidn’tevenmakethetopthreeoflast year’sfashioncapitals!
NowwhenitcomestoArt,however,the LouvreinParisisthelargestandmostvisitedmuseumintheworld.Themuseum openedin1793andishousedintheLouvre Palace,aformerroyalpalace.Thefamous glasspyramidwhichisinthemaincourtyardoftheLouvrePalacewasaddedinthe 1980’sandservesasthemainentrance.The museumismostknownforbeingthehome ofthe“MonaLisa”.
SonowIbetyou’rethinking,ifParisis
notthefashioncapital,ithastobeourvery ownNewYorkCity.Well,evenNewYork Citywasedgedoutofthetopfashionhonor in2012.NewYork’sfamedfashionweekis oneofthetopeventsinthefashionworld. Nottobeoutdone,NewYorkisalsohome totwoofthetop10museumsintheworld.
Notbeingafashionista,Iwasperplexed astowhoelsecouldholdthehighesthonor infashion.IfIhadtoguessagain,Iwould havesaidMilan.
AndIwouldhavebeenwrongagain!Not NewYorkCity,MilanorParis?Whatelseis left?!Well,areyouready?
Thetophonoras‘THE’fashioncapitalof
FarmingtonRiverFinancialGroupisheretohelpclientsenjoywell balancedandfulfillinglives,byeducatingindividualsabouttheirfinancialchoicesandmanagingexpectationsinacomplexinvestmentworld.
Weunderstandthechoicesyoumaketodaydeterminehowyouwill balancepayingforcollegetuition,risinghealthcarecosts,andsavingfor acomfortableretirement.Ourphilosophyistoworkbyyoursidewhile providingtheclearguidanceyoudeserve.
BarbaraH.Taylor
FinancialAdvisor
PaigeSteinert
ClientRelationshipManagerforBarbara
LoriL.Johndrow
FinancialAdvisor
JacquelineB.Clark
ClientRelationshipManagerforLori
the modern world in 2012 (and will most likely be for 2013, as well)…London, England! London-based fashion designs are known for their extravagant quirkiness, while Parisian designs are regarded for their elegant, refined and chic formal nature
However, both cities also have upscale haute couture and high fashion shopping districts London is also home to a museum in the top 10 in the world no, not the Tate Gallery, but the British Museum! Yes, According to the Global Language Monitor, London claimed the Fashion Capital crown from New York (the 2010 Fashion Capital) in 2011 and repeated in 2012. The ascendance of Kate Middleton and the London based Olympic games were frequently cited as being instrumental in London's rise. In 2009, Milan had claimed the title of top fashion capital. Milan and Paris have longstanding traditions of excellence and creativity in design of clothes as well as haute couture, while Paris’ focus lies mostly in “Haute Couture”.
Maybe it’s time to pull out your most fashionable garbs and pack for a vacation of elegance you won’t soon forget! ■
1. Louvre, Paris
2. Egyptian Museum
3 . Vatican Museum
4. Metropolitan Museum (NYC)
5. British Museum, London
6. Uffizi Galler y (Florence)
7. Hermitage Museum (St Petersburg)
8. Museum of Modern Art (NYC)
9. Guggenheim, Bilbao
10.National Palace Museum
Lydia Brown lbrown@sanditz com
Sanditz American Express Travel
West Har tford, ( 860 ) 523-5224
The whole town is invited!
We will celebrate our church’s 300th bir thday on May 19 with a special ser vice at 10:00 am and a family-friendly par ty at 10:45 Par ty on the lawn with music by the Jolly Beggars Band, games, face painting and balloon ar tist and cake! Sign the special guest book. Wear RED and hats are encouraged too!
12 South Main St , West Har tford Center 860-233-9605 • www whfirstchurch org
www.wampanoagcc.com
16ozFrenchedvealrack
2cAllpurposeflour
2cItalianbreadcrumbs
2cEggwash(eggmixedwithasmallamountofmilk)
Cookingoil
1ozArugula
FreshGarlic
2ozYellow&RedCherryTomatoes
1. Pre-heatovento350degrees.
2. Cutvealrackinhalf,4bonesineachhalf,thencoverwithplasticwrap,and poundwithmeattenderizeruntilthinandflat.Dredgepoundedvealracks withflour,coveringbothsidesthoroughly.Dipracksintoeggwash,coating well.Dredgeinbreadcrumbs,onallsides,untilcoveringwell.
3. Addoiltocold,oven-safesautépan,andplaceonmediumheat.Whenthe panishot,addvealracks,cook2minutesononeside,andthenturnoverand cook2additionalminutes.Putthepanintheoventobakefor8minutes. Whenyoutakeitout,letitsitfor5minuteswhileyoupreparethearugula.
4. Sautearugulaandtomatoesinhotoilandfresh,mincedgarlic,veryquickly, untiljustwilted.Servevealrackswitharugulaandmashedpotatoes,orrice. Makestwoservings.
ChefJoeBartlett,Executive ChefforWampanoagCountry Club,WestHartford,CT,since Aprilof2012hasasloganhe pickedupfromhisdad:“Ifit’s notfun,don’tdoit.”
ChefJoebeganhisculinaryjourneyin1994,after graduatingfromtheConnecticutCulinary Institute.Heisastrongsupporteroflocal farmsandsustainableagriculture.Histrained eyeanddistinctivepalatehashelpedinelevating thequalityoffoodservedatWampanoagdaily. AndfortheseeffortsinMarchofthisyear, ChefJoewasinductedintotheLesAmis d’EscoffierSociety.Ontheeveningofthe induction,ChefJoeandhistalentedkitchen staffpreparedan8-coursemealforclose to100culinaryprofessionalsfromaround thestate!
WampanaogCountryClubmembershipinformationisavailableby contactingPeterJoyce,GeneralManageat860.236.1691ext.102,or peterj@wampanoagcc.com.Non-membersmaydineasguestsof members,andarewelcometobookeventssuchasweddings,reunions, fundraisers,etc.
Openseven daysaweek forbreakfast, lunchand dinner.
GreatHome-CookedMeals! Effie’sPlaceFamilyRestaurantwelcomesyou tocomeenjoyamealwithyourfamily,friends, orco-workers.Greekspecialties,salads, sandwiches,andamazingdesserts! CallforDailySpecialslist 91ParkRoad,WestHartford,CT06119 860-233-9653 www.effiesplace.net
206TerryPlainsRd,Bloomfield
Yourparticipationinthis tournamentistheopportunity tohelptochangetheworldof ateenmother,anorphaned childorawearycommunity inneedofaid–oneprecious childatatime.
Tuesday,May21,2013
12:30p.m.Shot-Gun a better worldtheadoption connection,inc. www.abwadoptions.org (860)677-0470
KevinDowd,Co-Chair:kmdowd@comcast.net,860-748-9664
JohnHeslin,Co-Chair:johnh@wdkinsurance.com,860-573-4986
Golfpagessponsoredinpartbywww.Mygolfmarker.com (providingpersonalizedgolfballmarkersandnoveltygolftowelssince1999).
June11,2013•12:00PMShotgunStart WampanoagCountryClub,60WampanoagDr.,WestHartford ThegoalofTheMiracleLeagueofConnecticutistobuilda cushionedsyntheticsurfacedbaseballfieldandallaccessible playgroundforchildrenwithspecialneeds.
2013HonoraryCo-Chairs
Pleaseregisterearly!Thistournamentsellsoutfast! Email:golftournament@miracleleaguect.org.
TITLESPONSOR: HelpusperformaMiracle! www.miracleleaguect.org
Planning&examiningyour financesshouldbeapriority!
byRobertA.Laraia,CIC,RFC
Here’sthescenario…you getacardinthemail,one ofthoselittlereminders tellingyouit’stimefor yourannualfinancial checkup.Yourreaction: I’lltakecareofthatlater.Wrong.Here’s whyyoushouldlookforwardtoit.
Whydoyouneedanannualreview? Becausethingschange,andduringthe courseofthelast12months,youmayhave …changedjobs,mademajorpurchases, welcomedanewchild,retired,boughtor soldaresidence,decideduponnewgoals. Thesedevelopmentscanchangeyourfinancialobjectives.Also,itisjustsensibleto measureyourfinancialprogress.Ifyou arenotmakingprogressinaccumulating assets,orifyouareassumingtoomuch riskasaresultofyourcurrentportfolioor financialdecisions,it’stimeforchange.
Theannualreviewshouldbea“deep breath”whereyoucangetawayfrom dailydistractionsandthinkclearlyabout financialplanning.
Imaginelettingyourinvestmentsgofor fiveortenyears,assumingthatthey’re doingokaywhileyouwonderwhatthe quarterlystatementsmean.Imaginebeing afewyearsfromretirementonlytofind youhavelessthanayear’ssalaryin savings.Imaginepassingawayandleaving unresolvedmoneyissuesforyourloved ones,orsubjectingthemtoacontentious probateprocess.
Thesescenariosarealltooreal…people
runtofinancialadvisorsforhelpwiththem everyday.Iftheyhadonlyreviewedwhat washappeningwiththeirlivesfinancially, theycouldhaveplannedtoavoidtheseissuesinadvance.Puttingfinancialmatters offcanbedangerous.
Thisisanidealtimetotakealookinthe mirror,financiallyspeaking.Duringyour annualreviewyoucanestimateyournet worthandpossiblylearnaboutanytax changesthatmightaffectyourinvestments, businessorestate.It’salsoagoodtimeto makevoluntaryIRAcontributions,andget collegefundingandfinancialaidapplicationsunderway.
Financialplanningisnotaneventyou doonceinyourlifetimeandforgetabout. Financialplanningshouldbeanongoing priority.
10pitfallstoavoidwhen performingyourfinancialfacelift:
#1:Lendingmoneytofamily& friends. Youmayknowsomeone whohaslentafewthousandtoasisteror brother,afewhundredtoanoldbuddy,and soon.Generosityisavirtue,butpersonal loanscaneasilytransformintopersonalfinanciallossesforthelender.Ifyoumust loanmoneytoafriendorfamilymember, mentionthatyouwillchargeinterestand setarepaymentplanwithdeadlines.Better yet,don’tdoitatall.Ifyourfriendsor relativescan’tlearntobudget,whyshould youbailthemout?
#2:Spendingmorethanyoumake. Livingbeyondyourmeans,living
onmargin,whateveryouwishtocallit,itis apathtowardsignificantdebt.Wealthis seldommadebybuyingpossessions. Today’sflashymaterialitemsmaybecome thegaragesalejunkof2025.Yet,thetrend continues:a2012FederalReserveSurvey ofConsumerFinancescalculatedthatjust 52%ofAmericanhouseholdsearnmore moneythantheyspend.
#3:Savinglittleornothing. Good saversbuildemergencyfunds,have moneytoinvestandcompound,andleave thestressoflivingpaycheck-to-paycheck behind.Ifyoucan’tputextramoneyaway, thereisanotherwaytogetsome:asecond job.Evenworking15-20hoursmore perweekcouldmakeabigdifference. Theproblemisfartoocommon:aCreditDonkey.comsurveyof1,105households lastfallfoundthat41%ofrespondents hadlessthan$500insavings.Inanother disturbingdetail,54%oftherespondents hadnosavingsstrategy.
#4:Livingwithoutabudget. Youmay makeenoughmoneythatyoudon’t feelyouneedtobudget.Intruth,fewofus arereallythatwealthy.Incalculatinga budget,youmayfindopportunitiesfor savingsanddetectwastefulspending.
#5:Frivolousspending. Advertisers canmakeusfeelasifwehavesudden needs;needswemustrespondto,needs thatcanonlybemetviathepurchaseofa product.Seetheirploysforwhattheyare. Thinktwicebeforespendingimpulsively.
#6:Notusingcashoftenenough. No onecandenythattheworldrunson credit,butthatdoesn’tmeanyourhouseholdshould.Paywithcashasoftenasyour budgetallows.
#7:Gambling. Rememberwhenpeople hadtogotoAtlanticCityorNevada toplayblackjackorslots?Today,behemoth casinosareascommonasmajorairports; mostmetroareasseemtohaveoneorbe withinanhour’sdriveofone.Ifyoudon’t likesmokeandcrowds,youcanalwaysplay thelottery.Therearemanyglamorousways tolosemoneywhilehaving“fun”.The bottomline:losingmoneyisnotfun.Allit takesiswillpowertostopgambling.Ifan addictionhasoverruledyourwillpower, seekhelp.
#8:Inadequatefinancialliteracy. Is thefinancialworldboring?Tomany people,itis. TheWallStreetJournal isnot exactly RollingStone,and TheEconomist ishardlylightreading.Youdon’thaveto startthere,however:great,readableand evenentertainingwebsitesfilledwith usefulfinancialinformationabound.Read-
• Ifyouarenotmakingprogress inaccumulatingassets,orifyouare assumingtoomuchriskasaresult ofyourcurrentportfolioorfinancial decisions,it’stimeforchange.
• Yourannualreviewshouldbe a“deepbreath” whereyoucanget awayfromdailydistractionsandthink clearlyaboutfinancialplanning.
inganarticleperdayonthesewebsites couldhelpyougreatlyincreaseyourfinancialunderstandingifyoufeelitislacking.
#9:NotcontributingtoIRAsorworkplaceretirementplans. Evenwith allthecomplaintsabout401(k)sandthe lowannuallimitsontraditionalandRoth IRAcontributions,theseretirementsavings vehiclesofferyouremarkablewealthbuildingopportunities.Theearlieryou contributetothem,thebetter;themore youcontributetothem,themorecom-
poundingofthoseinvestedassetsyoumay potentiallyrealize.
#10:Doityourselfretirement planning. Thosewhoplanfor retirementwithoutthehelpofprofessionalsleavethemselvesopentoabrupt,emotionalinvestingmistakesandtaxandestate planningoversights.Anothercommon tendencyistovastlyunderestimatethe amountofmoneyneededforthefuture. Fewpeoplehavethetimetoamassthe knowledgeandskillsetpossessedbya financialservicesprofessionalwithyears ofexperience.Insteadofflirtingwithtrial anderror,seeaprofessionalforinsight. ■
RobertA.Laraia
Foundingpartner,Northstar WealthPartners,LLC 29SouthMainSt.,SuiteB-8, WestHartford 888-886-7737 www.nstarwp.com
Thisarticleisforinformationalandeducationalpurposesonly andshouldnotberelieduponasthesolebasisforaninvestment decision.Consultyourfinancialadvisor/tax/legalconsultant regardingyourpersonalcircumstancesbeforemakingany investmentdecisions.
TheexpertsatFrenchCleanerscanhandleallyourfabriccare needsfromkhakisandjeanstocouture. Ourawardwinningservicewilldelightyou. Don’tsettleforanythingless.
“You’veGotMyWhole FamilyComingand ThatIncludes 5Vehicles.”
-Tony,customer
“Ilovethiscarwash!” -Theresa,customer
“Absolutelythebestcarwashin NewEngland!Iamveryperticarwhenitcomesto myvehicles.IlovewhatIdriveandIwant whatIdrivetolovemeback.”
-John,customer
DETAILING: Thecompletedetailingexperienceissecondtonone... airventsarecleaned,windowswashedinsideandout,carpetsshampooed... yougettheidea!
RUSSELLSPEEDER’SFULLSERVICEHANDWASH associatesarehiredbecausethey arethebest.Theyarefriendly,speedyandpassionateaboutcustomerservice. Yourvisitstartswithahospitablegreetingwhileyoudeterminewhichservice yourvehiclerequires.Thenyouareinvitedtooneofthepristinewaitingareas whileyourcarisdriventotheconveyorbelt(nopullchainsusedhere),then theyvacuumtheinside,washtheexteriorbyhand,cleanthewheels,anddry thecar.Thentheycleantheinsidewindows,wipethedashandconsoleand wipethedoorjambs!
Whenyoumix CUSTOMCARWASH equipmentwiththebestcleanersavailable, theresultisacarthatiscleaner,shinieranddrierthanyoucouldeverimagine.
ProducedbyBridgetteLarcada
PhotographybyTrentonJackson
AAswegivespringandsummerfashionsan exceptionallywarmwelcomethisseason,weare refreshedbycolor(mints,chartreuse,peaches,etc.) ANDcomfortedbytheclassicblackandwhite(back“in style”thisspring).Wealsowanttotakethisopportunity toencourageyoutogetoutofyournormalroutineand toshoplocal,browse,trythingsonandevenventureinto shopsandboutiquesyou'venevervisitedbefore.
Ourfeaturedstoreownershavethistosay:
1.WhatsetsKimberlyBoutiqueapart?
WeALLreallylovewhatwedoandIthinkitcomesacross notonlyinourthoughtfulselectionofmerchandise butalsointheshoppingexperiencehere.Wetrulyget toknowourclientsandwhattheyneedandwant. Everyonehasfunhere–boththeclientsandthestaff!
2.Whatisyourfavoriteitem/trend/style fortheseason?
TheladiesofKimberlyBoutiqueareLOVINGtheneon trendthisspring...anditseemsourfavoritedesigner thisseasonisNicoleMiller.Everyshipmentwereceiveis betterthanthelast!
3.WhendidKimberlyBoutiqueopenin WestHartford?
Itookoverfor"224Park"wheresheleftoff(thatwas 2004).
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknowaboutthe store,Kimberly,orherteam?
Well,ImajoredinBiologyandwassupposedtobeoffto medicalschoolaftergraduation.Apart-timejobatSAKS whilestudyingforexamsledtoachangeofplans.
5.HowdoesKimberlylivealocallifestyle?
IlivehereinWestHartford,sendmykidstoschoolhere, votehere,shop,anddinehere.Ilovethistown,notjust theCenter,butthewholetown.Ifeelveryluckytohave foundit!
–KimberlyMattsonMoster
“Everyonehasfunhere–boththeclientsandthestaff!”
KimberlyMattsonMoster,thevisionaryowner ofKimberlyBoutiqueinWestHartfordCenter, isseenherewithherfabulousteammembers; Lisa,BethandLindsey.
1.WhatsetsAntonia'sHairBoutiqueapart?
AtAntonia'shairboutiqueourclientswillalwaysbetreatedwithgenuinecare tomeettheirneeds
2.Whatisyourfavoritetrend/stylefortheseason?
Thetrendfortheseasonistoembracethehair’snaturaltexture.Softwaves, loosebuns,andbraidsareverypopularandflattermosthairtypes.
3.WhendidyouopeninWestHartford?
TheSalonopened9yearsago,butIhavebeenworkinginthecommunityfor morethen20years.
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknowabouttheyourself,oryourteam?
IhadtheopportunitytotrainwithmanyMasterCuttersincludingFredric Fekkai,JohnSahag,JuanJuan,andLouisSantanelli.Bycombiningtheir differenttechniques,Iamabletodesigntheperfectcutformyclients;cutting hairbothwetanddry.
5.Howdoyoulivealocallifestyle?
Duringdowntimes,welovetoshop!WestHartfordislikeasecondfamilyfor meandforusinthesalon.Oftenweareliketheyellowpagesforourclients recommendingwheretoshop,dine,orwhattoseethat'snew.
–AntoniaMelcon
“Softwaves,loosebuns,andbraidsare verypopularandflattermosthairtypes.”
Antoniahasararequietmomentinhersunny, second-floorsaloninWestHartfordCenter.
“Diamondsarealways agirl’sbestfriend”
1.WhatsetsLuxBondandGreenapart? Ourstaff,unparalleledqualitymerchandise andexceptionalservicewhetheritisfor a$10or$1,000,000transaction.
2.WhatisLuxBond’sfavoritejewelry itemfortheseason?
Helen'sfavoriteshavetobediamondsof course!Theyarealwaysagirl'sbestfriend. Brenda'scurrentfavoriteisIppolita.The brownorblackshellslicesin18ktyellowgold gowitheverythingandsheloveshersterling silverbangles...allofthem!
3.WhendidLuxBondandGreenopenin WestHartford?
Weopenedin1957at60LasalleRoad,andwe moved,in1987,totheformerOldEnglish Shop(men'sclothingstore)at46LasalleRoad (ourcurrentlocation).
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknow aboutthestoreownersorstoreorteam? Only1%offamily-ownedbusinessesmakeitto thefourthgeneration.Marc,JohnandBob GreenhavebeenrecognizedbyJFC(Jewelers ForChildren),JohnandBobGreenhavebeen recognizedbyTheNationalJewelerHallof Fame,AGSTripleZeroandotherinternational jewelryrecognitions.
5.Howdoyoulivealocallifestyle? It'seasyinWestHartfordCenter!
–TheGreenfamily
LuxBond&GreenstoremanagersHelenandBrenda welcomecustomerstotheWestHartfordstore.
1.WhatsetsSilkwormapart?
Serviceisourmainpriority,wetakethetimetounderstandourclientsneedstobuildtheright wardrobefortheirlifestyle.
2.WhatisSilkworm’sfavoriteitem/trendfortheseason?
Color!Brights,pastels,black,white,wehaveyoucovered!Ifpasteljeansaren'tyourtaste,trya babypinkearring,aredenamelnecklace,orevenafuchiascarf.Turquoisehasbecomeayear roundbasicandflattersmostskintones.
3.WhendidSilkwormopeninWestHartford?
Weareinour3rdSpringandcelebratedbyhavingatoydriveduring themonthofApril.ThetoydrivebenefittedtheCTChildren'sMedicalCenter.
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknowaboutthestore,youoryourteam?
Isang“HappyBirthday”toRichardGerewhileworkingat'ilCantinoriinNewYorkCity.
5.Howdoyoulivealocallifestyle?
Withsomanywonderfulrestaurants,Iusuallyhavelunchout.Antonia,atAntonia'sHair Boutiqueupthestreet,takescareofmyhair;IseeNilceatNelsonSalon,CarlatCentralOptica, Bridgewaterchocolateformychildren;Lauren,atLabrazel,whenI'mreadyfornewtowelsor sheets;Kelly,atKellyBurkeInteriors,designedourfabulouscurtainsanddeskskirt,and Sugarbelleforcupcakes.Daswanialwayshastheperfectitemformyhusbnd,andSpruceis therewhenIwanttofindagreataccentpieceformyhome.Ifeelliketheluckiestretailertobe nexttoPfau'sHardware,CaféSofia(bestespresso),SevanJewelers,andToastWines! It'sgreattoembracethislocalfamily.
“WantColor?Brights,pastels,black,white... wehaveyoucovered!”
SilkwormOwnerEricaMorizio takesprideinhercollectionof items,forchildrentowomen,inher WestHartfordCenterboutique.
“Justlikeawelltailoredsuit, wefittherightsize,shape, andcolorframeforyourface.”
1.WhatsetsSIGHTapart?
Customization!Justlikeawelltailoredsuit,wefittherightsize,shape,andcolor frameforyourface.Weevenadjustforunequaltemplelengthstobejustrighton yourheadandears.Ourlensesaredesignedbasedontheclient’sheight,individual frameandpersonalfit.Weprovideindividualizedhealthcaretreatmentplansand recommendations.
2.WhatisSIGHT’sfavoritepieceofeyewear/frameline/trend/ stylefortheseason?
WelovehandmadeframesinNaturalmaterials.Rolfisawoodcollectionthatit100% woodincludingthehinge,theyalsohaveastonecollection.HoffmanHornisanother naturallinewhichispersonalizedbysize,shape,horncolors/patternsandtheoption offabricinlays.
3.WhendidSIGHTopeninWestHartford? August2006.
4.SomethingfunwemaynotknowaboutSIGHT?
EveryoneonourteamhasaneyeglassprescriptionexceptforourownDr.Lambright.
5.Howdoyoulivealocallifestyle?
Ilive,work,playandshopintheCenter–allviamybicycle.
–Dr.MelissaLambright
Dr.MelissaLambright,alongwithS andraandSusan,takegreatcarein bothyoureyehealthandyoureyewear attheirconvenientlocationon SouthMain.
“Webelievethatbeinga fabulouswomanisallabout howyoufeelaboutyourself andhowyoupresentthatself totheworld.”
1.WhatsetsBK&COapart?
KarenandIbelieveinfabulous.Andfashion.Andfriendship. Andprobablynotinthatorder.Webelievethatbeinga fabulouswoman(aninspirational,confident,respected,and well-likedfriend)isallabouthowyoufeelaboutyourselfand howyoupresentthatselftotheworld.BK&COappreciates thatwithineverywoman,fabulousislurkinganditisourjob tobringitoutandcelebrateit.
2.Whatisyourfavoriteitem/trend/stylefor theseason?
Dresses,Dresses,Dresses.OurfavoritesarefromtheD.I.V.A. Award-winningDesignerJospehRibkoff,whoseversatile dressesoffertheuniquestylingthatrespondstothemultidimensionalneedsofourfashioncustomers.Nobodydoes itbetterthanJoseph!
3.WhendidyouopeninWestHartford?
Wehavebeenhelpingwomenfindbeautifulclothingthatfits andflattersfor18yearsinWestHartfordCenterandloving everyminuteofit!
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknowaboutyourselves, thestore,oryourteam?
Almosteveryoneknowsthatthe‘B’andthe‘K’havebeenbest friendsforalmost40years.Whatpeoplemaynotknowisthat Karenwroteahighschoolpaperoutliningherdreamtoopen awomen’sstorewithherbestfriendbackinhighschool.We thinktherealityofwhatweofferourcustomertodayisanear perfectreplicaoftheinspirationofthatinitialteenagedream.
5.Howdoyoubothlivealocallifestyle?
Livingalocallifestylemeansinvestinginourcommunity. Weknowourcustomersandthedetailsoftheirlives:their children,wheretheywork,whattheylovetodo,whatthey boughtthelasttimetheywerein.Wehaveconversations. Welisten.Weareasupportiveneighbor,citizen,andcaring friend.Webelieveinourbusinesscommunityandcommit toshopping,diningandstrollinglocallywithbusinessesthat arelike-minded.Shoppingsmallalwaysbringsbigjoy!
–BarbaraKarsky(andKarenHerbert)
BarbaraKarskyandKarenHerbertarethe passionateownersofthisstunningwomen's boutiqueintheheartofWestHartfordCenter.
1.WhatsetsSPINapart?
SPINisallaboutfindingtheperfectpersonalizedgift, whetherthatisthroughaddingamonogramtoablanket, engravingtoakeychainorthatlittlehostessgiftthatyou justwanttograbandgo.Notonlydowehavemanyunique things,weareabletopersonalizethemveryquickly becausewedomostofitinhouse.Weloveworkingwith ourcustomerstohelpthempickoutjusttherightgiftand sometimessomethingjustforthemselves!
2.Whatisyourfavoriteitem/trend/stylefor theseason?
Wehavesomanynewbeautifultotebagsforspringand summerandtheylookgreatwithamonogram!
3.WhendidyouopeninWestHartford?
WeopenedinBlueBackSquareNovember2012.
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknowabout yourself,yourstore,oryourteam?
Thenameofthestoreisacombinationofmytwo daughters’firstandmiddlenames.
5.Howdoyoulivealocallifestyle?
WelovelivinginWestHartford!Thereisasenseof communityandpeopleseemtowanttosupportlocal businesses.Andtheshoppingandrestaurantsaregreat!
–MarcieHumphries
“Weloveworkingwithour customerstohelpthem pickoutjusttherightgift andsometimessomething justforthemselves!”
MarcieHumphries,ownerofSPINMonograms&Gifts, designedherstoreinBlueBackSquare,andhas monogramingequipmentonsite.
1.WhatsetsMonarchJewelersapart?
SERVICE,SERVICE,SERVICE...it'sallaboutcustomerservice.Wetreat everyonethesamenomatterhowbigorsmallyourbudget.Everygiftis wrappedandpresentedtoyouasthoughyouspentafortune,even whenyouhaven’t.WehavebeenservingtheFarmingtonValleyand WestHartfordfor33years!Wenowhavethechildrenandyeseven grandchildrenofourfirstcustomerscomingintoseeusforengagement ringsandspecialgiftideas!
2.WhatisMonarch’sfavoriteitem/trend/stylefortheseason? “Raw”diamondsjustcameinandifyouhaven'tseenthemupcloseyou muststopintocheckthemout.Pearlsarebackinabigwayandjustin timeforthemonthofJune...evenifyouhavepearlsyoudon'thaveanythinglikethese!Ofcourse,silverisalwaysbigforSpringandSummer alongwithour“ArmCandy”–Alex&AniandPandora.
3.WhendidMonarchopeninFarmington? 33yearsagoinasmallboutiqueandjustlastyearweexpandedto4,000 squarefeetintheheartofFarmingtonattheEpicurePlaza.
4.Somethingfunwemaynotknowaboutthestore,it'sowners, ortheteam?
JustrecentlyitwasannouncedbytheFarmingtonChamberof CommercethatMonarchJewelerswillbehonoredinearlyMayasthe SmallBusinessEntrepreneuroftheYear!WeareproudofourfamilyrunbusinesswithAngelaandLeeatthehelm;ournephewJesseisthe Manager;Angela'ssisterDebbieistheOfficeManagerandourniece Ginahandlesyoursalesneeds.
5.HowdoestheMonarchteamlivealocallifestyle?
Wealllivelocallyandareinvolvedinthecommunity.AngelaandLeelive aroundthecornerfromthestoreandaremembersoftheCountryClub ofFarmington.Theyareactivelyinvolvedinthecommunityeveryday!
– TheDeFelippiFamily
“MonarchJewelerswillbehonoredin earlyMayastheSmallBusiness EntrepreneuroftheYear!”
Gayle,StoreManagerTerryBerthiaume, Co-ManagerandBuyerAnnaMancinoneandErica arethegorgeousladiesofthehighendclothing boutique,BodyTalk,inAvon.
MarshaDavidsonopenedBodytalkonMay1st1985. Itbeganasastoreforexerciseanddancewithleotards andtights-henceforththename.Asthecustomer dictated,thestoreevolvedtobecomethe contemporarywomen'sclothingstoreitistoday.
In1992,Marsha’shusbandNoelDavidsonretiredas PresidentofWomen'sSpecialtyRetailingwhich consistedofCasualCorner,CarenCharles,August Max,PetiteSophisticates,andUpsandDowns.He wasretiredforashorttimebeforesuggestingthe openingofasecondBodytalkstorein1993onMain Street,andsoNoeljoinedthebusiness.
InApril2012MarsharetiredasbuyerandAnna Mancionesteppedeasilyintohershoes.Annahad beenco-managerfor20yearsprior.Sheknowsher customerwell.ThenumberoneruleatBodytalkis thatthecustomercomesfirst.Wehaveprided ourselvesonthispremiseforalmost28years;that meansfullservice.
Asfarasstaying"local",we(theDavidsons)liveour livesonRoute44.Ourdoctor,dentist,grocerystore, exercisefacility,hairsalonand,ofcourse,workareall inthisarea.WehavelivedinAvonalmost30years!
– MarshaandNoelDavidson
Believing,aswedothateverychilddeservesa safe,lovingandpermanenthome,wehave twomaingoals:Wefacilitatetheplacement oftheworld’sneedychildrenwithfamilies intheUnitedStateswhileproviding humanitarianaidtothechildrenstill waitingforaforeverhome.
Themissionof ABetterWorld is toprovidecompleteand compassionateservicesto birthparents,childrenand adoptiveparents.
Ourgoalistofocusonthechild’s basicneedsforhealth,safetyand lovewithanemphasisoncreatinga positiveexperienceforeveryone.
(seenextpage)
“ThankstoABetterWorld,ourlivesare richerandfuller.Thechildrenweadopted havegivenusthetruemeaningoffamily.” (AnAdoptiveFamily)
Webelievethateverychildneedsanddeservesaloving home.Inexploringadoption,you’llhavemanychoicesto consider.Adoptionworksforsinglesandcouples.Wewill workwithyoutocreateanadoptionplanthatmeetsyour needsandtheneedsofyouradoptedchild.Ourcaringand professionalstaffwillhelpyounavigateeverystepofyour adoptionjourney.
Wearemorethananadoptionagency,andourcommitment tochildrenextendsintoallthatwedo.Formorethana decadewehavefundedhumanitarianaidprogramsto improvethelivesoffamiliesandchildrenaroundtheworld.
Closertohome,weprovidecomprehensiveservicesfor at-riskyoungpeopleandforhomeless,pregnant,and parentingwomenandtheirchildren.
Dr.ElaineBlondinMello ExecutiveDirector
Email: betterworldadoptions@comcast.net CONTACTINFORMATION: (860)677-0470 74BattersonParkRoad Farmington,CT06032
Wearecommittedtofindinglovinghomesforthe orphanedandabandonedchildrenaroundtheworld. Adoptionworksforsinglesandcouples.Wewillcreate anadoptionplanspecifictoyourneedsandthoseofyour adoptivechild.Ourcaringprofessionalstaffwillhelpyou navigateeverystepofyouradoptionjourneybothhere andabroad.
WhatMakesusSpecial:
● EthicalPractices
● Quality&Integrity
● AttentiontoDetail
● Education&Support
● Confidentiality
● PostPlacementServices
YouarenotAlone Wearehereforyou.Othershave foundthemselvesinsimilarcircumstances-pregnant, confusedandunsureaboutwhattodo.Wecanhelp.
Weoffer:
● QuickResponse
● Compassion
● Confidentiality
● MedicalCare
● Assistancewith BasicNeeds
● Education&JobPlacement
● ReferralServices
● PeaceofMind
“Iwasafraiduntilafriend recommendedcontactingABetter World.I’msogladIdid...and nowmybabyhasalovinghome.” (ABirthmother)
“ThankyouABetterWorldfor helpingcomplete ourfamily!” (AnAdoptiveFamily)
Domestic AdoptionServices
Wedevelopanindividualizedadoptionplanforyou. Ourstaffofexperiencedprofessionalsareheretoguide youthrougheverystepoftheprocess.International adoptionisalsoavailable.
CreatingaPositive AdoptiveExperience
● Education&Support
● Sensitivity
● Guidance
● Privacy
● EffectiveServices
● PeaceofMind
● Results
WeProvide HumanitarianAid
ABetterWorldpartnerswithlocalandglobalorganizations toprovidesupportiveservicesandalternativestopoverty. Wearecommittedtoimprovelivesinourcommunityand aroundtheworld.
Howyoucanhelp:
● IndividualDonations
● CorporateDonations
● Clothing,Furniture, MedicalSupplies, Formulaandotheritems
“Mydreamsofhavingafamilycame truethankstoyou!GodBless!” (AnAdoptiveMother)
ABetterWorldisa501(c)(3),not-for-profit,non-sectarianorganization.Yourdonationsaretaxdeductible. www.abwadoptions.org
ABetterWorld, TheAdoptionConnection,isa501(c)(3), non-profit,non-sectarianagencylicensedbytheStateof Connecticut,toprovideInternationalandDomesticAdoptionservicestofamiliesthroughouttheUnitedStates.
● EthicalPractices
● CompassionateCare
● Confidentiality
● SupportiveServices
● Professionalism
● PeaceofMind
ABetterWorlddoesnotwaiverinitsresponsetothe plightofthechildrenoftheworld.
Wheneverwecan,wetrytobringthe orphanedchildrentoa“foreverfamily.” However,thisisnotalwayspossible andwearecommittedtothecountless childrenforwhomthisisanunattainable dream.Wegivethemfoodandclothing, buildhomesforthosewholivewithout
LicensedbytheStateofConnecticut,ABetter WorldisamemberoftheConnecticutCouncil onAdoption,FocusonAdoption,Joint CouncilonInternationalChildren’s ServicesandtheAmerican CounselingAssociation.
ABetterWorldisguided byanoutstandingBoard ofDirectors.These individualshavededicated themselvestohelpingthe smallestdenizensofthe earth,aswehumbly participateinaglobal humanmandate.Itis onlythroughthe generosityofdonors thatweareableto carryonthisgoodwork.
shelter,subsidizemedicalclinics,buyschoolsupplies,and provideessentialaidtomeettheneedsoforphanages.
Thestaff'sgoalistofocusonthechild’sbasicneedsfor health,safetyandlove.
Individual,skilledandsupportiveservicesareextendedto prospectiveadoptiveparentsinordertofacilitatethe adoptionprocessandpreparethemtoreceivetheir adoptedchild.
In all facetsoftheprocesstheemphasisisonproviding innovative,supportiveandeducationalserviceswiththe intenttocreateapositiveadoptiveexperienceforthe entireadoptiontriad.
WeKeepitConfidential: Itwouldbeourpleasuretoanswerany questionsyoumayhaveaboutInternational andDomesticAdoption.
ABetterWorldisa501(c)(3),not-forprofit,non-sectarianorganization.Your donationsaretaxdeductible.
Pre-OwnedLuxuryWatchesarenow availablefirstcome,firstserved!*Watches havenever,andwillnevergooutofstyle,andat MonarchJewelers,you’llfindnotonlysomeunique pre-lovedwatches,butagreatselectionofnewhisand hersSeiko,SaintHonoreandPulsar.PLUS,ourbuyers havebeenbusypickingoutunique“MonarchJewelers” watchesjustforyou.Fullstainlesssteelconstructionand Swissmovements. Ifwedon’thavesomethingyou want,tellusandwecangetitforyou!
A customer of the 100-year-old French Cleaners, Ryan McKain was asked to draw the lucky recipients of “free dry-cleaning for one year” during a special day at the store, recognized as one of America’s Best
W.H. Town Manager Ron VanWinkle is congratulating Richard Moffitt, of West Hartford, as the first person to sign up as a “Service Provider” for The Seniors Job Bank (SJB). This popular job referral program has recently restarted, and Seniors are encouraged to sign up with SJB. Visit www.seniorsjobbankct.org. Photography courtesy of ROBERT CAVE
Thank you to our major sponsors for making our 14th annual gala a great success for the more than 8,250 children and families we serve each year.
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PLATINUM SPONSORS
Drs. John A. Bierly, Peter J.M. Peterson, and Jesse M. Sorrentino
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Bob and Frankie Goldfarb
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West Hartford Exchange Club
GOLD SPONSORS
Bank of America
BlumShapiro
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CohnReznick LLP
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Otis Elevator Company
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T o w n
President Barack Obama cracked only a few smiles during his emotional speech at the Chase Family Arena at the University of Har tford in April, to push his effor ts for new gun control legislation This was Obama’s second visit to Connecticut since the Newtown shootings, and first visit since Gov Dannel Malloy and the Connecticut legislature passed strong new gun legislation Obama greeted Newtown family members after his remarks
(FAR LEFT) Robert Slifka, father of West Har tford Mayor Scott Slifka, with Robin Smith
(LEFT) Senator Beth Bye with House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, before the president spoke
(BOT TOM LEFT) Gov Dannel Malloy spoke passionately about the impor tance of gun control laws
(BELOW) Ian and Nicole Hockley, parents of Dylan Hockley who was slain in the Sandy Hook School massacre, sat next to Gov Dannel Malloy, and others including President of the University of Har tford Walter Harrison, and West Har tford Mayor Scott Slifka
Honorary Club Members
In Memory of Betty Ann Ambrosi In Memory of Judith Gengras McDonough
Gold Club
In Memory of George & Jean Brigham In Memory of John & Joan Hickey
Charter Club
Lee and Angela DeFelippi, Monarch Jewelers
Friend Club
Phil Bonee
Joan B. Brigham
David Brown Associates
Carl & Amy Cianci
Business Friend
Kevin & Katheri ne Conway
Susan and Ned Dunn
Plus Hall
John & Tracey Heslin
Mary & Ed Kycia
Rick & Kathy Liftig
Mercy Community Health, Inc.
Governor Dannel & Cathy Malloy
Jim & Fran McNally
Pompanoosuc Mills
Robert & Kathleen Spencer
Tom & Kerry Spignesi
Bruce Stanger, Esq.
J.J. Tillinghast Entertainment
Tim Tuell, CPA
Jeffrey & Nicole Whitlock
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