Glastonbury, CT June 2023

GLASTONBURY'S EDDIE

ESTEVEZ RECENTLY FINISHED A "PULL UPS FOR PLAYGROUNDS"

FUNDRAISER FOR CABO VERDE JUNE

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Happy Father’s Day!

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18 and as an homage to all the dads and father figures out there, June is also our Gentlemen's Issue. In keeping with that theme we have several stories this month about and for men.

Our cover guy is Edward “Eddie” Estevez, who immigrated to the U.S. from the Republic of Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde. when he was a toddler. A longtime Glastonbury resident who worked in corporate marketing until a few years ago, Eddie now volunteers with Cabo Verdeans United and helps the group raise money to build playgrounds in his native island nation. Eddie’s two daughters also opened a bakery here in town recently and Eddie volunteers there as well.

We also have a feature this month on a local family-owned business that sells products to get any man’s heart beating faster. Cofiell’s Sport & Power Equipment has been in business in Glastonbury for more than 50 years and sells all the high-quality tools and toys you need to play and work around the yard!

We spoke with the folks at Comparion Insurance , a local agency that sells many lines of insurance. The mid-year mark is a good time to review your insurance needs, they told us, and they have numerous products that go beyond the basics of insurance coverage.

Looking for a great gift for Father’s Day? How about some fresh coffee beans roasted locally? So. G Coffee Roaster in South Glastonbury roasts its own coffee beans, grown around the world, and sells it by the cup or the pound. The shop also bakes its own fresh pastries and soups each day, so what could be better on Father’s Day than having a fresh cup of Joe and a pastry on the shop’s porch?

Finally, ever wondered what’s up with the golf flags in the backyard of that house on Chestnut Hill Road? That’s the home of Tim Thompson, a retired landscaper who became so enthralled with golf that he decided to turn his 3.5-acre backyard into a private golf course. We spoke with him about what drove him to build his 9-hole course and how he’s already planning out expanding it to 18 holes.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a Happy Father’s Day!

GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER

@GLASTONBURYLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Eileen McNamara eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jill Barry | jill.barry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Ivy Perrelli | ivy.perrelli@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lucinda Jamison

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Ambrose, Kevin Savage, Carrie Draghi, Melanie Lust, Kara Dorsey, Nicole Bedard

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Let’s

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• Comprehensive foot and ankle care.

• Conservative management of foot and ankle conditions.

• Surgical management of foot and ankle conditions.

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• Minimally invasive Bunionectomy.

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At Vale Foot & Ankle Surgery, both of our doctors perform the minimally invasive bunion correction. This state of the art procedure allows for:

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Christina and Tom Villecco at Watkinson School's "A Watkinson Affair," at the Hartford Marriott. 2: Michael and Valerica Schoenfeld 3: Raheem and Nichelle Mullins, Katie Blair Powers and Dana Greenberg at the event. 4: Avi and Erica Smith-Rapaport 5: Watkinson' Head of School Teri Schrader and Marjorie Davis at the event. 6: Alison and Chris Murphy 7: Steve and Lisa Sadinsky, with Johanna and Brian Zelman Photography by Kara Dorsey

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @glastonburylifestyle

1: The CT River Valley Chamber welcomed Dottie’s Sea Moss Wellness Bar with a ribbon cutting. 2: The Chamber recognized the Hilton Garden Inn with a plaque presentation. 3: Page Turning Travel joined the chamber and held a ribbon cutting.

BILL DOAK, EAST HARTFORD GAZETTE CT RIVER VALLEY CHAMBER

CT RIVER VALLEY CHAMBER

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Synergy School in East Hartford Participates in Credit For Life

Students from Synergy School in East Hartford participated in Credit For Life, sponsored by Liberty Bank. This event introduces students to life concepts including choices in career, budgeting, housing, transportation, health and wellness, food and nutrition and more. Kadji Anderson from Berkshire Hathaway, represented housing, assisting students with housing options based on their monthly income. Visit Synergy.easthartford.org for information.

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Glastonbury Partners in Planting Marks 20 Years

Glastonbury Partners in Planting is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. The group works on behalf of the public lands of Glastonbury and its most recent large project was redesigning and installing a new landscape and hardscape at Fire Station #1 on Main Street. The group also recently celebrate its founding with a celebration and speakers. Visit GPIP.org for more information.

Photography Provided

CT River Valley Chamber Takes Part In Business Day

The CT River Valley Chamber was well represented at this year's CBIA Business Day. Members of the Board, Government Relations Committee and our Glastonbury State Rep Jill Barry were all in attendance. Speakers for the event included DECD Commissioner, Alexandra Daum, CBIA's Chris DePentima and Eric Gjede, and State Comptroller Sean Scanlon. Visit CRVchamber.org for information.

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Photography Provided

Photography Kadji Anderson

Jason Cerniglia Named A 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors

Jason Cerniglia, CFP, CRPC, CMFC, has been named to the 2023  Forbes Best-inState Wealth Advisors list. This distinction is earned by financial advisors recognized across the industry for their outstanding performance and client service. We are proud of our Ameriprise financial advisors, like Jason, who take the time to understand what’s important to their clients, provide personalized advice and are dedicated to helping their clients achieve their long-term financial goals. Visit Ameripriseadvisors.com/jason.x.cerniglia for more information.

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Greenwich Medical Spa Launches New Product

Greenwich Medical Spa, at 140 Glastonbury Boulevard, has launched The Generator Facial, our most efficacious and scientific facial yet. The Generator Facial experience is a next-level Diamond Glow Facial, enhanced with the GMS Generator add-on, also known as exosomes; a supercharger of collagen rejuvenation and anti-inflammatory processes for a more radiant youthful appearance. For more information visit Greenwichmedicalspa.com.

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Baribault Jewelers Celebrate 75 Years in Business

Baribault Jewelers recently marked 75 years as a family-owned business with a celebratory event. State officials, legislators, and community leaders took part in the celebration, which featured a rededication ribbon cutting ceremony followed by fun and food. Baribault  also received a Governor’s Proclamation. “This was such a joyful commemoration as Glastonbury’s first ever jewelry store those many years ago,” said Lewis Baribault, who runs the jewelry store with his three children. Visit Baribaultjewelers.com for more information.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

Photography Carrie Draghi

Photography Melanie Lust

Photography Nicole Bedard

Our Philosophy

CREATING ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS THAT ENHANCE AND COMPLEMENT ORIGINAL DESIGN

KEEP YOUR

ON, EVEN WHEN THE

Whenever

Comparion Insurance Agency

The local agency has expanded its offering to multiple insurance channels

ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN AMBROSE

For more than 40 years, Liberty Mutual Insurance has been a dynamic presence in the Glastonbury business scene, firmly rooted in the community and meeting insurance needs at a local level. Now that powerhouse has grown into Comparion Insurance Agency.

“The company started as a distribution channel of Liberty Mutual, and in August of 2022, we transitioned to Comparion Insurance Agency, a Liberty Mutual Company,” Sales Director Stephanie Johnson explained. “This evolution allows us to provide a much wider carrier panel. We currently offer multiple insurance companies through our agency, Liberty Mutual is still one of them, but we can offer our clients many more options for doing business with us in the community.”

The strength of Comparion and its value to Glastonbury begins with its 110-year Liberty Mutual history and the local office’s 40-year history here. Comparion has become even more vital with expanded access to multiple insurance companies and a wider breadth of policy options.

“We’re able to shop around and save customers time and effort by doing the work for them and finding the best options for updating existing policies or adding new policies as needed,” said Stephanie. “We can give advice specific to the customer’s community because it’s our community, too.”

Another asset Comparion brings to Glastonbury is the knowledge and excellence of its highly successful local team.

The staff of Glastonbury's Comparion Insurance.

“We have the best talent on board with decades of experience to make sure you’re talking to the right people to help you with your individual insurance needs,” Stephanie said.

Alongside core home, auto and life policies, Comparion can help in areas that people may not immediately think of for insurance. Renters’ insurance has become popular with changes in the housing market and the lack of inventory available. Pet insurance has also been rising.

“During the pandemic, there was a huge boom for people adopting new pets, and many don’t know pet insurance exists or how valuable it can be,” said Jennifer Finan, sales director. “And often, people don’t know they should be insuring jet skis, boats or ATVs. They should be sure they have the appropriate coverage for those items.”

“It’s always a good time to review your current insurance situation,” she added. “Life insurance is one place people should look at to be sure that they not only have it, but as their lives grow and evolve, their insurance keeps pace.”

If you want to review your insurance portfolio, Comparion has licensed experts on hand to help. And, if you’re seeking to expand your career, the company is looking for great agents to join their team. Comparion has valuable connections in the community and welcomes local strategic business partnerships to expand marketing efforts.

Comparion Insurance Agency

95 Glastonbury Blvd

Online: Comparioninsurance.com 860-494-7620

Jennifer Finan, left, and Stephanie Johnson, of Comparion Agency.

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Planning for a comfortable retirement is more than just saving money. At RBC Wealth Management, we create a plan for your retirement income designed to help you maximize savings, manage investments and control taxes—so you can enjoy the retirement you’ve been dreaming of.

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Tim Thompson Has Built His Own Private Golf Course in His Backyard

FOR LOVE OF THE GAME

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM THOMPSON

From a knoll in the backyard of his Chestnut Hill Road home, Tim Thompson surveys his private golf course and mulls over his expansion plans for it.

Currently a nine-hole course, Tim says he has begun work turning it into an 18-hole course. The 3.5-acre golf course became a long-term project for him, Tim says, after a  friend invited him to play at his public course, Portland Golf West, about 25 years ago. From that point on, he says, he was smitten and would play every chance he got.

A landscaper by trade, he got the idea of creating a golf course in his backyard after he cleared away a tree at a spot-on top of a small hill near the house.

He started hitting balls from the spot and with a little work, turned it into a green. So he kept going, clearing trees and creating holes and several more greens. As a landscaper, he had the equipment and know-how to clear his wooded backyard.

He can get about 8-12 people on the course at one time and says the longest hole is 140 yards. The

shortest is 42 yards. The size of the course and his frequent play on it, he says, means he’s developed a very good short game.

He recently retired from his job in his family’s landscape business and he’s now gearing up to create the back 9 holes for the golf course.

He’s mapped out 8 additional holes already and says he just needs to figure out where the 18th hole will be. His friend, Ed Hughes, and his coworker, Justin Parent, help him maintain the course.

He named the course the Celtic Green Golf Club and had score cards printed for it. He’s hoping to host league nights some day.

“It has really become a labor of love.”

At Portland West, he plays in a men’s club and every October he organizes a tournament, the Daukas Remembrance Reunion Tournament.

Each year the club selects a different charity for which to raise money; Kidney and cancer research, Alzheimer’s disease, and suicide prevention are among some of the causes that the tournament has funded.

Cofiell's Sport & Power Equipment

The family-owned business has all the tools and toys for work and playtime

In business in Glastonbury for nearly 55 years, Cofiell’s Sport & Power Equipment’s longevity exemplifies its strong commitment to provide the best service possible and the highest quality equipment to its local customers.

The family-owned business, which sells power equipment and toys - everything to take you from work time to play time - launched in 1969 when its founder, Jack Cofiell, couldn’t find any place locally to buy a snowmobile.

“He knew what kind he wanted, but there were no dealers around here, so he, my grandmother and my father started the store,” says Kevin Cofiell, Jack’s grandson and one of the store’s co-owners today. “Snowmobiles were very popular, but you needed to sell something the rest of the year and we decided to go the power equipment route.”

Cofieill’s still sells a large variety of snowmobiles, along with commercial and residential power tools and toys, including lawn mowers, chain saws, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Utility Terrain Vehicles

(UTVs), construction and multi-purpose pumps, generators and snowblowers,  Cofiell’s services all of its products and has fully-staffed parts and service departments.

Some of Cofiell’s most popular products include zero-turn riding mowers, as well as ATVs and UTVs.

“One of our biggest sellers are zero turn motors because they’re fast and everybody wants their time back. A zero turn mower takes the tedious task of mowing the lawn and gets it done quicker. That gives people more time to play and more time for their toys. We also sell a lot of chainsaws. People are getting back to burning wood in their houses for heat or for the ambiance of a wood fire. And when they’re cutting down trees and cutting up wood they find they need an ATV to load it and haul it out.”

Cofiell’s customers include homeowners as well as commercial landscapers and groundskeepers. Its customer base, Kevin adds, appreciates Cofiell’s long history here, and what that brings with it, a strong commitment to the community

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M.

Kevin Cofell

Top: Lawnmowers line the front yard at Cofell's.

Bottom: Power equipment are popular at Cofell's, a family-owned store here.

as well as knowledgeable staff that wants to help buyers find the right equipment for their needs.

Today the store is owned by Kevin and his father, Jay Cofiell.

“Being family-owned means we provide personalized service. For us, it’s making sure that the piece of equipment you purchase is the right one. We don’t try to sell you the most expensive thing or the biggest, baddest thing. It means taking the time to ask the questions about what you’re looking to do with this tool or toy, as opposed to going to a big-box store, where there’s usually no one to help you or to provide service after the sale.”

That kind of commitment to service, he adds, includes carrying the brands that have stood the test of time and have consistent customer satisfaction.

Some of the brands Cofiell’s carries include Stihl, Honda, Exmark, Scag, Arctic Cat and Husqarvana.

“We started with Arctic Cat and we have always carried the best brands on the market and we keep them. They are brands with longevity and they’re here for their customers. That kind of quality makes it easier for our company to succeed.”

Cofiell’s Sport & Power Equipment

46 Krieger Lane

Online: Cofiells.com

860-659-0553

On Facebook: @cofiellssportandpower

On Instagram: @cofiells

LOOK FORWARD TO LIFE WITH MORE PROMISE.

“Treating Your Family Like My Family”

FRESH COFFEES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Stepping into So. G Coffee Roasters, the first thing you notice is the enveloping warmth of the small shop. The second is what’s creating much of that warmth: the large, red coffee roaster machine that emits a pleasant hum as it stirs aromatic coffee beans that are cooling in a steel bin.

“I roast about 21 pounds of coffee beans at a time,” explains Karen McRee, the owner of So. G Coffee Roasters. “Each batch takes about 15 minutes to roast, but I can alter the flavor of each roast by altering the roasting time.”

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

The coffee shop takes its name - pronounced So-Gee - from its location at 822 Main St., in South Glastonbury.

SO. G COFFEE ROASTERS

The interior of

So. G Coffee in South Glastonbury

A longtime veteran of the food service industry, Karen and her family moved to Glastonbury about 20 years ago and she went to work for Daybreak Coffee Roasters. There, she learned the art of roasting fresh coffee beans and later opened her own roasting house in the heart of South Glastonbury.

Besides offering several different coffee blends - including the popular Vienna and Breakfast Blend roasts - So G bakes its own pastries, and offers two different soups for lunch, including a vegetarian option.

The business has thrived, Karen says, because of her commitment to quality and because it’s become a part of the unique neighborhood community in South Glastonbury. She said she strives to know her regular customers and what they like.

“Just remembering someone’s name is important because they feel you care about them and I do,” she says. “Business has been great, So. G has become this gathering spot that I couldn’t have imagined when I first opened it.”

So. G also has met challenges head-on during its 14 years in business, including  transitioning the coffee house to a take-out model during the pandemic. Karen said she and her employees did so by using two porch-facing windows as an order and pickup station. It has since resumed normal operations, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Karen monitors coffee beans roasting inside So. G’s new roaster.

The interior of So. G Coffee in South Glastonbury

She’s also weathered other personal tragedies and setbacks. Last July, her son died and when her coffee roaster was damaged in a fire last summer Karen learned it would take months to replace it. That’s when another roasting company, Perkatory Coffee Roasters, jumped in and offered to let Karen use their machine to roast her coffee beans.

Perkatory’s owners, Johanna and Joe Perazella, operate coffee shops in Middletown, Southington and Branford, and recently opened a new one at 625 New Park Ave., in West Hartford. Karen says she has since gotten a new roaster and remains friends with Johanna and Joe as well as grateful for their assistance during such a difficult time in her life.

“Because of their help, I didn’t miss a beat with my business, it all ran seamlessly. I was just so touched by their kindness. It took so much stress off of me.”

So. G Coffee Roaster s 882 Main St., South Glastonbury 860-633-8500

On Facebook and Instagram: @Sogcoffee

Karen, on the porch of So. G Coffee in South Glastonbury.

INSPIRED BY: EDDIE ESTEVEZ

The Glastonbury Man Helps Raise Funds to Give Cabo Verdean Children Playgrounds

After retiring from his long-time corporate marketing career in 2008, Eddie Esteves threw himself into the usual activities retirees embrace. He golfed, he hit the gym more frequently, and he gardened.

He also started poking around into his ancestry.

Born in what today is known as the Republic of Cabo Verde (previously called Cape Verde) Eddie, a longtime Glastonbury resident, wanted to find out more about how he and his family came to the U.S. and why.

He learned the basics: That his mother’s parents emigrated to New Bedford, MA in the early 1900’s from the island of Sao Nicolau to live a better life, that his mother was six when her mother died, and that she was brought to Cabo Verde by her godmother (an island nation off the west coast of Africa) in 1931 where she met Eddie’s father and started a family. Eddie was born on the island of Brava, Cabo Verde and emigrated with his family to New Bedford, Mass., in 1956 when he was a toddler.

His ancestry searches also led him to discover that there were large populations of Cabo Verde descendants here in the Northeast, including enclaves in Norwich, Waterbury, and Bridgeport. He also discovered the group Cabo Verdeans United, (CVU),

a nonprofit created in 2001 by two sisters (Genie Lomba and Tila Adams) and dedicated to improving the lives of Cabo Verde’s children through education and recreation.

CVU’s initial goal was to build one playground on each of the nine inhabited islands of Cabo Verde. Eddie became a member of CVU last year and uses his marketing skills to help them raise funds for playgrounds.

While Cabo Verdeans United recently reached its initial goal of building nine playgrounds, it has broadened its mission to build playgrounds in as many neighborhoods as possible across the Republic of Cabo Verde.

“Impressed with all of the great work that CVU has done for the children and families of Cabo Verde, Eddie was eager to become a part of the next fund-raising effort to build more playgrounds in his homeland,” CVU says on its website. “His excitement blossomed into a fund-raising project that would combine two of his talents: marketing and pull-ups.”

Eddie kicked off his “Pull-ups For Playgrounds” campaign this past winter. He committed to doing  1,000 pullups and solicited donations of three cents per pullup from hundreds of donors. Known in the gym

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SAVAGE

Eddie Estevez does a few pull-ups on a playground his group built in Cabo Verde.

as Grand PoPs” (Grand Prince of Pull-ups), Eddie completed the challenge by February and traveled to Cabo Verde in April with a group of volunteers to help build playgrounds.

“We want to make sure that the children of Cabo Verde are uplifted and that they grow, spiritually and emotionally, through education and recreation,” Eddie says.  “And we believe that having a safe space, like a playground, in as many communities as possible is a perfect way to help achieve that mission.”

Besides being a longtime resident here, Eddie is also the father of two local women, Marika Esteves-Smith, and Ashli

Esteves-Nelson, who recently started their own bakery, Brown Butter Creations, at 353 New London Turnpike. Eddie and his wife, Debbie, volunteer at the bakery, working on marketing for the business and even manning the front counter.

He’s become an unabashed promoter of his daughters’ joint endeavor, which has earned him the nickname “The Ambassador of Deliciousness.”

For more information about Cabo Verdeans United or to volunteer or donate, visit Caboverdeansunited.org.

Eddie Estevez (right, with red bag), arrives in Cabo Verde in April with a crew from CVU.

Eddie Estevez

Eddie Estevez, flanked by his daughters, Marika-Esteves-Smith, and Ashli Esteves-Nelson.

Children at a playground built by Cabo Verdeans United

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

LOVE YOUR LAZY LAWN

An easy way to help the ecosystem

Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects.

Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!

Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.

Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.

Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.

So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816

ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE

Spring Into Summer Celebration

GLASTONBURY BOATHOUSE, 300 WELLES ST. | 3:00 PM

Presented by Sustainable CT this event will feature music, light fare, and good cheer as we revel in Glastonbury's "brownfield to boathouse" success story. Register today and help us spring into summer! Visit Sustainablect.org for more information and to register.

Watkinson Hosts School Tours

WATKINSON SCHOOL, 180 BLOOMFIELD AVE., HARTFORD | 9:00 AM

Watkinson is currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. We invite you to learn more about the admissions process and tour our beautiful 40-acre campus with our admissions team. To book a tour, visit Watkinson.org.

Pride & Prejudice

LITTLE THEATER OF MANCHESTER, 177 HARTFORD ROAD | 7:30 PM

Jane Austen's classic novel comes to life in this production about a world of opulent estates and lavish private balls, where Elizabeth Bennet refuses to marry but meets her match in the unlikely figure of Mr. Darcy. The play runs each weekend, Friday through Sunday until June 18. Visit Cheneyhall.org for information and tickets.

JUNE 4TH

Militia Day at the Historic Society of Glastonbury

WELLES-SHIPMAN-WARD HOUSE, 972 MAIN ST., SOUTH GLASTONBURY | 1:00 PM

Militia Day runs 1-4 p.m. The Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia returns to set up camp on the property. Colonial living demonstrations include, militia wives crafting, men at arms and firing demonstrations. Kids are invited to drill using wooden muskets. Admission is free for members, $10 for those 10 and older. Visit HSGct.org for more information.

JUNE 5TH

8th Annual Classic Golf Tournament

GLASTONBURY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, 239 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD | 11:00 AM

The CT River Valley 8th Annual Chamber Classic presented by Sam Adams is leisurely outdoor networking at its finest. Join the Chamber of Commerce for a full day of golf  lunch, snacks and beverages on course, friendly competitions and after event apps and beverage holes. Visit Crvchamber.org/events for registration information and fees.

JUNE 8TH

Understanding Memory Loss

RAYMOND LIBRARY, 832 RAYMOND HILL ROAD, OAKDALE | 6:30 PM

Liz Cornish, of New Season in Life, will present an overview of dementia and how it's different from normal aging. She'll discuss different forms of dementia and common symptoms of memory loss, as well a things to look for in seniors that can cause confusion. She'll also review six ways to decrease your risk of dementia. Visit Newseasoninlife.com/events for information.

JUNE 8TH

Archaeological Dig With the Historical Society of Glastonbury

WELLES-SHIPMAN-WARD HOUSE, 972 MAIN ST., SOUTH GLASTONBURY | 9:00 AM

The Historical Society of Glastonbury invites you to join the State Archaeologist and members at an authentic, local archaeological dig on June 8 or June 9. This is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the state so come prepared to dig for the day!

Reservations required, email diane.hoover.hsg@gmail.com Students $10, others $25 Space is limited.

JUNE 11TH

St. James Hot Cats Jazz Band

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 2584 MAIN ST. | 10:00 AM

The Hot Cat Jazz Band will be the featured performer at St. James’ Episcopal Church. The six-piece band will lead the singing during the 10 am Holy Eucharist service, as well as provide instrumental music before, after, and during the service. The Eucharist will be celebrated outside (weather permitting) – please bring a lawn chair. StJamesGlastonbury.org .

JUNE 13TH

HSG Creates Historical Book Club

WELLES-SHIPMAN-WARD HOUSE, 972 MAIN ST., SOUTH GLASTONBURY | 1:00 PM

The Historical Society of Glastonbury will hold the inaugural meeting of its new Historical Fiction Book Club, from 1-3 p.m. Travel back to colonial times by reading “The Widow’s War,” by Sally Gunning. Join us for a tour of the Welles-Shipman-Ward House, a 1755 river valley mansion, followed by a lively discussion. Reservations required, email Martha.poole.hsg@gmail.com. Donations welcomed.

JUNE 15TH

Tea & Tonics Under the Magnolia

WELLES-SHIPMAN-WARD HOUSE, 972 MAIN ST., SOUTH GLASTONBURY | 10:00 AM

The Historical Society of Glastonbury presents Tea & Tonics Under the Magnolia Tree.

After a tour of the house and gardens, sit under the Magnolia Tree enjoying tea and treats as colonial housewife Rebekah discusses colonial medicine and the use of herbs to heal her family.  Reservations required, email diane.hoover.hsg@gmail.com . Open to the public, admission is  $10.

JUNE 16TH

Daylong Local Blood Drive

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 2584 MAIN ST. | 9:00 AM

St. James is hosting a Red Cross blood drive from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.  Every two seconds someone in our country needs blood. It is an essential resource for surgeries, traumatic injuries, cancer treatments and chronic illnesses. To take part visit RedCrossBlood.org, select "Donate Blood," then "Schedule an Appointment," and enter "Glastonbury."

JUNE 17TH

Concerts in the Garden

SPRING STREET STUDIO AND GALLERY, 1 SPRING ST., CHESTER | 7:00 PM

Spring Street Studio and Gallery presents its Concerts in the Garden series, starting Sat., June 17 and 24, 7-9 p.m. This seasonal concert series features eclectic international and local artists, from cool jazz bands to blue grass. A $20 donation is suggested for this BYOB and picnic-style event, which will be held rain or shine. Visit Nilssonstudio.com for more information.

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