Glastonbury, CT July 2023

Summer Color

GLASTONBURY PARTNERS IN PLANTING CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF CREATING TOWN GARDENS

It's summer, time to have fun!

July is our Summer Fun issue and this month we have a story on a summer bucket list of fun things to do. We also have a story on how to have a bugfree summer and a margarita recipe.

In our Healthy Lifestyle feature we spoke with Dynamic Touch Home Care about the growing popularity of hiring home health aides to assist us in aging in place or recuperating after an illness. And in our Must See segment we spoke with the organizers of the yearly Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival . The group this year will perform MacBeth under the stars on the campus of St. Joseph's University in West Hartford from July 13-30.

Lastly, most of us here are very familiar with the sight of all those pretty flower planters along Main Street and elsewhere around town. But did you know who's responsible for them? They are the work of a group of dedicated volunteers called Glastonbury Partners in Planting. The nonprofit, which creates gardens and garden pots on public lands, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with its first-ever fundraiser, called $20 for 20 years.

For even more summer fun we also have a story about all the great places to see and things to do right here in our own state.

We hope you enjoy this month's issue of Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a happy, healthy summer!

GARY PERRELLI, PUBLISHER @GLASTONBURYLIFESTYLE

July 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

Ashley Alt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kevin Savage, Brian Ambrose, Nicole Battistone, Dave Blodgett, Alicia Ann Daw, Sara McCoy

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

• Urgent appointments available for infections and fractures.

• Comprehensive foot and ankle care.

• Conservative management of foot and ankle conditions.

• Surgical management of foot and ankle conditions.

• Minimally invasive surgical management of foot and ankle conditions.

• Minimally invasive Bunionectomy.

Common Issues:

Hammertoe Correction / Warts

Athletes’ Foot + Fungal Toenails

Foot + Ankle Fractures / Heel Pain

Ulcerations + Wounds

Gout / Ingrown Toenails

What makes this procedure better than traditional bunion surgery?

1. Smaller, more cosmetically appealing scar

2. Less pain post operatively

3. Walking recovery

4. No decrease in range of motion of the big toe joint

Experience natural skin glow with Infinity MedSpa of Glastonbury's SaltFacial. This three-part treatment begins with Sea Salt Resurfacing for prime exfoliation, then Aesthetic Ultrasound ensures deep product infusion Finalizing with LED Phototherapy, we stimulate collagen, foster cellular renewal, combat acne, and promote healing and more

Each step can be tailored individually to your skin and harmoniously paired with our wide array of services including laser treatments, microneedling and medical grade skincare products Blend it with our esthetician services for personalized skin care brilliance

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Total Mortgage’s recent Business After Hours event, hosted by the CT River Valley Chamber. Photography by Brian Ambrose

1: Saybrook Home, a furniture store at 400 Hebron Ave., held a ribbon cutting recently. 2: Wood & Wood Seamless Gutters, 21 South Road, Marlborough, recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting. 3: Contouring Cellulite Center, 150 Sycamore St., recently held a ribbon cutting. The company

services.

BRIAN AMBROSE BRIAN AMBROSE KIM COLLINS

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Watkinson Hosts Golf Classic

Want to help a Hartford area student have an experience of a lifetime? Consider supporting Watkinson School's Golf Classic at Tumble Brook Country Club Sept. 18.  All proceeds benefit the City Scholars Program at Watkinson, a one-year program providing a post-graduate experience at The Academy at Watkinson for deserving Hartford-area public high school graduates. The Academy is a bridge year for college-bound students who are not yet college-ready. To learn more visit Watkinson.org/golf-classic.

Scan to read more.

Town Gets Wellspring Award

Glastonbury is one of four recipients of the inaugural Wellspring Awards, an honor presented by the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative. This new award recognizes organizations who are fostering ideas and innovation in support of aging, dementia, and disabled inclusivity, and inspiring other communities to promote similar activities. “Age-Friendly Glastonbury” was chosen as an awardee for its “town-wide effort to address the diverse and evolving needs of community members of all ages." CTagewellcollaborative.org for information.

Connecticut Trial Firm Accepting Tremendous Teacher Nominations

Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC, of Glastonbury, is sponsoring its 2023 Tremendous Teacher Nomination. With so many wonderful teachers doing so much for our children, we'd like to award one of them with a $500 gift card for their dedication to their students and their families. We'll be accepting nominations until Aug. 31. Visit our event page to learn more about how you can nominate your favorite teacher today! CTtrialfirm.com/tremendous-teacher-nomination.

Photography Sara McCoy

Photography Provided

Renbrook School Honors Alumni Yun G. Lee

Renbrook School, a private elementary day school, awarded its 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Yun G. Lee, Class of 1983. Lee, managing director for AIG Investments, was honored in a ceremony at Renbrook School as part of its Alumni Night celebration. William Tong, Class of 1988, and Connecticut’s attorney general, introduced Lee and presented the award, a brass armillary sphere, which has long been a symbol of the school. Visit Renbrook.org for more information.

Scan to read more.

Photography Dave Blodgett

Local Author Publishes New Book on Healing

With her debut publication, “Hurt, Healing, and Hope: Thriving Beyond Sexual Assault,” Connecticut author Melissa B. Lombardo, formerly of Glastonbury, reveals rare insights into healing from one survivor’s perspective, accompanied by thought-provoking stories inspired by other survivors. The dynamic volume delivers a collection of interwoven monologues detailing true stories of hurt and healing post-sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and the after effects. Visit Melissablombardo.com for more information.

Want to be featured?

Photography Alicia Ann Daw

Glastonbury Partners in Planting

For 20 years the group has worked to beautify the town's public lands

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Committed to making Glastonbury a more beautiful place, the Glastonbury Partners in Planting (GPIP) celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year.

The nonprofit, all-volunteer group “seeks to enhance the sense of community among the citizens of the Town by celebrating its past, beautifying the present, and planting for the future and to raise and provide funds and labor to accomplish these goals.”

GPIP does this by establishing planting areas and gardens specifically on town-owned properties. These include the large, colorful garden planters that line public areas along Main Street, as well as gardens

and landscaped areas on public lands, including ones at the Housing Authority, town firehouses, the WellesTurner Memorial Library and all town public schools with a courtyard.

GPIP also is responsible for turning a state-owned median on Route 17 in South Glastonbury from an unattractive, overgrown grassy area into a flower garden that blooms from April through November.

Not to be confused with one of Glastonbury’s three garden clubs, GPIP is “a public service nonprofit. We only work on the public lands of Glastonbury, we have the town’s blessing to do this and many times they

Two of the volunteers of the Glastonbury Partners in Planting

partner with us on projects, that’s why the word “partners” is in our name,” says Pam Eudowe, GPIP’s president. “The four founding members had this idea that the town can’t do everything, you have to buy into the community. If you want something done you should get out there and do it. We believe in community and we believe in helping each other.”

Today, GPIP has about 80 members, and there are dozens of volunteers who turn out for community projects on a regular basis.

GPIP installs and maintains a vegetable garden at the Town Community Gardens and added a second plot there this year. The produce the group grows gets donated to the Glastonbury food bank. GPIP also hosts educational talks for community members. Recent programs included a talk on bee keeping, soil testing and how to grow potatoes.

Probably one of the most recognizable of its projects are the community planters that dot the landscape around town, including the large ones along Main Street. Pam says GPIP maintains about 80 planters in all.

Some other projects, both ongoing and completed include:

1. The gardens at Buckingham Park and Salmon Brook bridge.

2. The Colonial Kitchen garden at The Welles Shipman Ward House in South Glastonbury.

3. In partnership with Glastonbury Parks & Rec, replanting of trees along Putnam Boulevard after many trees there were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer insect.

4. In partnership with Glastonbury Parks & Rec and Glastonbury Park Association replanting of the Hubbard Green Veterans Memorial

5. Installing robotic mowers in all town school courtyards. “We are so proud of how well that has worked,” Pam says.

GPIP’s funding, she adds, comes from membership dues, grants and individual donors and in recognition of its 20th Anniversary this year the group for the first time has launched a fundraising effort, $20 for 20 years of service, seeking individual donations of $20 per person.

“This is our first fundraising since the founding members solicited help from other town organizations and businesses to get our work started.”

GPIP’s momentum and energy, she says, is the result of the passion and tireless work of its members.

“I’m always in awe of the people that have given all their time and energy to this work. They’re such a giving group, they’re all doers and they’re all just good people. And the donors are the same way, they just keep donating to us over the years.”

To donate or volunteer visit GPIP.org On Facebook: @GPIPINC

“The four founding members had this idea that the town can’t do everything, you have to buy into the community. If you want something done you should get out there and do it.”   Pam Eudowe.

DYNAMIC TOUCH HOME CARE

Kareen Ambroise has a simple motto for her in-home companion/home maker services, Dynamic Touch Home Care.

“There’s no place like home when it comes to getting the help you need.”

A registered nurse who worked for many years in clinical settings, Kareen decided to start an in-home care agency after realizing there was a growing need for such services.

“People are living longer with more chronic illnesses and complications and by allowing them to live at home, as opposed to in a facility, has become an important part of long term health care,” she says.

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SAVAGE

From older people suffering from dementia to patients coming out of the hospital to recuperate at home, the specially trained staff of Dynamic Touch Home

THE COMPANY'S TRAINED SPECIALISTS HELP YOU STAY SAFELY IN YOUR OWN HOME

Care provide personalized assistance in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and private residences.

“We match you with the most qualified, reliable, trusted, and experienced companion/home maker professionals to meet your daily needs,” Kareen says.

In-home services are growing in demand, she adds, because people are realizing the cost-effectiveness of aging in place or recovering from illness at home. Some of the services her agency provides include meal preparations, bathing and grooming assistance, light housekeeping services, such as helping to do laundry, and in some cases, the service provider can run errands, such as picking up groceries or prescriptions.

“We provide assistance with all aspects of daily living.”

Dynamic Touch Home Care has a staff of about 120 service providers and covers dozens of towns in the greater Hartford area.

With her grandmother being an integral part of her childhood, Kareen says she has a special connection with elderly people.

“I have a real deep care, love and afinity for older people and after working in clinical settings I thought there has to be a better way to do home care. I love what I do. I take it very seriously and we have an awesome staff.”

Dynamic Touch Home Care

Dynamictouchhomecare.com

860-508-4194 (C)

860-791-8432 (O)

The staff of Dynamic Tofrom left to right. Dimitri Digbeu, Sharon Floyd, Kareen Ambroise,, Sharlene Williams, Marvett Miller.

Our Philosophy

This Year's Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival Runs July 13-30

A performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor by Capital Classics actors.

CAPITAL CLASSICS THEATRE COMPANY'S SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE BATTISTONE

Looking for some outdoor entertainment to enjoy with friends and family? Who isn’t this time of year, right? Whether you’re new to town or are looking for something different to do, immersing yourself in the local arts is always a good idea.

Enter Capital Classics Theater Company, a unique performance art group with the simple and straightforward mission to “deliver quality, classical entertainment that is affordable and accessible for all.” The group in July is once again hosting its annual Shakespeare Festival. Founded in 1991 by Geoffrey and Laura Sheehan to “enrich the cultural environment of Greater Hartford through the theater arts,” the non-equity professional organization has continued to pour its love and passion for theater through their numerous productions and programs.

Capital Classics this year will perform The Tragedy of Macbeth, which runs from July 13-30.

In case you need a refresher on the Shakespearian classic, The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s finest and well-known plays, portraying the theme of “the tragedy of political ambition.”

Thought to have been first performed in 1606, a brave Scottish general (Macbeth) receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. From this, Macbeth becomes consumed by ambition and ultimately murders King Duncan (an action spurred by his wife, Lady Macbeth), and becomes a tyrannical ruler.

On a deeper level, Macbeth represents the conflict of a man’s conscience, showcasing the effect that guilt has on one’s mind. Exploring themes of reality and illusion, witchcraft and the supernatural, and ambition and kingship, this is a classic reenactment you don’t want to miss.

Set on the gorgeous grounds of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, patrons pack up their lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets to enjoy an evening of Shakespeare with strangers and friends alike who share a love and appreciation for not only Shakespearian plays, but the beautiful charm and drama of theater in general.

Pre-show entertainment is included in this special series of showings, including the return of The Elizabethan Consort, an a capella

CONTINUED >

A performance of MacBeth.

An Elizabethan concert before one of Capital Classics' performances.

quartet “who will bring the special blend of humor and harmony to Friday and Saturday nights.” Additional entertainment will be revealed as the date gets closer.

According to the theater company, last year the Festival attracted the largest crowd in its 31-year history, and promises to be “just as exciting” this year with the unveiling of Macbeth. As Connecticut’s oldest continuously running outdoor Shakespeare festival, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about putting on an excellent show.

Past productions of the Capital Classics Theater Company have included Romeo & Juliet, Othello, Twelfth Night, All’s Well That Ends Well, and many more. The organization also offers community programs where those interested in classical theater can be a part of projects like the Shakespeare Book Club, Contemporary Classics Conversations, and more.

Also happening this summer is a series titled Shakespeare on The Sound, held at Pinkney Park in Rowayton, CT. This summer’s production is As You Like It, a comedy that “subverts the traditional rules of romance,” portraying the confusing nature of gender roles and politics, reflecting on “how bewildering yet utterly pleasurable life can be.”

The Shakespeare Festival is held at 1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford — you can grab tickets online at capitalclassics. org, where you can also keep up with the theater organization and the many wonderful entertainment options it provides to art lovers.

Keep tabs on their social media for future productions and events online, Capitalclassics.org, or on their social media,@capitalclassics

FIND THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN YOUR OWN STATE!

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

SUMMER FUN IN CONNECTICUT

Looking for something fun to do this summer that doesn’t require a lot of travel? Connecticut has a myriad of places where you can play, eat, swim or just relax on a daytrip! Here are just a few ideas, as provided by Connecticut’s tourism office, Visit CT.

1. Get out on the water. Try paddle boarding or kayaking with rentals from Branford River Paddlesports, Kayaks and Tours, Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook, or Collinsville Canoe & Kayak.

2. Climb to the top. Take guided rock climbing lessons and explore the heights of Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Pinnacle Rock in Plainville, West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven, and more.

3. Make a splash. Ditch the chlorinated pool and get out into nature! Enjoy the natural swimming hole at Gay City State Park in Hebron or Glastonbury’s own Eastbury Pond or Cotton Hollow Preserve. Kick up your water fun even more with a visit to the Brownstone Quarry Adventure Park in Portland.

4. Get golfing. Grab your clubs, cart, and take a swing at Minnechaug Golf Course, Portland Golf Course, Blackledge Country Club in Hebron, East Hartford Golf Club and Rockledge Golf Club in West Hartford.

5. Go fish. Whether you’re reeling in big stripers, blackfish, fluke or something else, take a captain-lead fishing trip aboard Island Sport Fishing Charters, Sea Sprite, North Coast Charters, FlyingConnie Fishing Charters, or Nightjack Sportfishing.

6. Paddle around. In the town of Lyme, explore Hamburg Cove, a quiet spot known for its calm waters and being the ideal place to paddleboard. Cove Landing Marine’s rentals will give you an amazing day of paddling opportunities in the Lower Connecticut River.

7. Connect with animals. A little time with a furry friend can do a lot for the soul. Detox with a rejuvenating llama walk at Rowanwood Farm in Newtown, meet rescue animals at Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, or visit gentle alpacas at Lavender Hill Farm in Voluntown.

8. Plan a girls’ weekend by the water. Gather the girlfriends and book a night (or two, or three) at Insta-worthy beach town hotels such as The Surfside in Stratford, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook,  Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, or the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic.

9. Find a sanctuary. Try peaceful activities such as yoga classes and beekeeping demonstrations on the vast and beautiful grounds of Catharine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

10. Tour architecture. From historic and artistic structures to celebrated works by well-known architects, explore Connecticut’s

Brownstone Adventure Park in Portland is a fun summer hot spot.

diverse architectural masterpieces throughout the state.

11. Find vintage treasures. Go on the hunt for antiques at Nathan Liverant and Son Antiques in Colchester, Tongue in Chique in Bridgeport, Old Saybrook Antiques Center, and other antique shops and centers throughout Connecticut.

12. Take an art walk. Discover a 234-acre tree farm and landscape sculpture park at Hogpen Hill Farms, explore work from local Woodbury artists at Arts Alliance of Woodbury Art Walk, admire murals walking in downtown New London, stroll by the river and see award-winning sculpture reflecting the life of Abraham Lincoln in Hartford, or pack a picnic to enjoy large star sculptures by Frank Stella on the Ridgefield grounds of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.

13. Enrich your mind. From historic sites to art galleries and even some one-of-a-kind displays, visit a few of Connecticut’s many museums for a truly fascinating experience. Stay local and visit the Welles-Shipman-Ward House museum in South Glastonbury.

14. Admire Impressionist art. Connecticut was an important creative seedbed of American Impressionism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore Impressionist exhibitions at museums across the state.

Visit a local park, such as Blackledge Falls in Glastonbury.

Connecticut has numerous breweries, including our own Hops on the Hill Farm Brewery in South Glastonbury.

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam is a Connecticut icon.

15. Attend summer concerts. Enjoy the beat of the music at the summer concert series at Riverfront Park on Welles Street, where the town hosts concerts throughout July on Wednesday nights.

16. Explore the works of Norman Rockwell. See all 323 of the legendary covers created for The Saturday Evening Post by the renowned American painter and illustrator, Norman Rockwell at the Mystic Museum of Art’s exhibit, Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post Covers: Tell Me a Story.

17. Savor seafood. From clams to lobster, taste all your favorites with a visit to some of the dozens of fish stores, restaurants and clam shacks along the Connecticut coast.

18. Take a hot dog tour. Whether you like them topped with bacon or a famous hot relish, you’ll find savory flavors at every turn on Connecticut’s hot dog tour, a listing of great hot dog stands in the state sponsored by the state’s tourism office (Ctvisit.com), including Augie & Rays in East Hartford.

19. Check out a brewery. Raise a glass and devour good food at breweries like Hops on the Hill Farm Brewery on Dug Road.

20. Eat the “coolest” ice cream. The only thing better than cooling down with an ice cream cone, when the treat looks as good as it tastes. Plan a trip to some Insta-worthy ice cream shops on a hot summer day, include Robbs Farm on Wassuc Road in South Glastonbury, which also boasts spectacular views of the Glastonbury countryside.

21. Sing with Sea Chanteys. Grab dinner and drinks at the Griswold Inn on Sea Chantey night to experience The Jovial Crew leading the Tap Room in fun sing-alongs, laughs, and an allaround memorable evening.

22. Go out to the ballgame. Take the family to enjoy peanuts, cracker jacks, and home runs hit by Connecticut’s baseball teams, including the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Park.

23. Spend “Summer at the Museum.” Visit one of Connecticut’s many world-class museums, such as the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington and the Wadsworth Antheneum Museum in Hartford and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Plan a day trip filled with discoveries.

24. Pick your own blueberries. July is the beginning of the blueberry season! Pick your own at local farms, including Belltown Hill Orchards and Dondero Orchards, Cavanna Farms, Walnut Ledge Farm, Rose’s Berry Farm and Carini’s Berry Farm.

Take a charter fishing trip on Long Island Sound

25. See fireworks. Nothing says summer like a fireworks show! Find one near you and light up the night.

26. Visit a state park. Connecticut has some incredible state parks, from the sprawling Pachaug State Forest in the Quiet Corner of Eastern Connecticut to the Connecticut River Valley parks of Gillette Castle State Park and Devil’s Hopyard to Harkness State Park along the shoreline in Waterford.

27. Try the state’s first water coaster. Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury just opened Rocket Rapids, Connecticut’s first-ever water coaster. Ride a raft propelled uphill by water jets along more than 600 feet of H2O fun!

For more information on places to go and things to do here in our state visit CTvisit.com.

Mystic Seaport is a fun and educational day trip for Connecticut families.

Swing away at one of our state's many golf courses.

Take the kids berry picking at one of many local farms.

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.

Influential Women Shining Star ‘23

This award honors women who are agents of change, mentors, leaders, and inspirations. They are professionals, volunteers and Scouters. They are women who have resolved to make a difference today, tomorrow, and for years to come by challenging us all, motivating us, and setting an example for those to follow.

Awarded by The Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Rivers Council.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List KIDS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing

Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year.

Go to the Library

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.

events

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

JULY 1ST

Glastonbury Farmers Market

HUBBARD GREEN, 18 HUBBARD ST. | 9:00 AM

The Glastonbury Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Each week will feature a variety of vendors as well as family-friendly activities. Visit the Glastonbury Farmers Market website for more information. Glastonburyfarmersmarket.com.

JULY 5TH

Summer Music Series

RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY CENTER, 300 WELLES ST. | 6:30 PM

The free Summer Music Series starts this month with three concerts planned for July 12, 19 & 26. This event is BYOB and family and pet friendly. There will be food trucks and vendors from the Farmer's Market. The rain date is the next night. Free parking and shuttle service at 180 & 200 Glastonbury Boulevard. Visit Glastonburyct.myrec.com for information.

JULY 7TH

The Country Jamboree

THE LITTLE THEATER OF MANCHESTER, 177 HARTFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER | 7:00 PM

Come on down to The Country Jamboree and enjoy an unforgettable night of toe-tapping tunes! Saddle up and celebrate timeless artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and more! Let the music transport you to a simpler time when classic country music ruled the airwaves. Visit Cheneyhall.org for information.

JULY 8TH

Mark Twain's Companions & Cohorts

CEDAR HILL CEMETERY, 453 FAIRFIELD AVE., HARTFORD | 10:00 AM

While Mark Twain was laid to rest in Elmira, New York, many of his companions are interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn about Twain's life and his Nook Farm friends, neighbors, and colleagues during this tour led by Steve Courtney. Admission is free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation and Mark Twain Museum members $10 for others. Visit Cedarhillfoundation.org for information.

JULY 8TH

Moondance: A Van Morrison Tribute

LITTLE THEATER OF MANCHESTER, 177 HARTFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER | 7:00 PM

Rock n’ roll doesn’t get any better than Van Morrison, and this show captures the quintessential Van Morrison. Experience note-for-note performances of Morrison’s vast catalog, all backed by a five-piece band. Featuring classic songs like Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance, Into The Mystic and more! Tickets start at $18. Visit Cheneyhall.org for more information.

JULY 10TH

Summer Reading Surf Club: Crafting With Sea Glass

WELLES TURNER MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 2407 MAIN ST. | 6:00 PM

Learn to make your beach finds into wearable art in this guided class taught by Laurie Lynne of Creative Girl Studios. There will be a huge selection of seas glass, wire colors and cording to craft with. This workshop is open to adults age 18+ and attendees will leave with 2 finished pendant necklaces. Visit Wtmlib.info for information.

JULY 11TH

Weekly Fun Runs

SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL, 216 ADDISON ROAD | 6:30 PM

Grab your sneaks and run some extra miles! The town is sponsoring a weekly fun run on Wednesdays this month for kids and adults starting on July 11. Children jog for one mile around the Smith Middle School Soccer field. Adult courses are 2.4 and 3.5 miles. Register at the Smith Middle School.  Visit Glastonburyct.gov for more information.

JULY 12TH

Watkinson Hosts Information Session and Barbecue

WATKINSON SCHOOL, 180 BLOOMFIELD AVE., HARTFORD | 5:30 PM

Watkinson School will host an information session to give parents the opportunity to meet faculty and school leaders, tour our 40-acre campus, and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner prepared by our in-house dining staff. If that date doesn't work for your schedule, please visit our admissions page, Watkinson.org/visit , for additional information and session dates.

JULY 13TH

Greater Hartford Jazz Festival 2023

BUSHNELL PARK, 10 COLUMBUS BLVD., HARTFORD | 12:30 PM

This year's Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz will run from July 13-16. The event, which celebrates all things jazz, draws thousands of music lovers to Hartford’s Bushnell Park for picnics and world-class entertainment. For information on the musical lineup, tickets, vendors and schedules, visit Hartfordjazz.com.

JULY 13TH

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH, 1678 ASYLUM AVE., WEST HARTFORD | 7:30 PM

The Capital Classics Theatre Company is once again hosting its Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival on the grounds of the University of Saint Joseph. This year the group is staging Macbeth. The open air performances will run July 13-30, Thurs-Sat., at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for students and seniors. Visit Capitalclassics.org for information.

JULY 18TH

Cotton Hollow Dinner Theater

COTTON HOLLOW KITCHEN, 840 MAIN ST., SOUTH GLASTONBURY | 6:00 PM

Cotton Hollow Kitchen presents an evening dinner theater from 6-9 p.m. BrickRoad Productions presents The Mountain Moonshine Mystery, a classic hillbilly murder show. The night will include a three-course meal for $65 per person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity. Make a reservation by calling 860-781-8555 and join us for a great night of food and entertainment. Visit Cottonhollowkitchen.com for information.

JULY 24TH

Pastel Painting For Adults

WELLES TURNER MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 2407 MAIN ST. | 6:30 PM

Join artist Gregory Maichack for a hands-on workshop. Greg will guide everyone in producing their very own original pastel of a stunning jellyfish. All materials will be provided. Due to the space limitations of this program, registration begins June 26 by phone 860-652-7720 for Glastonbury residents and opens online for all, July 3. Visit Wtmlib.info for information.

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