West Hartford, CT February 2025 by City Lifestyle

Tui Na CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

with Dr. Wu, PH.D

March 1-2, 2025

10am - 6pm

Wu Healing Center:

45 S. Main St. Suite 100 West Hartford

Support for a healthy life.

Learn how to:

• Use 9 easy acupressure lines to treat any condition.

• Use the 1,730 year old “Instant Pain Elimination Technique” to instantly eliminate aches, pains, and other conditions.

• Use 10 simple points to find instant relief from 10 every-day problems (knee pain, shoulder pain, headaches, hip pain, low back pain, etc.)

• Easily find Qi blockages along the 9 acupressure lines and restore Qi flow.

February: Love Local

'Tis the season of love and this month in our Love Local Issue we're showing West Hartford some love by looking at some of the groups and businesses here that contribute to our thriving community.

We have a story this month about several local businesses that provide a unique take on self care and wellness. The article was written by Annisa Teich, founder and CEO of The Small Business Collective and managing director of West Hartford Coworking and Windsor Worx.

We also spoke with Claudia Dawley, of The Stamped Passport Travel Co., a concierge luxury travel advisor whose love of globe-trotting led her to start her own agency to help people have the best experience possible when they travel near and far.

In addition, we take a look this month at an iconic small business, French Cleaners, a much-loved local dry cleaning company with deep roots in this community and a deep affection for its people.

Lastly, in a nod to Valentine's Day, we have a recipe about a "love potion" cocktail, and stories about how to make your own Valentine's cards and floral bouquets.

We hope you love this month's issue of West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and that you have a Happy Valentine's Day!

PERRELLI, PUBLISHER

February 2025

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

INTERN

Samira Chambers | samira.chambers@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Samira Chambers, Annisa Teich

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaitlyn Casso, Ashley Raphael, Neelam Parmar, Jenni French

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn

Meet Our Pain Management Specialists

Michael J. Grille, MD

Pain Management Anesthesiologist

Dr. Michael Grille has established himself as one of the top Interventional Pain Management Specialists in the Northeast. With Fellowship training at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, he brings a wealth of clinical expertise in order to develop the best and most comprehensive pain management plan to address any chronic pain condition.

Michael J. Robbins, DO

Pain Management Anesthesiologist

Dr. Michael Robbins was recognized as one of the “Best Pain Management Physicians in New Haven”, and he has brought his clinical excellence and experience to the local community. Dr. Robbins is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist. He has extensive knowledge in spinal mechanics, and he provides treatment for a wide range of pain issues.

Bright J. Selvaraj, MD

Pain Management Anesthesiologist

Dr. Bright Jebaraj Selvaraj brings national pain management experience to the forefront of the IAA Pain Center. Having completed his Residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital and his Pain Management Fellowship with Oregon Health, Dr. Selvaraj has been a welcome addition to our growing Pain Management Team.

Pain Conditions We Treat

• Neck , mid-back and low back pain

• Joint pain and pain after joint replacement

• Chronic post-surgical pain

• Headache, head, and facial pain

• Cervical dystonia

• Sciatica and nerve pain

• Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain

• Cancer-related pain

• Chest wall pain and thoracic outlet syndrome

• Complex regional pain syndrome

• and more!

FINE DIAMONDS / CUSTOM JEWELRY

business monthly

Ryan Young Promoted at People's Bank

Ryan Young was recently promoted to Banking Center Manager at PeoplesBank in West Hartford. As a West Hartford resident, Ryan brings nearly a decade of banking experience and a strong dedication to community involvement to his new role. He currently serves on the boards of West Hartford Pride and West Hartford Interactive. Visit bankatpeoples.com.

West Hartford Lifestyle and Parisian Salon Announce "Spirit of Giving" Winner

Sebastian Airo & Patricia Barbaro from Parisian Salon & Day Spa and Gary Perrelli from West Hartford and Glastonbury Lifestyle congratulate Kelly, Sellew & Scott on winning our “Spirit of Giving” contest. They won a $100 gift card to Parisian Salon & Day Spa and a $100 donation was made to their favorite charity: The Junior League of Hartford. Follow Glastonbury Lifestyle and West Hartford Lifestyle on social media for more fun @glastonburylifestyle and @westhartford_lifestyle.

Local Woman Visits Dominican Republic With Watkinson School Aid Team

Julia Schoenfeld of Glastonbury, a member of Watkinson School's Dominican Republic Service Team, recently traveled with the team on its annual visit to the country for a week of service to Haitian sugarcane cutters and families who live and work in sugarcane work camps. While there, Julia helped run mobile medical clinics, taking blood pressures and helping in the mobile pharmacy, and also helped with construction of hurricane-proof homes. Visit Watkinson.org for more information.

Photography by Neelam Parmar

Photography by Jenni French

business

Goldinage Founder Speaks at TEDxHartford

Ashley Rigby, Founder of Goldinage Retirement Coaching, spoke recently at TEDxHartford at the Hartford Marriott, along with 7 other inspiring speakers. She spoke on rebranding retirement while disrupting ageism, a topic near and dear to her heart. A certified professional retirement coach and public speaker, Ashley founded Goldinage Retirement Coaching in 2022 with the mission of helping people reimagine how to spend their retirement years. Visit Goldinage.com for more information.

Scan to read more

West Hartford Police Department Gains New Patrol Officer

Officer Jeffrey Rohrig, third from right in the photo above, recently graduated from the New Britain Police Academy and has been assigned to the Patrol Division, where he will begin his field training and evaluation period. "We are happy to have Officer Rohrig back at the PD and wish him well in the next phase of his career," a police spokesman said. Visit Westhartfordct.gov.

West Hartford Rotary Planning Next Vines of March

The Rotary Club of West Hartford is selling tickets for its 13th Annual Vines of March wine tasting and auction planned for Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at the West Hartford Town Hall. Tickets are $75 per person. The Vines of March features wine, beer and spirit tastings from local and regional vendors. The event also includes unlimited food samplings from local restaurants and a silent auction. Visit WestHartfordRotary.org for information.

CONTINUED

Cowen Tax Group Donates $7,600 to Food Bank

Cowen Tax Advisory Group chose Midwest Food Bank in Manchester this year to be their focus charity. Cowen, together with their clients, raised more than $7,600 at their annual holiday party which they donated to the Midwest Food Bank. In addition, The Cowen Team, along with several clients, volunteered to pack food at Midwest that will be distributed to more than 140,000 people across Connecticut who go hungry every month. Visit Cowentaxgroup.com.

Scan to read more

Bodytalk Boutique is Expanding

Bodytalk Boutique of Avon is expanding its store at 51 East Main St., in Avon. The new space, located adjacent to its existing store will include social occasion dresses. "Whether you’re heading to a formal event or wedding you’re sure to find your dream dress that’s perfect for any occasion at our new store." Visit Bodytalkboutique.com.

Scan to read more

• Motion Preservation with Cervical & Lumbar Disc Replacement Minimally Invasive Outpatient Surgery

• Latest Robotic Surgery Technology

• Telemedicine Consultation Available

• 4 Locations: Farmington, Manchester, Glastonbury & Rocky Hill CT

Hanbing Zhou, M.D.

Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Associate Jason DaCruz MHS, PA-C (860) 549-8261

Email for appointments: gknapp@oahctmd.com or svo@oahctmd.com

Photography by Ashley Raphael

For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities We serve as trusted advisors for multiple generations and provide sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of life.

Paul L. Bourdeau

Principal, Private Clients Group

860.313.4930 pbourdeau@cl-law.com

Caroline Demirs Calio

Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4936 ccalio@cl-law.com

Robert B. Fawber

Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4931 rfawber@cl-law.com

Marc T. Finer

Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4946 mfiner@cl-law.com

Brianna L. Marquis

Principal, Private Clients Group 860.313.4923 bmarquis@cl-law.com

Kelley Galica Peck

Principal-in-Charge, West Hartford Office 860.313.4919 kpeck@cl-law.com

Heather J. Rhoades

Chairman, Private Clients Group 860.313.4933 hrhoades@cl-law.com

For a private consultation, please contact one of our attorneys.

Blue Back Square

75 Isham Road, Suite 400

West Hartford, CT 06107

Phone: 860.313.4900

Fax: 860.313.4993

Our core services include:

■

and

■ Philanthropic giving

■ Generational wealth transfer

■ International estate and tax planning

■ Probate and estate settlement

■ Executor and trustee services

■ Business succession planning

■ Fiduciary, probate and tax litigation

■ Residential and commercial real estate services

■ Corporate and finance services

■ Business litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution

www.cl-law.com

COACH MIGUEL

STAMFORD GREENWICH WEST HARTFORD NAPLES BONITA SPRINGS PALM BEACH

WHAT CAN SULLIVAN AND RUSSILLO WEALTH ADVISORS DO FOR YOU?

Get Your Life BACK

Are you ready to say goodbye to back pain and hello to a life without limits? M. Ayodele Buraimoh, MD, a nationally-recognized leader in spine health is opening a private practice to bring you the latest advancements in spinal care. Whether you're sidelined by discomfort or seeking preventive care, it’s time to unlock a future free from pain and rediscover the activities you love most.

Office opening in September. Schedule your consultation today!

The Orthopedic Center of Connecticut 130 Birdseye Road Farmington, CT 06032

860.247.3279 ayospinemd.com

M. Ayodele Buraimoh, MD

Sullivan & Russilo Wealth Advisors of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC

SULLIVAN & RUSSILLO WEALTH ADVISORS OF JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC

FROM DYE WORKS to dry cleaning

THE LEGACY OF FRENCH CLEANERS IN WEST HARTFORD

ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN CASSO

For decades, The French Cleaners in West Hartford has been a trusted name in garment care. The family that has owned and operated the business during much of its existence has excelled and nurtured their technical skills in the cleaning and repair of clothes.

French Cleaners has been continually family-owned and operated since 1911 and is one of - if not the - oldest businesses in West Hartford. It was founded in Frog Hollow in Hartford, and at one time had five locations all along Farmington Avenue.

The company’s success is attributable to the owners’ abiding affection and respect for the community they serve.

“We have so many people from all over Connecticut who come to us, and that’s unique for a dry cleaners,” says Phil Cote, the current owner. “Most people go to a dry cleaner that’s close to their homes, but we get people from all over because we have professional tailors and dry cleaners and we understand garments.”

Founded as the French Dye Works, the company was owned by the local Gassner and Mellman families who transitioned it into a dry cleaning shop. Phil Cote, sonin-law of Michael Gassner, came to work with Michael in1987 and purchased the business in January of 2000. Phil was instrumental in helping to continue the tradition of quality and customer service excellence. Over the years, French Cleaners has earned a national reputation as a high-quality dry cleaners.

Phil’s son-in-law, Mark Hatch, recently joined as a manager to mark the 5th generation for the family-owned business. Today, Phil and Mark are focused on servicing their loyal customer base and maintaining the company’s superb reputation.

Phil also has preserved French Cleaners’ history while guiding the business into the future.

As French Dye Works transitioned into French Cleaners, the business grew alongside the evolution of dry cleaning technology. But those early days were perilous. The solvents used in the process were flammable, and fires were a constant hazard. In the beginning, clothes were transferred between machines — first washed with solvents, then spun out, and finally dried in a separate unit.

An employee inside The French Cleaners

Phil recalls stories of how dangerous and inefficient this method was. Thankfully, innovations eventually led to safer, enclosed machines that could handle the entire process in one go.

Phil learned the dry cleaning business from Sid Mellman, his wife’s grandfather. An engineer, Sid had an uncanny ability to identify clothing stains just by looking at them.

“Different stains behave differently,” Phil explains. “A lot of them come from food, and since I used to work as a chef, I can often reverse-engineer what caused the stain. It gets pretty technical — some stains are water-soluble, while others need solvents.”

Phil also embraces innovation, particularly when it comes to sustainability.

“We’ve been interested in eco-friendly practices from the beginning,” he says. Traditional dry cleaning solvents, such as Perc, were effective but bad for the environment and the people working with them.

French Cleaners was an industry leader in adopting new solvent technology and stopped using Perc in 1998. Today it uses a combination of petroleum-based solvents and specially designed microbes in their soaps. These microbes break down contaminants and can even be used as fertilizers. French also is an industry leader in wet-cleaning, which allows some dry-clean fabrics to be cleaned with water-based chemistry.

“It’s kind of come full circle back to nature,” Mark says with pride. “We’re cleaning better and being kinder to the planet.”

Community involvement is another cornerstone of French Cleaners.

French Cleaners does an annual coat drive and donates coats to various charities in the area. The company volunteered its time to the community during Hurricane Sandy by cleaning laundry when residents didn’t have power.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic masks were in short supply so French Cleaners made and donated them to the community. The company also made specialized masks for surgical applications for St. Francis Hospital.

Phil and his team have always been dedicated to supporting local organizations, schools, and theaters. They’ve cleaned costumes for Hall High School, contributed services to Playhouse on Park, and even worked with the Moscow Ballet.

“We’re one of the only companies in the country that they trust to clean their costumes,” Phil says.

The French Cleaners

935 Farmington Ave.

860-233-3736

Thefrenchcleaner.com

An employee inside The French Cleaners

Mark Hatch, left, and Phil Cote

A tailor at work inside The French Cleaners

Mark Hatch holds a historic photo of The French Cleaners in front of one of the company's vans.

THE STAMPED PASSPORT Travel Co.

A LOCAL CONCIERGE TRAVEL FIRM WITH A GLOBAL REACH

ARTICLE BY SAMIRA CHAMBERS

Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Everyone dreams of their perfect vacation. but the planning and work that goes into such trips can be overwhelming and mistakes in your travel plans can be costly and rob you of a memorable travel experience.

Claudia Dawley, owner of The Stamped Passport Travel Co., specializes in taking the work and stress out of travel so clients can enjoy culturally immersive trips around the world.

The Stamped Passport curates seamless travel experiences by coordinating flights, transfers, hotels, and more. Everything from accommodations and exclusive tours to unique activities and personalized restaurant recommendations is taken into account and each trip is carefully tailored to reflect the client’s interests.

Clients can also access exclusive perks, such as room upgrades and VIP amenities that elevate the travel experience through Claudia’s affiliation with the Virtuoso program, an exclusive network of the world’s top travel providers, offering unique benefits and experiences not available to the general public. . Claudia advocates for you from beginning to end with all the rules that may have been changed or any issues that may arise during the trip.

We spoke with Claudia about her unique services and her travel planning philosophy.

1. WHAT SETS THE STAMPED PASSPORT TRAVEL CO. APART FROM OTHER TRAVEL PLANNING SERVICES?

I have many strong relationships I’ve built with trusted global partners. These partnerships enable me to craft personalized journeys that go beyond the ordinary and truly elevate your trip to the next level. From exclusive tours designed just for you to unmatched support throughout your travels, every detail is thoughtfully managed to create extraordinary experiences. I ensure that the service provided is always top-notch.

Claudia on a trip to the Netherlands.

An iconic bridge and colorful row houses in Amsterdam.

2. HOW DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH CLIENTS TO ENSURE THEIR TRAVEL DREAMS ARE BROUGHT TO LIFE?

I take the time to understand what my clients want out of their trip—whether it’s relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or a bit of everything. From there, I design an itinerary that aligns with their vision while offering my professional guidance and insights. I also involve them throughout the process. We work together to refine the itinerary until it’s exactly what they’re looking for. It’s a team effort that ensures their trip feels personal and perfect.

3. WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR FIRSTHAND TRAVEL EXPERIENCE PLAY IN CRAFTING ITINERARIES FOR CLIENTS?

My firsthand travel experience plays a crucial role in crafting itineraries because it allows me to offer insights and recommendations that go beyond what’s found in a guidebook. Having personally visited many of the destinations I recommend, I can suggest hidden gems, share local favorites, and ensure the itinerary aligns with the authentic feel of the destination. It’s one thing to read about a place, but having been there, I can provide a more nuanced and personal perspective to create truly unique, meaningful experiences for my clients.

accommodations and organizing private tours to securing restaurant reservations, every element is meticulously planned. All my clients have to do is pack their bags and get on the plane. I also maintain open communication throughout the journey, so clients know they can reach out at any time. My goal is to create a seamless experience where they can relax and immerse themselves in the destination without worrying about logistics.

5. HOW DO YOUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL EXPERTS AND LUXURY PROVIDERS ENHANCE THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?

“I handle all the details so my clients can focus on enjoying their trip.”

These partnerships are what elevate a trip from good to extraordinary. By working with trusted local experts and luxury providers, I can offer my clients exclusive experiences, such as private tours, unique accommodations, seamless transfers, and special perks like room upgrades or early check-ins. These connections also ensure my clients have on-the-ground support, giving them access to the best the destination has to offer. It’s this collaboration that allows me to craft unforgettable journeys filled with authenticity, luxury, and exclusive touches that make all the difference.

4. HOW DO YOU ENSURE A STRESS-FREE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CLIENTS FROM START TO FINISH? I handle all the details so my clients can focus on enjoying their trip. From arranging

The Stamped Passport Travel Co. Online:Thestampedpassporttravel.com On Facebook and Instagram: @TheStampedPassportTravelCo

Right: Elizabeth Daly-Standish, Nakia Alexander, Nicole Greenblatt Bottom Row Left

Right : Kate King, Paula Fahy Ostop, Ellyn Marshall, Anne Decker, Amanda Layden

LOVE LOCAL

An Exploration of Local Businesses That Provide Self-Care Services

ARTICLE BY ANNISA TEICH

As we lean into this month’s theme of Love Local, I am thrilled to shine a light on the incredible businesses within our community that are dedicated to enhancing our well-being. At The Small Business Collective, we believe that supporting local isn’t just a transaction— it’s an investment in our shared growth and connection. Each of the businesses featured here are serving our region with unique and specialized services that nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits - empowering us to take a beat and take care of ourselves.

HIMALAYAN SALT CAVE AT IGNITE MED SPA & WELLNESS

I’m all about creating a vibe, and there is nothing I’ve experienced that is more immediately and wholly “vibey” than taking a nap in a Himalayan Salt Cave. Truly. Ignite Med Spa & Wellness offers this scientifically supported experience that promotes improved immunity, better sleep, enhanced respiratory health, and mental well-being. While just the other-worldly look, lighting, and feel of the salt on my skin is mood-altering enough - there is also a pulsating Halogenerator dispersing crushed medical-grade Himalayan salt into the air. Whether you opt for a public or private session, the Salt Cave’s calming environment provides an ideal escape for relaxation or even a group wellness retreat. Independent practitioners can also utilize the space for activities like yoga or sound therapy. If I ever go missing - check here first.

Ignite Med Spa & Wellness

945 Farmington Ave., Lower Level West Hartford

Phone: 860-231-1004

Online: ignite-medspa.com

CLEAN BEAUTY ADVOCACY WITH KELLY TUNSKY

Local entrepreneur and clean beauty advocate Kelly Tunsky is a beacon of inspiration for easy, everyday ways, and little choices you can make to live a healthier life. Through partnerships with brands like Beauty Counter and Crunchi, Kelly educates others on the importance of clean, safe beauty. From uncovering the hidden dangers in popular skincare to empowering others with light-coverage solutions for glowing natural skin, her insights are invaluable and will up-end your current skincare products in the best way. Explore Kelly’s “Safer Swaps” online to begin your journey toward a healthier beauty regimen.

Kelly Tunsky

Online: shopmy.us/kellytunsky

On Social: @shopmy

The Himalayan Salt Cave at Ignite Med Spa & Wellness.

Clean Beauty Advocate Kelly Tunsky.

MILD HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY AT RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS

Ok - if you are claustrophobic - sit this one out and head back to the Salt Cave. But, if you’re not and you’re really ready to uplevel your wellness game - Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHbOT) at Restore Hyper Wellness is a must-try. This non-invasive therapy immerses you in a pressurized chamber to breathe 90-95 percent pure oxygen—a stark contrast to the 21 percent oxygen content in regular air. Benefits include optimized sleep, enhanced cognitive clarity, reduced recovery time, and improved immunity. I’m an avid proponent of this therapy from my own experience. It’s provided me relief from joint inflammation and a cognitive boost when I’m feeling a bit “foggy”. Zip into one of these tubes with the help of their expert staff and breathe in the benefits.

Restore Hyper Wellness

345 North Main St., Suite 105, West Hartford Phone: 860-945-4300

Online: restore.com

CHAKRA BALANCING WITH LITTLE BIRD WELLNESS

For those seeking a more spiritual approach to self-care, Little Bird Wellness provides a glimpse into the transformative power of Chakra balancing. With locations in East Granby and Manchester, Shaman Chris offers 30-minute Chakra balancing sessions that work like a chiropractic adjustment for the soul. Using tools like pendulums and rattles, Chris identifies imbalances and restores harmony to your energy centers. It’s a quick yet profound way to recalibrate your spirit and set the stage for deeper wellbeing.

Little Bird Wellness

272 Main Street, Manchester | 61 Rainbow Rd, East Granby Phone: 860-452-3506

Online: littlebirdwellnessct.com

Chakra balancing stones.

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are used therapeutically is some med spas.

PRIVATE OFFICE RETREATS AT WEST HARTFORD COWORKING AND WINDSOR WORX

Indulge me with a little self-promotion here, but for good reason! Self-care isn’t just about wellness modalities and skincare - sometimes it’s about creating a productive and inspiring environment to focus on your passions. At West Hartford Coworking and Windsor Worx, we offer beautifully furnished private offices that provide the perfect sanctuary for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small business owners to dig into some deep work. Whether you’re recording training sessions, hosting client meetings, or tackling a long overdue writing project, these spaces are designed to help you elevate your workday to “boss mode” and give your brain the space and peace it craves in our busy, modern, and often isolating work-from-home lifestyle.

West Hartford Coworking

430 New Park Ave., Suite 102, Hartford Phone: 860-800-9342

Online: westhartfordcoworking.com

Windsorworx

41 Mechanic St., Windsor Phone: 860-780-2457

Online: windsorworx.com

ANNISA TEICH

Annisa Teich is the Founder and CEO of The Small Business Collective and Managing Director of West Hartford Coworking and Windsor Worx.

When we Love Local, we uplift not only our small businesses but also our sense of community and connection. These incredible offerings are just a small glimpse of the passion and expertise our Central CT entrepreneurial ecosystem has to offer. I hope you’ll join me in making more time for self-care this month and soaking in the added benefits of doing so in community. Here’s to loving local and living well!

An office inside West Hartford Coworking.

Dr.ThomasA. McDonald,MD

TO MY

Valentine

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Create timeless keepsakes for those you love with this easy DIY Valentine Stationary. There is something special and reminiscent of our earlier years of creating homemade valentines for those special in our lives. While stores are filled with Valentine candy, cards and gifts, the thoughtfulness and time put into to a handmade card holds a different meaning. Words are the things we treasure most, so let those you care about most know how you treasure them this Valentine’s Day.

What you will need

• Kitchen Knife

• Red or Russet Potato (for heart)

• Romaine lettuce (for rose)

• Acrylic Paint

• Paint Brush

• Blank Envelopes

• Blank Cards

• Heart Template (SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIY-stationery)

• Hand Lettering Template (SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIY-stationery)

• Light Box

Instructions for Heart Prints

1. Cut the potato in half. Using a small knife, carefully carve a heart shape onto the flat side of the potato. Carve freestyle or use the free template under “DIY Stationery” on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/ blog/diy-stationery. Even when using the template, each carving will come out as unique art like the ones you see here.

2. With a paint brush, apply paint to the heart shape on the potato.

3. Stamp the potato heart onto blank stationery.

4. Set aside until completely dry.

Instructions for Rose Prints

1. Cut the end off of romaine lettuce. Set leaves aside and use the stem.

2. Using a paintbrush, apply paint to the lettuce stem.

3. Stamp the lettuce “rose” onto blank stationery.

4. Set aside until completely dry.

Once your stationery is completely dry it is time to add beautiful Valentine’s Day lettering. If you have beautiful handwriting then draw free hand. If you’re not as confident use a light box and my hand lettering template (found on the blog at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIYstationery) to transfer lettering onto the stationery. To do this, first lay the hand lettering template on a light box with the stationery on top. Then trace the hand lettering onto the stationery with a pen or marker of choice.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Building the Perfect Bouquet

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.

USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS

Roses

LOVE & ROMANCE

Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.

Lilies

PURITY & FERTILITY

Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.

Tulips

PERFECT OR DEEP LOVE

A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will compliment the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 1ST

Black Business Expo

West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main St. | 1:00 PM

The West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization will host a Black Business Expo from 1-4 p.m., with a show date of Feb. 15. This vibrant celebration is dedicated to honoring and promoting the achievements of black-owned businesses physically located within the West Hartford community. Visit Facebook.com/WHAASCO for more information.

FEBRUARY 1ST

Remembering Connecticut's Witch Trials

Connecticut State House, 800 Main St., Hartford | 1:00 PM

Join historians for a two-hour commemorative program exploring Connecticut's witch trials through arts and education. This program recognizes the innocent men and women persecuted for witchcraft in colonial Connecticut and advances the mission to create meaningful history education through partnerships across Connecticut. Visit wp.cga.ct.gov/osh for more information.

FEBRUARY 8TH

39th Annual Connecticut Bridal Expo

Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford | 10:00 AM

The 39th Annual Connecticut Bridal Expo is the largest wedding and bridal show in the Northeast. Find everything you need for your big day in one place. Tickets are $12 for general admission. The show runs Saturday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 9. Visit Ctconventions.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 8TH

Coffee Social

WeHa Brewing & Roasting Company, 141 Shield St. | 1:00 PM

Meet up with friends for a relaxing afternoon of caffeine and conversation at this weekly event sponsored by Hartford Happenings. The weekly socials are hosted by a Hartford Happenings member who will text when they arrive. Text 860-845-0888 for information, which reaches the whole Hartford Happenings events team.

FEBRUARY 13TH

FemCare MedSpa Presents An Evening on Comprehensive Wellness

FemCare MedSpa, 61 Raymond Road | 5:30 PM

FemCare Medspa presents an intimate evening dedicated to women seeking comprehensive wellness solutions. This VIP event, which runs from 5:30-8 p.m., features expert presentations on the revolutionary EmpowerRF technology—designed to address changes from childbirth, hormonal transitions, and aging—alongside demonstrations of the transformative Morpheus8 treatment. Visit FemCareMedSpa.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 21ST

PJ Library's Family Shabbat

Mandell Jewish Community Center, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave. | 11:00 AM

The Mandell Jewish Community Center will host a Family Shabbat event for kids in the PJ (Pajamas) Library from 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. "Bring your little ones to the Family Room Parenting Center to welcome Shabbat with PJ Library stories, songs, blessings and challah." Email slentini@Mandelljcc.org for information.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN WEST HARTFORD, CT

LOVE POTION #9

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ANNA BARNES

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!