West Hartford Magazine - Spring 2023

Creating a fitting tribute for your loved one's legacy

Happy Spring!

The Dog Walk continues to make its way through the town of West Hartford. The bevy of beautifully designed and painted dogs has now traveled from Blue Back Square…to Westfarms…to the Mandell Jewish Community Center. We encourage everyone to check out the colorful dogs, now happily ensconced throughout the sprawling JCC — and when you do, be sure to look for our brand new dog! That’s right — we’ve added a dog to benefit Dog Star Rescue. A Better World Adoptions will soon announce a “matching gift” challenge from a generous donor for our dogs. For information about the Dog Walk or to make a donation visit 20media20.com/ dogwalk.

We’re looking ahead to our next art exhibit fundraiser. You can help us decide on our next art exhibit by voting for your favorite concept (see details on page 29.)

This April, we look forward to launching our new podcast targeting the Business to Business market and sponsored by NBT BANK. “On the Scene” will be an exciting collaboration between we-ha.com, the Southern New England Jewish Ledger, TurleyCT, and our own WEHA Magazine. Produced by 2020 Media and Studio 20 South (thanks Sam Ferri for making this possible.)

Our first show will feature a chat with West Hartford’s own Andreas Kapetanopoulos, Regional President, CT, of NBT BANK.

If you would like to suggest topics or guests for future “On the Scene” podcasts, feel free to contact me at tomhickey@westhartford magazine.com.

As Annual Media Sponsor we hope you will join us a the Children’s Charity Ball benefiting The Bridge, which is scheduled for April 29 (for details, see

page 2). May 6 is the Kentucky Derby Party (for details see page 26) and Ron’s Run for the Roses, a new event that will be held at the Farmington Polo Grounds. For our 9th BEST OF WEST HARTFORD event (for details, see page 37). Voting will take place in the month of May. The B2B networking event is scheduled for July 31.

The big news is the expansion of our entertainment to include “Dancing with the Stars” (you will VOTE for the Stars to be partnered with Arthur Murray Dancers). Special thanks to Kelly Stangel, owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studios for getting our “stars” ready for competition!

Stay safe and healthy…and enjoy the beauty of spring as the weather grows warmer!

Best, Tom tom@20media20.com

Publisher Tom Hickey

Editor in Chief Judie Jacobson

Associate Editor Stacey Dresner

Digital Media Manager Hillary Sarrasin

Contributing Writers & Columnists: Matt Banever, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin

Bookkeeper Lisa Gangone

Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT

Videographer Nild Sansone

Websites: We-Ha.com, WestHartfordMagazine.com, Wehawheels.com, JewishLedger.com, 20Media20.com, wehacal.com

Mike Roy/Roy Web Design

Principals

Thomas P. Hickey II James H. Gould III

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook West Hartford Magazine We-Ha.com

Twitter @westhartfordmag @wehartford

Instagram @westhartfordite

Hashtags #wehaevents #bestofweha #weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy

Linked-in 2020Media West

tom@20media20.com

Elizabeth Park. Photo by Elisa Wagner.

West Hartford Named Among the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast

Chances are, if you live in West Hartford you already know that our beautiful New England town is a great place to live — maybe even among the best places to live in the U.S. And we’re not the only ones who think so.

In February, our town was included in a list of the 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast, compiled by Livability (livability.com) — the same folks who for the last nine years have created an annual ranking of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.

Based on their own extensive research, each city on the list of the 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast has something special to offer. And West Hartford has not only made the cut — it’s also the only town in Connecticut to have done so.

Here’s what the folks at Livability found so special about our town:

“The rich history and natural beauty of West Hatford, CT, an affluent suburb just five miles outside of Hartford, is one reason it’s known as one of the best places to live in the Northeast. In the early 1600s, those drawn to its fertile land and abundant natural resources first settled in what is now West Hartford. A focal point of West Hartford is “The Center,” the town’s downtown district that has been a gathering place since the 17th century. Creating a sense of community is important here; each year, the Celebrate West Hartford celebration draws in nearly 40,000 people to participate in the weekend-long festival. Regardless of education, residents can think smarter, not harder, as the West Hartford School District is one of the country’s most highly-rated public school systems.

“Many locals enjoy the quaint downtown area’s lively shops, restaurants and boutiques. As if that wasn’t enough, West Hartford is also home to several natural attractions. The 84-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail offers scenic paths for walking, biking and enjoying nature. In addition, West Hartford has plenty of fun and entertainment options that cater to a wide range of interests. If you’re looking to explore and breathe in some fresh air, there are

many places to get out and about in town, including the Elizabeth Park Conservancy, which covers 102 acres and is on the National Register of Historical Places and even hosts community concerts during the summer."

What is Livability?

According to its website (livability.com), Livability is one of the leading online resources used for researching communities. Livability publishes monthly and annual lists of cities, defining the best places to live in America, and serve as trusted partners to cities, businesses and economic development organizations nationally.

Livability is the go-to resource for anyone looking to discover the best places to live, work and visit.

Blue Back Square. Credit: Stacey Dresner

West Hartford Chamber of Commerce: Shining a Spotlight on Health & Wellness Businesses & Non-Profits

by Christopher Conway

In general, chambers of commerce represent a wide variety of businesses touching most industries. In this regard, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is no different. Our membership runs the spectrum of large manufacturers, major educational institutions right through to soleproprietors and everything in between.

The health and wellness sphere is one area that our chamber has well represented. Underneath this wide umbrella are several niches. Broad based organizations like Hartford Healthcare fall into this category as do dental practices, gyms, holistic practitioners, mental health professionals and dozens of nonprofits.

All told, close to 20 percent of our members work in health and wellness in one form or another.

As with any chamber members there are a multitude of networking and referral opportunities, print and digital marketing options, and access to business resources. Given the large number of members who work in this industry, we have created some special programs and opportunities to help amplify their messages.

One such initiative is our recently completed “2023 Cheers for You!” social media campaign. Begun in 2021 as a way to educate our community on the vastness of health & wellness options right in their neighborhood, the program was launched after the new year as a way to assist people in achieving their physical, mental and spiritual health goals. Over the past three years, the chamber staff

has participated in a series of talks, demonstrations and services. Done as a series of short videos, the staff has done online guided meditations, acupuncture treatments, laser facials, gym workouts, physical therapy…and dozens more.

The goal of the program is two-fold. First to educate the public, while at the sametime highlighting the variety of services offered by our chamber members. To date, the social media videos have gotten thousands of views, and interactions. Many are also archived on the West Hartford Chamber’s YouTube channel.

Another very popular event the chamber organizes in our Annual Health & Wellness Fair. After a short hiatus, this was relaunched in 2019 in partnership with Blue Back Square and Town of West Hartford. Over 40 health & wellness business and nonprofits line Isham Road, offering information, demonstrations, products and giveaways. This event, which will be held this coming May has grown in popularity over the years and draws attendance from across the region

The chamber’s tagline is “Your Community & Business Connection”. This event is an excellent embodiment of this sentiment. By facilitating an event that invites the public to learn about and engage with our local businesses, it becomes a win-win for everyone.

Beyond these specific events and programs, there are many ways for health practitioners to connect with others who may compliment their practice. The chamber facilitates over

100 networking opportunities per year for businesses to learn about each other. This can encourage referrals and collaborations.

Through our email program businesses are able to send information about products and services to thousands of local and engaged recipients.

The chamber also maintains several social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok. These platforms are largely used to amplify the message of our members. By sharing posts, more people can learn about a specific business.

If your business or nonprofit focuses on something related to health and wellness, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is a solid way to get your name out there.

Christopher Conway Executive Director West Hartford Chamber of Commerce

860.521.2300 - office

860.810.5663 - cell cconway@whchamber.com

www.whchamber.com

Mayor Shari Cantor:

"West Hartford Is Doing Great!"

By Ronni Newton/We-Ha.com

As she reviewed the past year and provided a glimpse into West Hartford’s future, Mayor Shari Cantor urged everyone attending the annual State of the Town luncheon Thursday, March 2, to “find joy in each day,” something that’s more important than ever after the turmoil of the past few years.

Cantor spoke to a packed room at the Pond House for the annual event – postponed a few days due to a snowstorm the previous Tuesday – that was hosted by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

West Hartford, she said, is “doing great,” and she explained why during her nearly hour-long presentation.

“I’m a little bit of an obnoxious grandma,” Cantor said as she shared photos of Louisa Elizabeth, now six months old.

She shared the photos not just because she is bursting with pride, however, but also because grandparents are an important trend, now representing 20% of the global population – and expected to be a quarter of the world’s population by 2050. Demographic trends indicate that people are living longer and families are shrinking, a dynamic that impacts real estate and other facets of life.

“Anecdotally – from several realtors there are many instances where grandparents have moved to town or are looking to be in town to be closer to their children and grandchildren and adult children have returned or are looking to return to West Hartford to be closer to family for support.”

Changes in the workforce are a national trend felt locally as well, as hybrid work becomes a permanent arrangement negotiated as a “new normal” for many even as the pandemic has receded.

THE ECONOMY

“We are great,” the mayor exclaimed as she shared that the governor texted her to congratulate her on the latest accolade – topping the “Best Place to Live in Connecticut” list on StudyFind, a tool used by many realtors – just released the previous day.

“That is not by chance,” she said.

StudyFind wrote, “West Hartford attracts a diverse group who want to put down roots here, from young professionals and families to retirees.”

Mansion Magazine and Niche.com are among the recent sites to list West Hartford among the top places to live. U.S. News & World report continues to rank both Conard and Hall on their list of top traditional high schools, and to rank the school district among the best as well.

“Our economy is thriving,” Cantor said.

“We are seeing millions of dollars in commercial investments in every business district in West Hartford, from Corbin’s Corner to Bishops Corner, and every place in between.

Businesses are updating their properties, expanding their space, improving their facades, and opening their doors for the first time,” she said.

The grand list continues to rise and now tops $7.2 billion, more than any neighboring town.

Residents are investing in their own homes with kitchen and bath updates, and last year there were 32 new swimming pools installed.

“In 2022, West Hartford processed 6,868 permits and conducted 11,629 inspections – that’s 18.5% more than 2021. Total value of projects is also up by 51%,” she said. The town is aware of the backlog in inspections, she added, and is addressing it through hiring another building inspector and has introduced CityView to streamline the permitting process.

One of the reasons West Hartford is thriving is because its public schools are a draw to families – one of 18 districts in the state with an A+ grade, but with a diverse population that includes 25% non-English speakers of 77 different languages.

Sports teams from both high schools have earned state titles over the past year, and the music program is “another shining star,” she said, with the town receiving the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation.

West Hatford Mayor Shari Cantor delivers the State of the Town address at the Pond House on March 2. Credit: Ronni Newton

There are initiatives underway to capture the town’s tourism assets, she said, through the West Hartford Arts Commission. Murals continue to proliferate showing how the community is visibly artistic, and the WHy West Hartford website, a collaboration between the Chamber and the town, is a great resource, she said.

“We wouldn’t be the community we are without the dedication of our residents who step forward and graciously offer their time and expertise in service to others,” Cantor said. “I mention this because volunteerism speaks to the vitality of our community.”

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

There’s an expansion and investment in new housing opportunities.

“The pandemic really did ignite a home buying frenzy,” Cantor said. “West Hartford’s housing market is hot – it’s one of the hottest in the country.”

Demand continues to outpace supply, and the median sale price in 2022 was $400,000, up 9.6% from the previous year when it was $370,000.

All other occupancies – office, multifamily residential, industrial, and retail continue to have low vacancy rates.

Investment in apartments and condominiums, is happening throughout town, and projects are in various stages of planning and/ or development with rentals appealing to empty nesters, seniors, young professionals, and young families alike.

A tour of the projects under development included:

• The Byline at 920-924 Farmington Avenue (48 units plus commercial space, a roughly $15 million investment)

• Arapahoe Group development in the Center (83 total units

including 25 apartments with ground floor commercial space and 58 condominiums, an estimated $50 million investment)

• Residences at Berkshire (26 units, approximately $15 million investment)

• One Park Road (295 total units, including preservation of the historic chapel, an approximately $66 million investment). One Park is pre-leasing and the first phase is expected to open soon.

• 950 Trout Brook (172 units on property that was formerly tax exempt, estimated to bring in $800,000 annual tax revenue to the town)

“There are a few affordable units here, a few affordable units there” she said, with all of the projects including at least a small percentage of units set aside for those with incomes at 80% of the area mean income (AMI) or less. A deeper commitment to affordable housing takes “more attention and commitment,” and the town has made a commitment by creating an Affordable Housing Development Program, setting aside $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available to eligible projects.

The Camelot, which will be constructed on the West Hartford Inn property at 900 Farmington Avenue, is one such eligible project.

“When I became mayor this was one of my goals, to transform that property into housing,” Cantor said. It will include 44 units, at least 80% of which will be affordable to residents at various levels of AMI. The project also received a nearly $1 million brownfield remediation grant.

Fellowship Housing in Bishops Corner will be one-third larger once completed, with work expected to begin on the first phase this spring in what has been a “very, very thoughtful process.”

TD Bank Regional Vice President Steve Litchfield introduced Mayor Shari Cantor. TD Bank was presenting sponsor of the Mayor’s State of the Town. Credit: Ronni Newton

Mayor Shari Cantor with Chamber of Commerce staff and Board of Directors. Credit:

“Everyone wants to know the future of the former UConn site,” Cantor said, but there is nothing to report now because plans are preliminary and she can’t talk about a project that the Town Council will have to vote on.

Transit-oriented development is important to the town’s growth, Cantor said. The town has two CT Fastrak stations and a longdesired railway station is in the planning stage.

The soon-to-open 540 New Park mixed-use building adds 52 units of housing, 80% affordable, and is also transit-oriented development.

Plans will soon be submitted for Elmwood LOFTS, on the site of the former Puritan Furniture store on New Britain Avenue, also in a transit-oriented development zone. The town received nearly $1 million for brownfield remediation for the project will which will maintain ground-floor commercial and retail space (24,000 square feet) with four upper stories accommodating 150 residential units, of which 15% will be affordable.

The New Park Avenue Complete Street reconstruction project is anticipated to start in 2024, and signals significant investment in the area.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability doesn’t just mean saving energy, Cantor said. She noted the town’s Silver level certification from Sustainable CT, as well as West Hartford being named a “Climate Leader.”

Waste disposal is a growing crisis as capacity is shrinking in the Northeast, and the cost of disposal is expected to increase by a third in the next five years. It’s an ever-increasing part of the town budget, and “we need to bend that curve,” she said.

Two solutions being piloted together are food scrap collection and pay-as-you-throw, which will be rolled out for 690 residences in the Morley neighborhood in May, funded by a grant the town won through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Blue Earth will handle the food scrap collection portion of the pilot, while Paine’s will coordinate the pay-as-you-throw.

Students are already making an impact on sustainability with eight elementary schools participating in cafeteria food scrap collection – collecting 10.4 tons by last fall.

The collection of pumpkins by Public Works last fall resulted in 7.4 tons of material removed from potentially becoming waste, and instead being turned into compost and bio-fuel by Quantum Biopwer in Southington.

“We are actually going through a bit of change in our Public Works Department,” Cantor said, and the just-completed purchase of 705 Oakwood Avenue and 12 Brixton Street will allow for the future relocation of Animal Control and the fire department’s training facility, a fueling station, and clear space for a future transfer station.

MAJOR PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

Capital projects will fund improvements to roads, school buildings, and security, as well as construction of a new animal shelter. The West Hartford Infrastructure Master Plan is identifying improvements to the Center which will be under consideration, including better bicycle facilities on Farmington Avenue, wider sidewalks that can accommodate outdoor dining, and changes to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

Mayor Shari Cantor with members of the West Hartford Police and West Hartford Fire departments. Mayor’s State of the Town. March 2. Credit: Ronni Newton

Credit: Ronni Newton

JEWELRY & WATCHES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

facebook.com/shopstore52

instagram.com/shop_store52

West Hartford Resident Named Big Brother of the Year

West Hartford

resident Mike Isko has been named the 2023 Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. The prestigious award will be presented to Isko when he and four other honorees are celebrated at the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Year Awards event, to be held Thursday, May 4 at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford.

“Mike is totally deserving of this award,” said Tara Gill, director of Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. “He’s not only been a friend, sounding board and role model to his mentee for quite a long time, he’s also formed a strong relationship with his mentee’s entire family. Mike is an ideal example of how mentors can make a significant impact on young people.”

recently announced production of a chicken and beef product that they grow in a petri dish, with Lamont has tasted and declared “pretty good.”) and other industries.

Lamont expects that many of these Israeli entrepreneurs will be visiting Connecticut in the near future with an eye towards forging collaborations and the like.

Mike, now retired, worked as an attorney in New Britain for many years. His ‘Little Brother’ Trey lives in New Britain. Mike first met Trey when he volunteered for a mentoring program sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association at Trey’s school. Trey was 11 at the time.

“You know, there’s two and a half times more venture capital money being invested in Israel today than there was a year and a half ago. That’s a sign of optimism and people believing in the future,” Lamont told the Ledger.

“From a political standpoint, they’re really working hard to show that Israel is governing itself and moving forward – and the business community is really leading the way. And that’s great,” he added.

That sense of optimism is shared by others in the Connecticut delegation.

When the yearlong Bar Association program ended, Mike found he enjoyed the mentoring experience so much that he enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based program and brought Trey along with him. Now, six years later, Trey is 17 and he and Mike are still having Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring adventures together. One had to do with learning they both had a love for winter sports, which culminated in Mike and Trey becoming certified instructors at the Mount Southington Ski Area. Another adventure happened more recently and had to do with the long journey both traveled, which ultimately resulted in Trey being accepted at Norwich University – where he’ll be heading in the fall.

Mike takes scant credit for his Little Brother’s college acceptance, instead talking about Trey’s strong academic work over the years and Trey’s mom’s constant encouragement.

“Trey is such a wonderful young man,” Mike says. “My match with him has put somebody wonderful in my life. It’s given me a purpose other than self-indulgence.”

“We had an incredibly productive trip to Israel,” Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman said. “The Governor led delegation meetings with high-growth Israeli companies, venture firms, established companies, and the Israeli government. Our meetings were singularly focused on how to increase collaboration between our two economies and mutually beneficial direct investment. I am optimistic about the future of the Connecticut-Israel economic relationship.” n

Lamont toured Future Meat Technologies. The innovative Israel company is in early discussions with Connecticut about coming to the state.

Big Brother (adult mentor) Mike Isko (at right) and his Little Brother Trey get ready to start another shift as certified ski instructors at the Mount Southington Ski Area in Plantsville.

(Courtesy)

WEDDINGS

Stormy Weather Couldn’t Dampen This Love Match!

The love story of Elizabeth Phillips and Keith Johnson began in July 2020, just months after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. Some might say their timing was, well, less than opportune. Not so, says Elizabeth.

“Dating during the pandemic provided us with opportunities that we wouldn’t normally get to experience,” says the bride, who serves as director of sales and marketing at The McAuley, a senior adult life plan community.

For example, she says, early in their relationship, the couple, who currently live in Manchester and plan to move to West Hartford, spent a fun — and unique —date night attending the 90th birthday

‘parade’ of a McCauley resident. (During the pandemic birthday parades, you may recall, replaced in-person parties.)

By the time Elizabeth and Keith, who serves as vice president-relationship manager at TD Bank, had their second date — dinner and golfing in Stonington — the couple knew a spark had been lit.

And so, on November 26, 2021, while searching for the perfect Christmas tree at Dzen’s Tree Farm, Keith got down on one knee to pop the question.

Not that the road travelled was without its challenges.

Most notably, at one point during their courtship and engagement Elizabeth was assigned a new role within the organization that required her to travel Monday through Friday for a period of six months. Still, she says, “The time apart

resulted in a stronger relationship. We valued and cherished our time together on the weekends.”

Then, as luck would have it, she was reassigned to a new role within the organization that brought her home to Connecticut to serve seniors within the West Hartford community.

And so, on December 3, 2022, Elizabeth and Keith Johnson were wed in an elegant ceremony held at Saint Mary Church in Stonington, followed by a romantic evening of dancing and dining at the town’s Saltwater Farm Vineyard. The reception was hosted by the bride’s parents, Jill and Perry Phillips of Storrs Perry grew up in West Hartford and is a 1977 graduate of Conard High School. The nuptials were preceded by a beautiful rehearsal dinner at Shelter Harbor Inn

The newly minted Elizabeth and Keith Johnson at the church!

Photos by Antoinette Photography

in Westerly R.I., hosted by the groom’s parents, Mary Beth and Keith Johnson.

To make the day even more special, the bride carried a 1951 pearl antique handbag by Wilardy gifted to her by her aunt, and wore pearl earrings from her mother-in-law that represented “something borrowed.”

Elizabeth and Keith were unfazed by the stormy weather that engulfed their special day. And they have advice for others who find themselves in similar situations.

“Embrace your day, no matter what,” says Elizabeth. “We were the happiest we have ever felt on our wedding day through the wind and the rain. Our day went a little different than planned because of the weather but we would not change a thing.

“The day was beautiful. We celebrated with our family and friends that traveled from all over the country. We entered our marriage with so much love and support from our guests.”

The couples wedding party included:

Bethany McMenemy, Maid of Honor;

Rachel Phillips, Bridesmaid

Holly Hanson, Bridesmaid

Amber Carasone, Bridesmaid

Justin Johnson, Best Man

Eric Phillips, Groomsman

Daniel Kehew/,Groomsman

William Regan/,Groomsman

Adam Iskra, Groomsma

Elizabeth & Keith surrounded by their wedding party, including their parents seated up front, Jill & Perry Phillips (left), and Mary Beth & Keith Johnson (right).

Keith dances with his mother at the wedding reception.

“I’m

Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination!

thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is Marketing and Technology with a connection to a great International Network.”

Gaelic first names are a connection to Irish heritage

Garrett Hickey is 100 percent Irish.

He has been to Ireland three times in his life – the first when he was six months old. He remembers meeting distant relatives on another trip to the Emerald Isles in the fifth grade. He even went to Ireland for Spring Break when he was a college freshman. (Full disclosure: Garrett is the son of Tom Hickey, publisher of West Hartford magazine).

“My grandparents, especially on my mom’s side, were very proud of their Irish heritage. Their parents were off the boat,” Garrett said. “And I have always been very proud to be Irish.”

His wife Heather, however, is not Irish – “But I married into a VERY Irish family,” she laughs.

“I was so proud to marry into an Irish family. We even had bagpipes at our wedding.”

So when the young couple discovered that they were going to have a baby, there was no question that they would give their child an Irish name.

“Garret’s name is Irish, and Shevon, Garrett’s mother’s name is Irish. Garret’s whole family has Irish names,” Heather said. “It actually was hard to choose because all of the good ones were already taken” especially the more commonly known Irish names like Patrick, Thomas, Joseph, Sean and Liam.

So it was time to get creative.

Garret’s mother gave them the book of Irish baby names she had used when she was expecting Garrett and the two began their search.

They decided on the Irish spelling for Sean.

“‘Seaghan’ was originally supposed to be [pronounced like] Sean in the Gaelic style, so, originally we were going to call him Sean. But as teachers ourselves, seeing a list of students’ names and not knowing how to pronounce them – we didn’t want him to grow up his whole life saying to his teacher, ‘My name is not Sea-gan, it’s Sean.

“We looked at it the way it was spelled and said, ‘It actually sounds kind of cool

to call him Seaghan – it’s kind of like the Irish name Teagan. It was a different twist on it,” Heather said.

“We thought the spelling: S-E-A was awesome too because the beach is where we met each other and the beach was really important to us in our childhoods. It’s where we spend our summers. So we thought that was a cool connection as well.”

Their Irish heritage shines through in Garrett Hickey’s three cousins as well.

First, they are red-heads, with hair ranging from copper to auburn.

Then there are their names: Liam, Fintan and Griffin.

The three lads are the sons of Charles and Sharon (Sweeney) Bruce, Shevon Hickey’s sister and brother-in-law.

“If you look at my father’s family names, they were kind of generic. They’re not the traditional old fashioned Gaelic names. They were trying to blend in,” said Sharon. “But we loved the traditional names. I’ve always loved the name Liam.

“When Fintan was born he kind of named himself because Fintan means ‘little fair one’ and he was born with this white, white skin and these blue eyes and red hair.”

Sharon was already familiar with the name Fintan – her parents’ favorite Irish singer was named Fintan Stanley. And Griffin is a family name on Sharon’s mother’s side; “Griffiths” is a name on her husband’s Charles’ side.

Charles is actually English and Scottish. Sharon’s father Joseph was 100 percent Irish; her mother Norma was half Irish and half German and Swedish.

“My [paternal] grandmother died when I was around a year old, so I didn’t really know her,” Sharon said. “But my dad had such great stories about her and my grandfather and the struggles that they had, coming from a large family. At that time, it wasn’t easy being Irish. They were not viewed as the most desirable in society.

“But I can’t imagine anyone braver than my grandmother, getting on a boat at 18 years old to come to America, saying goodbye to her family, knowing that she

would never see them again. So I think giving our kids Irish names is a way of honoring the sacrifices that our ancestors made to try to ensure a better life for the future generations.”

Maura and Andrew “Drew” Kearns both also come from big Irish families and they were adamant that their four kids would bear traditional Irish names.

“My husband and I both felt that if you have an Irish last name, an Irish first name should go with it. If you are Italian, it’s nice to have a great Italian first name to go with an Italian last name,” Maura explained. “I know someone who has the most fantastic Irish last name but thought it would be ‘too Irish’ to have an Irish first name. I never understood that! They go together!”

The Kearns named their oldest child Caitlin, now 31.

“Caitlin is a derivative of Catherine, which means ‘pure.’ There are so many variations of ways to spell it. C-A-I-T-LI-N is the Gaelic way.” Both Maura and Drew fell in love with the name and knew they wanted it for their first daughter’s name.

Next is Andrew, 27, who goes by the nickname “Mac” – derived from his middle name, McNally. Which happens to be Maura’s maiden name. “We used to call my dad ‘Mac’” Maura said fondly.

The two youngest Kearns kids are

Garrett and Heather Hickey and their son, Seaghan.

23-year-old twins Maeve and Shane.

When they learned they were having twins - and a boy and a girl – naming their daughter was fairly easy.

“There was a legendary queen named Maeve who was very strong and feared. And the life of the party, which I liked,” Maura said.

Naming their youngest son was a little more difficult.

“I do love the name Sean. Unfortunately, my brother in Texas had four boys and he took all the good Irish boy names – Patrick, Sean, Colin and Connor,” Maura recalled. “I told him, ‘There’s nothing good left if I have a boy!’”

They decided to name their youngest Shane, a derivative of “Sean” which means “God is gracious” in Gaelic.

Tracy and Neville Graham both come from big Irish families and they both wanted to give their children Irish names. But Tracy’s parents did the exact opposite when naming her.

“My mom kind of steered clear of the Irish names, because she felt like it wasn’t American enough,” Tracy explained. “So we decided to get back to our roots and use the Irish names.”

Tracy and Neville named their oldest son Neville, after his father. (Neville was also his mother’s maiden name). Their oldest daughter is named Deirdre, followed by Maura, Patrick and Brennan (Tracy’s maiden name).

Tracy said she and her family have a deep fondness for their Irish roots.“We were just talking about this the other day when we were decorating for Saint Patrick’s Day. I have such fond memories of Saint Patrick’s Day. I took Irish dance lessons and my kids took Irish dance lessons. We just always have celebrated that heritage and loved stories of the old country from my dad. I always love doing the Irish meal. I think it just channels that Irish ancestry

and sort of puts me in touch again with my grandmother.”

This year, the Grahams hosted friends and family for a Saint Patrick’s Day dinner. Guests were made to either sing "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" or dance a jig for their supper.

Guests at the party included Deirdre’s two little boys - Graham and Cillian (pronounced Killian).

“It’s so nice to have that connection to the ancestors,” Tracy said. “I think that’s the reason for these names – we really like that connection with tradition and family.”

From left, Griffin (19), Fintan (23), and Liam (25) the children of Sharon and Charles Bruce.

The Graham family at Brennan Graham’s wedding. From left, Patrick Graham and his wife Kathkleen; Shane Kennedy and Deirdre Graham Kennedy with their sons, Cillian and Graham Kennedy; Brennan’s parents Neville and Tracy Graham on either side of Brennan and his bride Erika; Maura Graham and her boyfriend, Owen Kenney; and Morgan Massey, the fiancee of Neville Graham, who is at far right.

From left, Griffin (19), Fintan (23), and Liam (25) the children of Sharon and Charles Bruce.

NEJA breaks ground on 7,000 square-foot educational lower school wing

By Stacey Dresner

“This

With those words, Head of School Naty Katz welcomed members of the community to the groundbreaking for a long-awaited 7,000-square-foot addition to the New England Jewish Academy.

“This is certainly a day of great celebration for our school as we are here, all together, on our beautiful campus,” Katz said. “Today we are putting shovels into the ground to launch the construction of the new educational wing.”

The school’s new wing has been in development for the past three years, to make space for the students of the former Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy of Greater Hartford with whom the former Hebrew High School of New England (HHNE) merged in 2019 to create NEJA, a preschool through grade 12 Orthodox Jewish Day School in West Hartford.

Students in the lower school (preschool – 8th grade) remained at Hebrew Academy’s Gabb Road building in Bloomfield for two years, before moving into the HHNE building at the beginning of this school year. A few renovations were done to accommodate the younger students on the building’s first floor.

The new wing will feature six new

classrooms, including three state-of-the-art Reggio Emilia early childhood classrooms, a new playscape for the younger students, a secure outdoor learning center, a resource room, and a library designed for young readers.

The architect on the project is Phase Zero Design out of Simsbury, Connecticut, and the construction company is Van Horst Construction of East Hartford.

“When it comes to learning Torah, it is like a tree – you have to have strong roots. Without strong roots, your Jewish identity, your growth, your balance in life is challenging. That’s why we are all here today,” NEJA President Michael Black told the crowd. “We have a mission. We have a need in our community. We are about to add onto the school. We are going to have a state-of-the-art preschool. It is very exciting; more importantly it is going to be

an opportunity for those roots to nourish.”

The current enrollment of the school is at 119 students. There are currently 17 students in the school’s preschool, Michael Black told the Jewish Ledger, but with the new preschool classrooms, they are hoping for a jump in the school’s enrollment.

“The whole reason for the expansion and the addition of the three preschool classrooms is to provide a pipeline of students,” Black explained. “As the preschool grows, the school will grow.”

The total cost for the project is $3.2 million, Black said. So far, $2.2 million of that has been raised. There are plans for an endowment campaign fund that would bring in an additional $1 million for the upkeep of the school.

New England Jewish Academy serves students in the West Hartford, Greater New Haven, and Greater Springfield communities, and members of those communities were on hand to witness the groundbreaking for the new wing.

In addition to the speeches and groundbreaking, the crowd was treated to a d’var Torah from NEJA high school student Miriam Newman, and songs in Hebrew and English performed by NEJA’s lower school students.

NEJA is supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, Jewish Federation of Western Mass., Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Jewish Family Services, and the Pava Tuition Initiative.

is the day that G-d has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Breaking ground on NEJA’s new wing are, from left, Lindsey Rutka of Van Horst General Contractors LLC, ) Matthew Braunshweiger, Michael Black, Karen Goldberg, Henry Zachs, Juanita Moss, Hedyth Fishman, and Naty Katz. Photo by Ronni Newton.

Naty Katz, left and contractor Lindsey Rutka help guide a special groundbreaking effort by young NEJA students. Photo by Ronni Newton.

We are excited to announce the 14th Annual Ron’s Run for the Roses will be held at theFarmington Polo Club on the Farmington Polo Grounds, an international equestrian center. Our new location offers guests an elegant indoor setting for dining and our lively program, as well as a stunning covered patio for music, auction displays, mint juleps, and appetizers.

We are excited to announce the 14th Annual Ron’s Run for the Roses will be held at the Farmington Polo Club on the Farmington Polo Grounds, an international equestrian center. Our new location offers guests an elegant indoor setting for dining and our lively program, as well as a stunning covered patio for music, auction displays, mint juleps, and appetizers.

For more information: ronsrun.org, e-mail info@ronsrun.org or call 860-521-0500

For more information: ronsrun.org, e-mail info@ronsrun.org or call 860-521-0500

New Country Motors Cars GroupHartford

Patricelli Family Foundation

The Toczydlowski Family Foundation

DIM THE LIGHTS!

The 27th Annual Phyllis Hoffman Hartford Jewish Film Festival runs through April 3

The 27th Annual Phyllis Hoffman Hartford Jewish Film Festival will run through April 3. The festival, held at the Mandell JCC at 335 Bloomfield Avenue in West Hartford, features a lineup of films representing eight countries and including documentaries, dramas, and romantic comedies.

Divided into two acts, Act I of this

MARCH 18

OPENING NIGHT will feature a screening of the drama “Farewell Mister Haffman,” followed by a dessert reception. The film tells the story of jeweler Joseph Haffmann who, after the Nazi occupation of Paris, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers one of his employee the chance to temporarily take over his store.

MARCH 21

“Hartford Jews 1900-1925” explores the everyday experiences and extraordinary achievements of Hartford's Jewish community during the first few decades of the 20th century. Narrated by Emma Cohen, Joseph Hurwitz, Sadie Klau, and Sylvia Sheketoff, founders of the Jewish Historical Society who helped produce the film in 1973, the documentary offers a

year’s festival features 18 full-length and two short films that will air in person at the JCC, March 18-26. Act II follows immediately, with a selection of streaming films available March 27 – April 3. Special events are planned throughout. And new this year is the inaugural ‘East of the River Feature,’ an encore presentation of “Jews of the Wild West,” which will screen at the Parkade Cinemas in Manchester.

"We are thrilled to present this year's

unique perspective on the lives of Hartford's Jews in the early 20th century. The film will be available for streaming from March 27 to April 3. A live screening and REEL Talk discussion will take place March 21, 5 p.m., at the Mandell JCC.

MARCH 25

A screening of “Song Searcher” will be followed by a REEL Talk and live concert with Yiddish singer, songwriter and scholar Psoy Korolenko, and Anna Shernshis, professor of Yiddish studies and director of the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Toronto. Korolenko and Shternshis created and directed the Grammy-nominated Yiddish Glory project, an initiative that revived Yiddish music written during the Holocaust in the Soviet Union.

lineup of films," said JCC Executive Director David Jacobs. "Our festival is a celebration of Jewish culture and heritage, and we are proud to bring these films to Hartford and share them with the community."

In addition to the screenings, here is a sampling of just some of the special events the festival will feature:

MARCH 26

Israel @ 75 of will be celebrated with a full day of Israeli films — “Barren,” “Karaoke,” “Narrow Bridge” and “Dead Sea Guardians.” The day will culminate with a screening and REELTalk of “Dead Sea Guardians” followed by an Israeli dinner.

"The Phyllis Hoffman Hartford Jewish Film Festival has become a beloved tradition for many in our community, and this year's lineup promises to be even more exciting," said Festival's Director Jennifer Sharp. ”The film festival is a community event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the diversity and richness of Jewish culture and history through the medium of film. For more information, including a full schedule of films and events, visit HJFF.org.

2023 Film Festival Committee: (l to r, front row) Michael Fishman, Sandra Rulnick, Becky Azia, Rhonda Heisler; (middle row) Jennifer Sharp, Jeff Azia, Evelyn Fishman, Ronny Siegel; (back row) Robin Levine, Debbie Shmerling, Rachel Rubin, Ruthan Wein, Patty Schuster, Sharone Kornman. (Committee members not pictured: Avinoam Patt, Harriet Cutler, Carol Fishman, Matthew Hoffman, Monica Hoffman, Edna Levy, Jacob Schreiber)

The Behavior Gap and Your Financial Health

RESTAURANT REVIEW

How might it affect you?

Provided by Robert A. Laraia, RFC Founding Partner Northstar Wealth Partners www.nstarwp.com

“It turns out my job was not to find great investments but to help create great investors,” writes Carl Richards, author of “The Behavior Gap.” From increasing our budget mindfulness to taking a steadier approach to investing, Richards has drawn attention to how our unexamined behaviors and emotions can be to our detriment when it comes to living a happy and financially sound life. In many cases, we make poor financial decisions when experiencing panic or anxiety due to personal or widespread events. 1

The Behavior Gap Explained. Coined by Richards, “the behavior gap” refers to the difference between a wise financial decision versus what we decide to do. Many people miss out on higher returns because of emotionally driven decisions, creating a behavior gap between their lower returns and what they could have earned.

Excitement When Stocks Are High. Whether in a bull market or witnessing the hype from a product release, many investors may feel tempted to increase their risks or attempt to gain from emerging investments when stocks are high. This can lead to investors constantly readjusting their portfolios as the market experiences upswings.

Fear When Stocks Are Low. In response to market volatility, investors may feel the need to choose more secure investments and avoid uncertain or seemingly unsafe investments. When stocks are low, a typical response may be to sell and effectively miss out on potential long-term gains.

Short-Term Anxiety and Focus. As humans, viewing aspects of our lives through the lenses of current circumstances is normal. However, one emotional response to any event is letting the moment consume us. Many may find it difficult to think longterm and remember. However, making a rash decision can inhibit the long-term benefit of maintaining a

balanced perspective without reactionary behavior. The market can go up or down at any given point, or it can remain the same. One thing we can control is how we handle our financial strategy. Remembering the likelihood of recovery over time — and the market’s nearly inevitable up-and-down movement — can provide a more logical angle to calm the nerves.

If you’re experiencing financial anxiety in response to the markets, take a breath and remember the potential for long-term gains. Of course, you can and should always reach out to your financial professional for further clarification.

"West Hartford Is Doing Great!"

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

LaSalle Road traffic direction and parking.

The town has won awards for its outdoor dining – “gardens of eating” that were an important element of pandemic recovery –and while the same capacity is not needed, suggested changes to the Center will widen sidewalks and create space for permanent outdoor dining as well as great accessibility.

Other future investments will include the future Elmwood Community and Cultural Center.

The Trout Brook Trail project, which has received multiple grants from the state, has three remaining sections, and is expected to be complete by 2024. “I’m hoping that will be the backbone” for a growing network of trails, Cantor said.

“We know that people drive too fast,” Cantor said.

Police Chief Vernon Riddick reported to the Public Safety Committee this week that over the past few weeks officers had clocked a vehicle going 85mph in a 40mph zone eastbound near 2021 Albany Avenue, and another going 93mph in a posted 40mph zone near Reservoir No. 6 on Albany Avenue.

The Vision Zero Task Force began meeting in January, Cantor said, and is working toward incremental improvement as well as “the goal of eliminating fatalities and severe injuries on West Hartford streets by 2033.”

A “wayfinding” project now underway will improve signage in a way that is “connected, thoughtful, and intentional,” Cantor said.

The town is also investing in technology, including free public wireless access In parks and at pools, government kiosks so residents can conduct needed business even when Town Hall is not open, and there is research into installing charge bars in garages for quick charging of mobile devices.

Public safety – the police and fire departments – are “the pillars of West Hartford,” Cantor said.

Investments in the fire department will include more inspectors and initiatives to increase community engagement. The town’s Local Emergency Operations Plan is being updated to a mobile user-friendly electronic format.

West Hartford was one of the first towns to implement its Civilian Police Review Board following new statewide legislation, and there were 90 applications for seven spots, Cantor said, allowing for the selection of a highly diverse group of residents who reviewed five complaints last year and sustained all of the initial findings.

Other police-related initiatives include the involvement of a town social worker who last year handled a total of 253 cases. Street view cameras have increased crime detection, and license plate readers have helped locate missing and wanted people and vehicles of interest.

“There is a project underway to identify and equip high activity areas with surveillance monitoring equipment. The project would ultimately culminate with the development of a West Hartford Intelligence Center where all of these feeds will be accessed,” Cantor said.

Initiatives at the library include a puzzle exchange, plans to launch a video game collection, and increased programming at Studio20 South.

Leisure Services programs continue to expand in popularity – and pickleball is “exploding” as a sport, Cantor said. The town has added 12 new dedicated pickleball courts.

Other park improvements are in the works, which will incorporate sustainability. Volunteers have helped plant more than 2,000 seedlings, and created pollinator gardens in town parks, she said.

“We’re not really like any other community in Connecticut,” Cantor said. Social service programs continue to see increased demand, and in 2022 the Food Pantry provided nearly 10,000 bags of food to 783 households.

Cantor also gave a shout-out to Essie Labrot, who is retiring in April. “Essie is an incredible Town Clerk,” she said, and no one can fill her shoes – especially the high-heeled brightly colored ones. But Leon Davidoff will do a great job taking her place, Cantor said, with one of the first major initiatives being the implementation of early voting once the legislature sets the parameters.

“In this past year, the town created the Office of Equity Advancement under the direction of Dr. RoszenaHaskins and Adrienne Billings‐Smith. The OEA leads and supports initiatives that advance the town’s commitment to foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all staff, residents, clients, and patrons of the Town of West Hartford,” Cantor said.

NEW ORDINANCES, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Three new or recently-modified ordinances Cantor highlighted include the cannabis ordinance approved last May. Budr is building out the space at 1037 Boulevard and will begin selling a wide range of cannabis products and merchandise this spring. The town will collect a 3% tax on all sales revenue – something new for Connecticut – with funds earmarked for education, job training, mental health and addiction services, or community engagement efforts, and other specific uses.

The Town Council amended the “experiential retail” indoor amusement ordinance, which will allow businesses in Blue Back Square that exceed 15,000 square feet to remain open until 1 a.m. on weekends and implement an age restriction. “Maybe it will open the door for some really fun activities for our residents,” Cantor said.

The state eased zoning regulations for outdoor dining during the pandemic, but those measures are expiring. Changes to the town’s outdoor dining ordinance must be codified, however, to conform with new state requirements that simplify the application process. A public hearing will be held on April 11.

The Joys of Spring Gardening

By Karla A. Dalley

There’s nothing like early spring—those first days when there’s a warm breeze and tiny green shoots are poking up through earth still dark with melting snow. For me, this happens in February because I have planted snowdrops, and the sight of those tiny white flowers coming up through snow and ice is such a thrill. For others, perhaps, it happens later with the first crocus or daffodil. But the first sign of spring—small flowering bulbs—is such a joy!

If you haven’t planted those little—or minor—bulbs as they are known in the fall, there’s no reason to fret. Generally, containers of small blooming bulbs are readily available at any garden center this time of year to add some spring cheer to your décor, tablescape and mood.

If you choose, you can save those bulbs to plant in the garden once they are done flowering—or not. I will generally re-plant the small daffodils and the hyacinths but discard any tulips because I know that on my critter-filled property, I will never see them bloom again. But the choice is yours.

What should you do in the spring garden? My first “chore” always is to plan. I walk around my yard a few times to see what needs to be done so I can schedule these chores at the correct time.

Is there some pruning that has to be done? If so, is it an emergency thing, like removing a large, damaged overhanging tree branch that might harm someone if it is not removed quickly? This is obviously not a homeowner chore, but a job for the professionals.

What about shrubs? Is there anything that is rubbing on the house or other structures that really must be pruned regardless of bloom time? Generally, we can take care of these chores unless power lines are nearby.

After those concerns, I concentrate on pruning at the correct time—in other words, don’t prune anything that’s going to flower in the early spring (forsythia, flowering quince) or something blooming on “old” or “last year’s” wood like lilac, azalea, rhododendron or those pesky, but beautiful oldfashioned mop-headed hydrangeas.

Another thing I don’t want to do is to work in my gardens if my soil is wet because that can compact the soil and ruin its structure so that’s why I am doing all this walking and planning in the early spring. I don’t want to get into the gardens too early if the ground is too wet.

Yet another reason not to get into the garden too early is because of over-wintering beneficial insects. This is something we are just beginning to consider. Many of our “good” bugs like ground beetles, butterflies, moths, fireflies, and lady beetles seek shelter in leaf litter during the winter.

Dead plant stems can shelter small mason bees and other small non-stinging bee species. Cutting these stems and

raking out the garden too early—generally before the ground temperature (not the air temperature) remains consistently above 50 degrees might endanger or even kill these garden beneficials.

If your soil isn’t too wet, one unglamorous thing you can do is to weed. Getting a jump on early spring weeds—before they set seed—will be a great help to you before the rest of the gardening season.

Many of our early spring pollinators do rely on flowers that some of us might think of as weeds, like violets, clover and dandelions. While I adore my clover and violets, there’s certainly no need to let those plants set seed once they are done flowering (especially the dandelions!)

Finally take a look and decide where you might need new plants. I expect that there may be some dieback in all our gardens this year. We had a dry summer last summer, which is always stressful for our plants. And each time the temperature got extremely cold or even sub-zero this winter there was no insulating snow cover to protect our plants. Between the drought stress and the cold, some of our plants may simply have given up.

But that’s okay. That gives us the opportunity to visit the garden centers (never a hardship), to see some new things, and to see what might work in a spot where we lost a tree, shrub or perennial. Breeders are working all the time to improve plants for color, size, form, and year-round interest. You might be delighted at your choices!

Spring is a magical time in the garden in Connecticut. Get outside and enjoy!

ONLINE STYLE BETTER THAN BEING THERE

Transition from summer to fall with Virtual Styling on Facebook Live

EVERY Wednesday 7pm!

Barbara & Karen have been styling fabulous women on Facebook Live every Wednesday at 7pm for over a year. Grab your favorite BFF, glass of wine and settle in... it’s fun!

THE BK & CO. DIFFERENCE

From clothing and accessory consultation to perfect selection, BK & Co. helps define your own extraordinary style. Developing intimate, personal relationships with their “client-friends” is what motivates them to understand and cater to your needs thoroughly and meticulously.

Their stylists are dedicated to helping women (and men shopping for women) find beautiful clothing that fits and flatters. They ensure that you look as fabulous as you feel, so you are always your very best!

CLICK ON ANY of the Virtual Styling links on this page to begin your online fashion adventure!

Contact: Barbara & Karen, BK & Co.

983 Farmington Avenue West Hartford, CT 06107 860-232-6225

bkcostyle.com

style@bkcostyle.com

facebook messenger: bkcostyle

West Hartford Native Caught The Acting Bug Early

By Stacey Dresner

West Hartford native Sydney Weiser had a chance to walk the boards in Playhouse on Park’s production of “Indecent” last month.

Weiser, who was an understudy for several roles, took over the role of Hana in the play when another actress became ill. She continued in that role – and a few other parts – until the show ended late last month.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel’s “Indecent” tells the story of the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s “God of Vengeance,” a 1907 play about a forbidden lesbian romance which was very controversial at the time.

“Indecent” follows the path of the artists who risked their careers in order to perform it. The production, which ran from January 25 through February 26, was directed by Kelly O’Donnell.

West Hartford Magazine spoke to Weiser during the last week of the play’s run at Playhouse on Park.

“My role on this project has been the ‘swing,’ which means I understudy all of the female tracks. In this show, there are three female actor tracks and all of the women in the show play at least four characters,” Weiser explained. “When one of the actresses had to go out for a couple of performances, I stepped into the role of Hana, so I cover four women. That actually means 20 different parts. It’s super intense. There’s tons of text and everyone has different transitions and choreography.”

“As a Jewish person who is also a queer person, it's incredible to see the intersection of these two identities that are tremendously important to

me. And in such a loving and tender way that it's a real celebration of Jewish culture. When I'm on that stage, I feel so connected to my family and my ancestors,” she added.

Weiser, 24, grew up in West Hartford, the daughter of Dr. Jeffrey and Carolyn Weiser. She attended the Solomon Schechter Day School, William H. Hall High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. She later attended Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, where she double majored in musical theater and directing. When she graduated in 2021, she was valedictorian of her class and received the Gold Key for excellence in musical theater.

Weiser has been in front of West Hartford audiences many times before. Her mother, Carolyn Weiser was the director of the Mandell Jewish Community Center’s children and teen theater program for many years, and Sydney appeared in all of the productions.

“My first show there was Pippin, when I was in the second grade. There was one kid role in the high school production,” she recalled. “We did Alice in Wonderland, Footloose, Legally Blonde Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Did she know back then that she wanted to be a performer?

“I think I got the bug, as they say, pretty young,” Weiser said.

That path led her to spend half of her school days at the Academy of the Arts in Hartford where she was in the musical theater department.

Since college, Weiser’s roles have included Sandy in The Spongebob Musical and Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show, both at The Barn Theatre; and Ella in Windywoo and Her Naughty Naughty Pets at the

Legacy Theatre.

Last May, Weiser was invited back to Marymount as a guest director of “I’m Living in a Wonderland,” a play by Marymount student Antonia Sentebale.

“Since I graduated I've been working pretty consistently at various regional theaters, which means I'm hopping all over the country, from Michigan to North Carolina to Maine to New Hampshire,” says Weiser.

Since graduating she has been based back home in West Hartford, traveling to audition in cities like New York and Chicago, and making her own video audition tapes to send to casting agents. Auditioning “requires a lot of resilience. There's so much rejection and uncertainty and it requires a lot of flexibility and openness to whatever is going to happen.”

“My goal is to be a working actor to make my livelihood in theater,” Weiser continued. While her dream is to be on Broadway, she added, “I think what I'd love for people to understand is that there's good theater in so many places.”

presented by

Introducing a dance competition, Retirement Visions, and “Dancing with the Stars”! New entertainment by Arthur Murray Dancers pairing up with 5 local celebrities competing for the title, “BEST of West Hartford”!

“WINNERS” will “spotlight” their “Best” throughout the evening. The biggest Business to Business Networking Event of the year

Attire: All white so “dress to impress” Date: Monday, July 31, 2023 at the Mandell Jewish Community Center (JCC).

Watch social media for details and voting info, and Eventbrite to buy your tickets. We can’t wait to celebrate and network with you!

LESS “I KNOW I SHOULD.”

MORE “I FEEL SO GOOD.”

“I try to do my best to eat right and exercise, but keeping myself motivated can be a chore. At Duncaster, it’s easy to make my well-being a focus with chef-prepared healthy dining options, an on-site dietitian and a large selection of fitness programming that actively supports my goals. I have so much more energy and I’ve never felt better!”

– Mary Sargent, Duncaster resident since 2013

A health and wellness focus and LifeCare security—just two of the ways Duncaster makes aging easier and more fulfilling. Learn more by attending one of our upcoming LifeCare 101 webinars.

Register today at Duncaster.org/Move. For more information, call (860) 735-3745.

Keep informed of your options: go to Duncaster.org/Move to receive your FREE Duncaster Life Plan Guide!

“That’s why I made my move to Duncaster.”

Ballet Theatre Company presents Cinderella’s Ballet Brunch

The Ballet Theatre Company's spring fundraiser, Cinderella's Ballet Brunch, will be a day filled with crafts, breakfast goodies, a silent auction and opportunities for children to meet, greet and take photos with characters from the ballet, such as Cinderella and her Prince. Children will also get to choose what character they would like to sit with during the brunch! Dine with the Evil Stepsisters. Or perhaps the Fairy Godmother.

The Craft offers a selection of sweet treats and baked delights!

Experience pure delight with that first bite of the buttery layers of a croissant that was freshly baked by The Craft just hours ago.

Experience thrilling joy as you roll out that perfect pie crust in our baking class experiences.

The Ballet Brunch will support BTC’s sensory-friendly performance of Cinderella at the Bushnell. BTC’s sensoryfriendly performance provides a safe, judgment-free environment for those with sensory or any other types of challenges that may make them feel uncomfortable at a “typical” public show. At the sensory-friendly ballet, the music and on-stage sounds are lowered, low-level lighting is maintained for the audience, and adjustments to the production are made to ensure everyone’s comfort.

Experience it all! The Craft takes baking to the next level that reaches all the way to the depths of your soul!

As one attendee put it: “Thanks also for the inclusion of the sensory-friendly Nutcracker this morning. [My children] being there. I have never felt comfortable having them attend "regular" performances. …having the staff there to help, the dimmed lights, softer music, and a very understanding audience were huge helps” — the mother of children with sensory sensitivities.

On Sunday, April 23 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) will present its spring fundraiser, Cinderella’s

10 East Street, Unit E, East Granby, CT 860.413.3553 | https://thecraftexperience.store

Ballet Brunch at Warehouse 635, located at 635 New Park Ave #2F in West Hartford.

Tickets are $50/child. Tickets my be purchased at dancebtc. org/cinderella-ballet-brunch. Please note that there are a limited number of tickets for Cinderella’s Ballet Brunch. Questions? Contact dance@dancebtc.org or call the office at (860) 570-0440.

Have you ever eaten something so scrumptious that you literally felt like your soul got a hug?

Garden Club Adventures

By Lisa Martin

destination.

The West Hartford Garden Club (WHGC) – I have never met so many enthusiastic and happy people all in one place!

I joined right before Covid and joined monthly meetings on Zoom. The first in-person meeting was the end-of-year luncheon, and everyone was buzzing about their gardens. With all of these smiling people, I grew to understand gardening is so many things to so many, in different ways – a place to think, retreat, join with others, think of a positive future, and a place of change. I think of travel in those terms and wanted to share the possibilities of joining both gardening and travel with you.

The West Hartford Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. (FGCCT). Described below are synopses of two tours created by the FGCCT this year that look fabulous, thanks to Kathy Lindroth, the Tours Coordinator for the Federated Garden Clubs of CT. With her knowledge of gardens across the globe, she creates multiple tours a year of high quality, and has created a depth of experience in each

The first is closer to home, a visit to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This tour will include visits to Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and Fundy Bay. Garden viewing will include the Halifax Public Gardens, Kingsbrae Gardens, Tangled Gardens, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and a visit to Vesey’s Seeds. To round out this trip, there will be a winery visit with tastings, a whale watch, and a lobster experience!

The second is the Madrid y Andalucía exploration. It starts in sunny Seville and traverses through the Andalusian mountains to Grenada and the Alhambra. A visit to Cordoba’s Patio Festival will be enjoyed, and the adventure will continue in Madrid. In Madrid, a visit to one of the world’s leading art galleries, the Prado, will be followed by a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are directly in front of the Prado.

I highly recommend joining this club, or another closer to your home to be offered first option on these adventures. The WHGC members participate in hands-on projects, sponsor the bi-yearly West Hartford Garden Tour of local private gardens, and join other area-enhancing committees to improve the flora of Greater Hartford. Connecticut garden day-trips are also coordinated by the club. At monthly meetings designers

come in to demonstrate their flowerarranging talents, or horticulturists share their knowledge about flowers, plants, weeds, and pests. Last month, Allie Kraushaar, owner of Moss Life in Plantsville, shared her knowledge about terrariums, and three members designed their own as part of the program! I highly recommend joining this club, or another closer to your home to be offered first option on these adventures. The WHGC members participate in hands-on projects, sponsor the bi-yearly West Hartford Garden Tour of local private gardens, and join other area-enhancing committees to improve the flora of Greater Hartford. Connecticut garden day-trips are also coordinated by the club. At monthly meetings designers come in to demonstrate their flower-arranging talents, or horticulturists share their knowledge about flowers, plants, weeds and pests. Last month, Allie Kraushaar, owner of Moss Life in Plantsville, shared her knowledge about terrariums, and three members designed their own as part of the program!

Join a Garden Club and grow your travel experiences!

Lisa Martin is a travel advisor, luxury cruise specialist, ACC, Cruise Planners; Land and Cruise. She maybe contacted at (860) 929-0708; Lisa.martin@cruiseplanners.com; TotalTravelToday.com.

“If you’ve never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden.” ~Robert Brault

The Cordoba Patio Festival is held in Cordoba, Spain. Photo courtesy Turismo de Cordoba

Support APK Charities and buy a Trike!

2014 Harley Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic

This 2014 Harley Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic comes decked out with a fork-mounted, batwing fairing with a small windscreen, a sculpted seat with lumbar support and optional backrest for the rider and a passenger backrest, cast-aluminum wheels, a lower standard trunk and upper Tour Pak with optional luggage rack, a chromed exhaust system, auxiliary headlights, an analogue and digital instrument cluster, touring handlebars and a linked braking system. It also includes Cruise Control, GPS and Passenger Intercom.

6800 miles

Price is the Kelly Blue Book Value $28,425.00!

The proceeds from the sale of the Trike go directly to APK Charities, which supports military veterans right here in CT.

Email apkcharitiesorg@gmail.com or call (860)543-2110 for more information or with questions.

Introducing Greater West Hartford’s first BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PODCAST, “On the Scene” made possible by NBT Bank!

On the Scene will be hosted by local people of interest and guests will include leaders of industry who have incredible stories to share.

Recording made possible by Studio 20 South. Video and Photography by Nild Sansone and Todd Fairchild.