West Hartford Magazine - February 2024 by 2020 Media

Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

Hope

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quality • value • selection

46 LASALLE ROAD GLASTONBURY

MOHEGAN SUN

WEST HARTFORD WESTPORT

860.521.3015

WELLESLEY

BOSTON CONCIERGE Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

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contents Vol. 14, NO. 1, 2024

DEPARTMENTS 7

FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER

CHAMBER NOTES

FINANCE

WEDDINGS

TRAVEL

GARDENING

WOMENS FASHION

MENS FASHION

FOOD & WINE

FEATURES 16

OUR TOWN Children's Charity Ball celebrates 25 years

WHAT TO WEAR Celebrating 200th Episode of Fashion

WHAT'S FOR DINNER? Steak & Château Massereau "Cuvée K" Bordeaux Supérieur, 2012 - a great combination

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FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER President Tom Hickey Publisher Digital Media Manager Hillary Sarrasin Contributing Writers & Columnists: Matt Banever, Chris Conway, Karla Dalley, Robert Laraia, Lisa Martin, Judie Jacobson, Ronni Newton Bookkeeper Lisa Gangone Photography Todd Fairchild/Shutterbug CT Thomas Giroir/Ballet Theatre Company Kai Whalen/Ballet Theatre Company

Our First Issue! Best Wishes in 2024, Celebrating 25 years, The Children’s Charity Ball first graced our Cover (back then we were Living In West Hartford Magazine) featuring the then Mayor, Rob Bouvier and his wife Dorothy. Some 10 years later (back then we were West Harftord Magazine) The Bridge Family Center was featured for their outstanding work with families throughout greater West Hartford. Today (WeHa Magazine) we share the success of The Bridge and invite you to join us at their 25th Annual CHILDREN’S CHARITY BALL on Saturday, March 9th. Special Thanks to Robin Gebrian, William Raveis Real Estate The Bridge/Children’s Charity Ball DOG, Augie Doggie, will be auctioned off LIVE! One of 13 Dogs from the DOG WALK 2022/23 (visit 20Media20.com for details and to make a donation if so inclined) was hand painted by local artisit, Linda Bilodeau.

2024 marks some major Media Anniversaries we will undoubtedly mark with some sort of celebration (stay tuned) including the 95th Anniversary of the Jewish Ledger, 10th Anniversary of the BEST of WEST HARTFORD, 10th Anniversary of we-ha.com (kudos to Bob Carr, Ronni Newton, Kaushik Makati, and we-ha founders) and 25th Anniversary of WeHa Magazine. If you haven’t listened in to our PODCAST – On The Scene, please do so today. Available anywhere you listed to Podcasts. Special Thanks to our sponsor, NBT BANK as we spotlight local businesses and events happening in Greater West Hartford.

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

Facebook Twitter _2020_Media Instagram Hashtags

Linked-in Podcast

@westhartfordite #wehaevents #bestofweha #weha #westhartford #wehahacomedy 2020Media On the Scene on Spotify, YouTube Apple & Google Podcasts follow us on

Looking forward to Celebrating 2024 with you, Tom & Hillary President & Publisher

Worth noting in 2024, we will publish six (6) times: February, April, June, September, November and December. We hope you enjoy every issue of WeHa Magazine … West Hartford’s FIRST and ONLY lifestyle Magazine since 1999.

ON THE COVER The Bridge artwork for the 25th Anniversary Children's Charity Ball invitation.

PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127 office: 860.508.4032 tom@20media20.com West Hartford Magazine is published by 20/20 Media. To subscribe, renew or change address write: West Hartford Magazine, PO Box 271835, West Hartford, CT 06127; www.we-ha.com/ subscribe. ADVERTISING: 860-508-4032. ©20/20 WHMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. West Hartford Magazine is a registered trademark owned by WHMedia, Inc. The opinions expressed by writers published by West Hartford Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.

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2024 is a BIG year... Check out the anniversaries coming up this year! The Jewish Ledger’s 95th!

West Hartford Magazine’s 25th!

Best of West Hartford’s 10th!

we-ha.com’s 10th! Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

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West Hartford Chamber of Commerce:

Unlocking Success

The Compelling Case for Young Professionals to Engage with the West Hartford Chamber

by Christopher Conway n the dynamic landscape of today's business world, local young professionals, find themselves navigating a complex web of opportunities and challenges. Amidst this whirlwind, one avenue that often goes unnoticed is connecting with the local chamber of commerce, and more specifically, the young professionals committee or board. West Hartford Chamber’s is called FLOW (Future Leaders of West Hartford), and it offers resources, networking, and volunteer opportunities. While traditionally associated with established businesses, the West Hartford Chamber is increasingly recognizing the importance of engaging young professionals. FLOW via the West Hartford Chamber is a bustling hub of networking opportunities, providing young professionals with a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses in the local community. These connections can be instrumental in fostering collaboration, partnerships, and mentorship. Networking within the chamber exposes young professionals to diverse perspectives and experiences, broadening their horizons and enhancing their professional network. The relationships forged within the West Hartford Chamber can lead to valuable career opportunities and collaborations that may not have been possible otherwise. FLOW organizes a variety of events, workshops, and seminars aimed at professional development. Young professionals can take advantage of these resources to enhance their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and gain insights from seasoned experts within the West Hartford business community. Whether it's a workshop on digital marketing strategies or a seminar on leadership skills, the West Hartford Chamber provides a continuous learning

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environment that empowers young professionals to thrive in their careers. Beyond West Hartford, FLOW is part of a larger regional collective of other chamber associated young professionals groups. "FLOW is a founding member of the YP Collective, a collaboration of young professionals' groups across the Hartford region. Our quarterly programming helps build bridges with our neighboring communities, while helping people expand their personal and professional networks," says Kate Kobs, Director of Programs & Development for the West Hartford Chamber. The chamber offers a wealth of resources that can be invaluable for young professionals in the local area. The West Hartford Chamber provides access to a treasure trove of resources that can fuel business growth in the community. For local entrepreneurs, in particular, the West Hartford Chamber can be a lifeline, offering guidance and support in navigating the challenges of starting and scaling a business in the local area. For young professionals looking to establish themselves in the West Hartford business community, FLOW provides a powerful platform for visibility and credibility. Being associated with a respected business organization like the West Hartford Chamber lends credibility to an individual's professional profile within the local community. The West Hartford Chamber often highlights its members through newsletters, events, and online platforms, giving young professionals in West Hartford the exposure they need to make a lasting impression in the local business community. FLOW’s committee chairperson is Maura Keating of Keating Agency Insurance. “FLOW sets out to help young professionals by providing a one-stop shop to make connections, find business development resources and activities, and attend social and philanthropic events

dedicated to our local young professionals;” says Keating. “FLOW has put on events that connect people from all different industries and offers resources and referrals that help young professionals still in the early stages of their careers.” Beyond the professional realm, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is deeply involved in community initiatives and social responsibility projects specific to West Hartford. Past initiatives have been toy and clothing drives, planting a community garden, and sharing expertise with public school students. Joining the West Hartford Chamber allows young professionals to contribute to meaningful causes within the local community, demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of West Hartford. This involvement not only fosters a sense of fulfillment but also enhances the individual's standing as a socially responsible professional making a positive impact in our community. From networking opportunities and professional development to advocacy, resources, visibility, and community engagement specific to West Hartford, the chamber offers a holistic platform for growth. By actively participating in FLOW, young professionals can position themselves for success in the competitive business landscape while contributing to the prosperity of their local community. It's time for the next generation of leaders to unlock the doors to success through active engagement with their local chamber of commerce. .

Christopher Conway President and CEO of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce 860.521.2300 - office 860.810.5663 - cell cconway@whchamber.com www.whchamber.com

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OUR JEWELRY - YOUR

style

JEWELRY & WATCHES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION facebook.com/shopstore52

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FINANCE

9 Facts About Retirement Provided by Robert Laraia, RFC, Founding Partner Northstar Wealth Partners

9. Seniors age 65 and over spend over four hours a day, on average, watching TV.

etirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend to take, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.

Conclusion These stats and trends point to one conclusion: The 65-and-older age group is expected to become larger and more influential in the future. Have you made arrangements for health care? Are you comfortable with your investment decisions? If you are unsure about your decisions, maybe it's time to develop a solid strategy for the future.

1. Many consider the standard retirement age to be 65. One of the key influencers in arriving at that age was Germany, which initially set its retirement age at 70 and then lowered it to age 65. 2. Every day between now and the end of the next decade, another 10,000 baby boomers are expected to turn 65. That's roughly one person every eight seconds. 3. The 65-and-older population is one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States. In 2019, there were 54.1 million Americans aged 65 and older. That number is expected to increase to 80.8 million by 2040. 4. Ernest Ackerman was the first person to receive a Social Security benefit. In March 1937, the Cleveland streetcar motorman received a one-time, lump-sum payment of 17¢. Ackerman worked one day under Social Security. He earned $5 for the day and paid a nickel in payroll taxes. His lumpsum payout was equal to 3.5% of his wages. 5. Seventy-seven percent of retirees say they are confident about having enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement years. 6. The monthly median cost of an assisted living facility is $4,500, and seven out of ten people will require extended care in their lifetime. 7. Sixty-four percent of retirees depend on Social Security as a major source of their income. The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit at the beginning of 2022 was $1,614.

Robert Laraia may be reached at 888-886-7737 or rlaraia@nstarwp.com www.nstarwp.com

1. SSA.gov, 2022 2. Genworth.com, 2022 3. ACL.gov, May 4, 2022 4. Social Security Administration, 2022 5. Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2022 6. SSA.gov, 2022 7. Statista.com, August 3, 2022 8. BLS.gov, 2022 The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA SIPC

8. Centenarians – in 2020 there were 92,000 of them. By 2060, this number is expected to increase to 589,000.

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WEDDINGS

Newlyweds Kelsey & Jeremy say the whole point of everything is each other

elsey Herbert and Jeremy Molher would be pleased to tell the world that they met at a protest rallying against tax cuts for billionaires. Unfortunately, they did not. Instead, the newlyweds met on a dating app called ‘Hinge.’ Kelsey was living in Washington, D.C., while Jeremy was living an hour away in Baltimore, Maryland. Still, they somehow matched. “We like to joke that ‘The Algorithm’ knew that we were meant to be!” Jeremy quips. What attracted Jeremy to Kelsey and Kelsey to Jeremy? Jeremy was curious about Kelsey’s listing

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“Liberation Theology” in her dating app bio. As for Kelsey, she was drawn to the way in which Jeremy described his political views. “If we’re not careful, we can spend hours talking about politics, spirituality, worker cooperatives, climate change, racial justice, or some other social issue,” say the couple. Which isn’t surprising, given that Kelsey is a political campaign director and Jeremy is a therapist. “Shared curiosity about big things is important to our relationship,” they say. So is food and adventure! The couple love to cook, sample new restaurants, host dinner parties, and structure their travel around eating. Just this year, they say, they were

“blown away by Oaxacan food in Los Angeles, Detroit-style mushroom pizza in Santa Cruz, and crispy tofu bites from a Taiwanese-fusion place literally in the alley outside our back door in Baltimore!” When the time was right, Kelsey and Jeremy became engaged in the tiny mountain town of Crestone, Colorado, filled with juniper trees and Buddhist monasteries. Surrounded by family, they then proceeded to eat their way through Durango, Flagstaff, Sedona, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. And they plan on returning to what they call the “magical Southwest — that is, southern Colorado and New Mexico — for their honeymoon.

“We’re on the same page about every meal we have. We share everything that we eat. EVERYTHING! Well, except cilantro. Kelsey is missing out on that,” notes Jeremy. Kelsey and Jeremy were married on September 2, 2023 at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center and its beautiful Labyrinth and Pavilion. They found it to be the perfect setting for community and love. “It was home,” they say. Which is exactly what they wanted. “We wanted love and support around us because, like everyone, we can’t do this alone. A life goal of ours is to make our family,friends, and neighbors feel loved and cared for,” says Kelsey, whose Instagram bio reads, “The whole point of everything is each other.” Kelsey is the daughter of Karen & Charley Herbert. Karen, with Barbara Karsky,

is the owner of BK&Co, the women’s fashion boutique in West Hartford Center! Photos courtesy of Karen Herbert.

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Scot Haney, emcee of the event for the past 23 years with our Executive Director Margaret Hann (center) and Judy Bierly, who has been involved with the Ball for 25 years.

Children's Charity Ball

The signature event of the Bridge Family Center, Celebrates 25 years.

he Bridge Family Center is a nonprofit, communitybased organization that provides a broad range of services for children, teens, adults, and families. Founded in 1969, the Bridge originally focused its services on young people from West Hartford who engaged in high-risk behaviors. Over the years, it has grown to provide residential services for teens; counseling services for children, adults, and

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families; mentoring and positive youth development programs for children and teens; and parent education and early childhood literacy programs for young ones and their parents. Its mission is to foster the courage and strength in children and families to meet life’s challenges and build fulfilling lives. For a quarter of a century, the Ball has been a highly anticipated social event in the West Hartford community. The incredible generosity of hundreds

of sponsors, attendees, and donors has helped to raise over $5 million dollars to fund the vital programs and services the Bridge offers. “Last year, we cared for 9,000 children and families in the greater Hartford area. The Ball celebrates the thousands of lives we have positively touched and reinforces the importance of our critical work. We are so grateful for the countless people who have supported our efforts for the past 25 years. Their generous gifts of time,

talent, and treasure provide hope and healing to those who are struggling with life challenges and enable us to increase our span throughout the community,” said Margaret Hann, Executive Director of the Bridge. The Bridge Family Center has a lot to celebrate…and celebrate they will on Saturday evening, March 9, when the organization hosts its 25th Annual Children’s Charity Ball. The gala event will be held at Farmington Gardens and features live and silent auctions, dinner, speakers, and dancing to After Party, an incredible band from New York City. The depth and breadth of the services the Bridge provides positions the organization as a community leader with extensive expertise. Services include:

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2023 Charity Ball Committee

Mental Health Counseling –

There are four counseling centers in West Hartford, Avon, and Rockville to support children, families, and adults. The therapy team includes a Psychiatrist and an APRN for medication management.

Residential Services –

The Bridges offer a safe haven for teens and young adults throughout the region, most of whom have experienced significant trauma. The Bridge provides Short-Term Assessment and Respite youth shelters throughout Greater Hartford and beyond for children ages 11-18 (DCF referred); Emergency Shelter for homeless children and teens ages 13-17; and Transitional and Independent Living programs for young adults ages 16-21.

Youth and Family Services –

For over four decades, the Bridge has served West Hartford as its Youth Service Bureau. It offers school-based programs, emergency in-school counseling response, positive youth development programs, mentoring, parenting services, and “The Base” at the West Hartford Teen Center. 18

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Family Resource Center –

The Family Resource Center is a vital source of support for young children and parents. It offers parent education, in-school support groups for children going through divorce or separation, reading readiness programs, developmental screenings, after-school learning and enrichment activities, before- and after-school daycare for preschoolers, social skills groups, and early childhood intervention programs.

Mosaic Parenting Center –

The Mosaic Parenting Center provides an alternative to the traditional foster-care visitation program. The Center is based on the visiting coach model in which staff work with parents to improve their parenting skills and develop positive attachment with their child. Strengthening this relationship provides a host of benefits for the child, the parent, and the community. For more information on the March 9 25th Annual Children’s Charity Ball, and/or to learn how to become an event sponsor or donate to the auction, visit bidpal.net/thebridge or contact Doreen Tarascio at (860) 521-8035

Serving the CT Shoreline from Old Saybrook North!

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“I’m thrilled to be at William Raveis, whose focus is

Marketing and Technology

with a connection to

a great International Network.”

Robin and Raveis ... what a great combination! 20

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TRAVEL

Herds of hippos and more at Chobe National Park

By Lisa Martin

hile in Africa, after visiting Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape Town in South Africa, I flew up to Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls for a few days, and then on to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe National Park is supposed to be a different experience compared to Kruger. Perhaps because it is a park that is less traveled, with fewer tourists, it offers a more natural surrounding. After some research, I found it was all about elephants, the largest amount on the continent. But after having been in Kruger for two days and seeing many elephants, what would make this visit to Chobe worth it? Our group of about 15 people — including a six-year-old — left Victoria Falls early in the morning and had to get a visa at the border to drive into Botswana. We walked down to the river and found seats on a wide tarp-covered boat. The land on one side of the river was Namibia, the other Botswana. After a 10-minute ride, we viewed crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. As we moved along, we saw a few elephants walking up on the side of the hill along the river, then we moved over to see water buffalo. There were about six that were within 30 feet of us, and they were starting to cross as a group from a grassy area to the Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

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main riverbank. Looking across the grassy area you could see a herd of buffalo spread out in the distance. We quickly navigated over to a different nook to watch one of the elephants we had seen on the riverbank cross the river. There was something even more graceful about the elephant crossing through the water than when strolling on land. After that elephant walked up to the grassy area, we rode around to see a bloat of hippopotamus. In Kruger, our guide called out locations of hippopotamuses - they were so far away; I would have described them as a big dark rock in the distance. I had only seen three and each was alone. Although my experience in Kruger was fun and exciting, it was limited to the southern section of that park. Since Kruger National Park is close in size to Delaware, I am sure I missed many views of animals. On the river at Chobe our boat pulled up to within 20 feet of a herd of hippos. In the center was the male who was standing up in top-of-leg deep mud, with five females surrounding him. These examples of the third largest land animal - 3,500-9,000 pounds - were beautiful. Hippopotamuses have poor eyesight and are nervous creatures, so we could only get so close, still, I could not believe how close we were! In both parks we were told that the shape of the jeep or boat is not threatening to the instincts of these semi-aquatic animals. But what really differentiated Kruger and Chobe was seeing 50 elephants lining the river. There was something glorious about seeing them all together, the massiveness; the feeling that this is how they naturally behave that made the sight amazing. All of the elephants were enjoying each other down by the river. At 11am they felt safe being out in the open since by this time their predators, after having been stalking their prey since early morning, were sleeping. This vision: seeing all of the elephants, intermingled with warthogs, and a journey of giraffe as far as the eye could see, witnessing how these different species were all getting along, and sharing the river, was my most spectacular experience in Chobe National Park. 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. Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

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Now accepting orders for 2024! Call me for a consultation and to get on our calendar. –Jeff 860-986-4282

Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024 west hartford magazine

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GARDENING

Late Winter Ideas for

Busy Gardeners

By Karla A Dalley

h, winter! The holidays are behind us, the gardens are put to bed and we can stay inside with a warm beverage of our choice, curled up under a cozy blanket and relax! That’s certainly true part of the time for gardeners, but it’s not true all of the time. Even if you don’t have a home or window full of house plants, there is still much to do—or at least to plan for! I am fond of saying that gardeners are the eternal optimists, because next year’s garden is always going to be better than last year’s was! But in order for that to be true, there are certain things that we, as gardeners, need to do to make it happen! Here are some suggestions. Take a gardening class, workshop, seminar or symposium. There are so many of these available locally from our garden centers, the Connecticut Horticulture Society or even online. Gardening is truly a lifelong learning experience. One of the best places to learn and grow is at some of the local flower and garden shows. Our outstanding Connecticut Flower and Garden Show in Hartford (February 22-25), not only gives you an opportunity to look at some garden designs (and to buy some plants in the dead of winter!), it also features educational seminars throughout the event with world-class speakers as well. So, get out to enjoy the blooming flowers and trees and get some inspiration for your own gardens. There are also some nearby shows. Rhode Island has a Home Show (April 4-7) that combines a flower show and a brew show. And, the Philadelphia Flower Show at the beginning of March

is something to be seen at least once in every gardener’s lifetime. Since winter (and sometimes spring) is long and cold, there are always wonderful new garden books to be read. Take advantage of this time to catch up on your reading, whether it is a book about a particular gardening technique, one about some of our inspiring New England gardens, or one of the fun, garden-related mysteries that have been written in recent years. Plan for the upcoming growing season. I use a 10-year garden journal but even notes from the end of last year can help you remember what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to change, and photos do the trick as well. That should help you remember what you liked and what you didn’t. Look at your photos with a critical eye. Winter is the time to really dream? You may not do all of it—but what better time to really think big? And, while you’re dreaming and planning, get some magazines, plant catalogs, or go online and research the new plants for 2024.

You might want to order something if you see something you think might sell out in a hurry. A word or two about mail order gardening: it can be wonderfully convenient but please be sure to read all the terms. What type of plant will you receive? Is it bare root? Is it coming in a container? If so, what size is that container? I cannot tell you how many times I have ordered something by mail order and then gone to my local garden center and found the same plant, in a bigger (and much better) looking plant! Mail order is only convenient if it’s something really exotic and hard to get (or if you cannot get out to shop locally). Finally, since it’s advisable to only use bird feeders between December 1 and March 1 to limit interaction with bears, you might want to read up on plants that attract birds. Those are just some ideas for ways to get through a cold winter in Connecticut. Happy gardening!

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1 Orchard Park Road, Unit 5 (off Mungertown Road) Madison 860-808-4244 APK Charities Thrift Store offers an opportunity for shoppers to find bargains, gifts and necessities for the home. Our inventory is always changing and includes art, books, clothing, furniture, games and puzzles, housewares, toys, jewelry, vinyl records and movies. Clothing for men, women, children and teens is current, very gently used (or new) and in season! Merchandise sold through the store comes solely from donations.

Tuesday - Friday Saturday

Hours

Noon – 4pm 10am - 4 pm

Donations – By Appointment Only All sales proceeds and donations directly benefit our Direct Assistance Program. The APK Direct Assistance Program provides financial and other support services to Connecticut Veterans, Active Military and Gold Star Families who are in need of emergency or hardship assistance. Via the store, we are also able to offer at NO cost furniture, household and clothing items to service members and their families in need. APK Charities Corporation is a Connecticut non-profit 501(c)(3), with Federal Tax No. 46-5456912. Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

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Home Mortgages Dreaming about a new home is nice. Buying it with a great mortgage? Westfield Bank has the flexible mortgage options and expert guidance you need to make your dream house your new home. As your regional community bank, we make it easy, with the convenience of applying online, in person, or starting online and finishing in person. The security of locking in your rate before you start shopping. And the relief of a fast and simple closing. That’s Westfield Bank.

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WOMENSwill FASHION pick up 68, 69,70 and 71 (71 came out today august 10 better if i can grab 72 73 at the end ONLINE STYLE

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BBarbara & Karen celebrate 200 episodes of fabulous fashion in Virtual Styling #200. Since the beginning of COVID, BK&CO has styled up new seasonal looks every Wednesday at 7pm for 200 weeks!!!!” 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

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• Camp Shalom • Sports Jams Camps • J-Youth Performance Clinic • Theater Camps • Arts Camp • Dance Camp • Food Explorers • Sciences Camps • Mindfulness Camp • ECC’s Summer of Wonder • Sunny Summertime Fun

MENS FASHION

5 Action Steps for the New Year By Matthew Banever Chief Storyteller/Owner Bards

hether you are a goal setter or not, sometimes lists like this elicit a heavy eye roll. I am self-aware enough to know that, and yet I am still writing this. So listen up!

1. Stop Dealing in Absolutes.

We need to stop virtue bashing. Stop the “Dry January” “No Buying X” and other forms of extremist behavior. Would a world without fast fashion be great? 100% yes! But many consumers can’t just stop cold turkey. Look for ways to ween off fast fashion. Do you need 14 pair of pants, can you start to donate some and introduce a few better quality ones? Just because an item checks the boxes ``sustainable, ethical, local” doesn’t mean its right for you. I have had an Express button down for 14 years, that’s as sustainable as it gets; and I’ve bought stuff from local shops I wore once. Find the right brand, and look for you.

2. Slow Things Down.

Enough with this need for “one click buy.” Ready-to-wear clothing is a relatively new phenomenon, yet we pretend like it's the only option. Get comfortable with clothing that will take some time to make. This year try commissioning a piece of clothing, even if it's just from that girl who knits on IG.

3. Take Inventory.

Look at the past year: were there items you did not wear at all? Were there items you did wear but hated? Do you have a lot of clothing left over from past jobs? Did you have any go-to items? Take action. Get rid of what you did not wear; update what needs updating; and hone in on those items you liked.

4. Look for missed opportunities.

Were there times last year you knew you could have dressed better and didn’t? I went to a comedy club show to support a friend, and afterward she introduced me to the show runners as “My friend Matt, he's a designer.” I was wearing boots, jeans, and a hoodie. Now, I shouldn’t have been in a suit, but I should have recognized the possible opportunity and dressed accordingly.

5. Don’t be afraid to dream bigger.

I will believe this until I die: Most people do not put effort into dressing NOT because it isn't required, but because they don’t want to be consumed by the lifestyle. You wear one nice outfit at the office and suddenly you’re the fashionable one. We are social creatures; we identify with others based on appearance. You don’t even know who is out there and what awaits you because you’re too busy living in “good enough.” Please, dream a little bigger. Take this weekend to just look — really look — and really be honest with yourself about your wardrobe. In other words, take self inventory.

Matt Banever is founder and CEO of Bard Clothing in West Hartford.

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INGREDIENTS. Two 2” thick New York Strip Steaks, prime grade, not dry-aged. Kosher Salt. Fresh Cracked Black Pepper. Dried Cracked Spanish Rosemary. Olive Oil.

FOOD & WINE

What's for Dinner? Light the Winter Grill

by Jacob Studenroth+

deally this is for the old school Charcoal or Wood Burning Grill. Gas works too. Grilling steaks. (And, how do we actually get it “right?”) As a home cook, when I’ve searched and pined through cookbooks, YouTube features, Netflix reruns, and other ‘guides’ I have found very little. Well, I suppose that’s not fair; but, I’ve found the very same thing again and again: the various authors never seem comfortable revealing the actual cook time. And, indeed, why else am I on the “hunt” for a perfect recipe than my interest in serving a perfectly cooked steak, often from a rather expensive cut of beef? That detail of knowledge may just be the only reason for referencing any ‘recipe’ to begin with… in other words, we can all think up seasoning, accompaniments, and the other details of the various recipes…but how LONG do I leave the steaks on the heat source. One true beef master, in a rather hilarious YouTube video cooks a beautiful steak right before the viewers’ eyes…but, when seemingly answering an off-screen implied question of “how long do you cook it?” he says with a smirk, “you need to just learn how long to cook a steak…cook some steaks and you’ll get used to it…that’s how long…” Entertaining, but not helpful. When the above-referenced Chef suggested that I work on “getting used to it,” I decided to work out some ways

PRE-PREP. COAT two broadsides of the steaks in the salt, pepper, rosemary, and some olive oil. SET the steaks in the fridge in the morning, uncovered.

to practice. Below is a really nice way to do some work getting comfortable while also preparing something completely delicious. When I work with a grill, outside, I am far less concerned with how much smoke comes off the fire and the food; this freedom gives me the chance to notice the quality of that smoke (which contributes to seeing the doneness of what you’re cooking – again, like the Chef said, this is not something you’ll understand and glean right away, but, it’s easier to explore outside free from smoke alarms). Additionally, below, you’ll note the use of a cast iron pan. This little cheat code still allows that beautiful charcoal or wood smoke to permeate the beef, but avoids a flare up when the fat drips onto the fire (a bit of an unwelcome wildcard for the home cook trying to study this.) Finally, the “Pre-Prep” and “Prep” sections below are super important lessons when working, really, with any lovely high-quality protein: seasoning ahead and thoroughly tempering the meat prior to cooking are details that can separate the very good from the absolutely delicious. To top it off, be sure to treat yourself to a bottle of comforting, super old-school Bordeaux to accompany your delicious and expertly prepared Steaks this weekend. I cannot recommend Château Massereau "Cuvée K" Bordeaux Supérieur, 2012 enough. 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot. 2/3 new barrels from Darnajou (white toasting: no oak flavors, just a vessel to allow the wine to breath during ferment and elevage.) Really special. Rather limited.

Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024 west hartford magazine

PREP. REMOVE the steaks out of the fridge about 90 minutes before you’re going to cook them. LIGHT woodfire or charcoal grill, full bore. Get it nice and hot. HAVE a sip of Bordeaux. SET cast iron skillet on the grill grate, directly. Add several tablespoons of grape seed oil. SLIDE the tempered steaks into the pan, moving away from you (be careful not to splatter – that oil is –unforgettably hot). COVER the grill with the vent OPEN. COOK. “GRILL” for 4 minutes on one big side. OPEN and flip steaks. HAVE a sip of Bordeaux. COVER the grill with the vent OPEN. “GRILL” for 3 minutes on the other big side. “GRILL” for 90 seconds on the fat rim side to brown it off and make her look pretty. REMOVE pan cast iron from fire; REMOVE steaks and SET on a board to rest with several pats of unsalted butter on top. … HAVE a sip of Bordeaux. REST for 7 minutes. SLICE for guests. A steak should feed two people. SERVE with baked potatoes from the oven (be sure to coat them in olive oil and Kosher salt before baking) and big green salad. … INDULGE. Jacob owns The Wise Old Dog in West Hartford and out in Litchfield County in the hamlet of East Morris. More recently, Jacob has consulted on the concept, menu, and wine list at the newly opened Le Mazet, Restaurant + Rôtisserie + Bar Amèricain located at 975 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center.

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Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024

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Thank you to all of our k you to all of our sponsors who support us Thank you to all of our Thank you to all of our Thank you to all of our ors who support us nk you to all of our Thank you to all of our sponsors who support us throughout the year sponsors who support us sponsors who support us oughout the year sors who support us sponsors who throughout thesupport year us

ea throughout the y r throughout the year oughout the yearthe year throughout Our business supporters

Our business supporters business supporters Our business supporters OurOur business supporters Our business supporters Our business supporters Todd Fairchild Todd Fairchild ShutterBug ShutterBug Photography Photography Todd Fairchild ShutterBug Photography Todd Fairchild

Dennis House

Todd Fairchild Todd Fairchild

ShutterBug Photography

Todd Fairchild Our business partners ROY WEB DESIGN ShutterBug Photography Our business partners Our business partners SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND Our business partners SOUTHERN SOUTHERN Our business partners ENGLAND NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN Our businessNEW partners Our business partners NEW ENGLAND ShutterBug Photography ShutterBug Photography

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presents... “On the Scene” Podcast!

JEWISH LEDGER

Produced by Producedbyby Produced ced Produced by Producedbyby

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20 / 20 20 / 20 ed by 20 / 20 20/2020 20//20 20 20/20 MEDIA | 20MEDIA20.COM

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OPEN THROUGH MARCH 21, 2024 NBMAA.ORG

Detail of: Susie M Barstow, 1836 - 1923, Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva, 1881, Oil on canvas, 20 x 18 in., Gerald G. Barstow DDS and Janet Kay Bartstow Collection

Organized by the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in partnership with the New Britain Museum of American Art, Women Reframe American Landscape illuminates the perspectives of women artists and highlights how landscape art in the United States is dynamic, multifaceted, and evolving. Women Reframe American Landscape is organized by the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in association with the New Britain Museum of American Art and is curated by Dr. Nancy Siegel, Professor of Art History at Towson University; Kate Menconeri, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, Contemporary Art, and Fellowship at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, and Amanda Malmstrom, Associate Curator at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Women Reframe American Landscape: Susie Barstow & Her Circle / Contemporary Practices is made possible by the Warner Foundation.

The project is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wyeth Foundation for American Art and Tavolozza Foundation. The exhibition and publication are also supported by Jennifer Krieger and Eric Siegel, Rick and Candace Beinecke, Marshall Field V., and Allan E. Bulley, Jr. In New Britain, the exhibition is presented by the Kathryn Cox Special Exhibitions Fund and Jay Bombara and Allison Reilly-Bombara. Additional generous support provided by The Cheryl Chase and Stuart Bear Family Foundation, The Robert Lehman Foundation, and Marenda and Todd Stitzer.Stitzer.

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Be on the lookout for our new column...

Weekends

New England

Our first featured destination in New England Weekends (NEW!) will be

The Innstead Mountain Getaway

in Pike, New Hampshire. The Innstead Mountain Getaway sits atop 2,000 pristine acres at the western boundary of the White Mountain National Forest. The Innstead provides an authentic experience for guests who seek the comforts of an inn with a genuine connection to this rustic natural landscape. You will fall in love with the luxurious, modern all-season cabins and the extensive trail network. The Innstead hosts Bill and Siobhan are passionate adventurers, travelers, foodies, and all-around life enthusiasts who delight in showing people a good time. 36

Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024 west hartford magazine

presents...

“On the Scene” Podcast! Introducing Greater West Hartford’s first

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PODCAST, “On the Scene” made possible by NBT Bank!

Click here to listen to our first episode On the Scene is hosted by local people of interest and guests include leaders of industry who have incredible stories to share. “On the Scene” streams on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube! and iHeart Radio with a reach of 250,000. PRODUCED BY:

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