Arts + Culture

Ballet Theatre Company

Celebrating 25 Years of Dance: A Journey of Passion and Inclusion Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by Thomas Giroir Since its inception 25 years ago, the Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) in West Hartford has been more than just a dance organization—it's been a beacon of joy, passion and inclusivity for the community. Led by Director Stephanie Dattellas, whose love for dance began at the age of 3, the organization has evolved from a performance ensemble to a thriving training school and...

March 2024

Fitness

Investing In Your Fitness

GYMGUYZ: Bringing the Workout, and Expertise, to You Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Brian Ambrose As anyone who has embarked on a new fitness goal can tell you, the biggest hurdle is getting out, whether for a run, an indoor workout, or to the gym. Sure, you can buy expensive gym equipment for your garage, spare bedroom or basement, but how many of us end up using that stationary bike or treadmill as coat racks?  What if your workout came to you instead, trainer, workout, and...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Mitigating Your Investement Tax Burden

There Are Several Tax and Investment Strategies to Avoid Over Paying Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Carrie Draghi Tax season is upon us and if you have investments that means you'll probably need to pay some kind of state or federal tax on them. We asked local investment advisors David Mozoleski and Jason Cerniglia for some tips on what kinds of investments are taxed and how to mitigate your exposure.  Q. What kind of taxes do you pay on investments? Jason:  For...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

Passover: An Ancient Observance

This Sacred Jewish Holiday is Laden With Historic Significance and Food Rituals Article by Eileen M. McNamara Passover is one of the most sacred and widely observed holidays in Judaism. It honors the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt, where they were enslaved by the pharaohs. Passover this year begins before sundown on Monday, April 22, and ends after nightfall on Monday, April 30.   Jews observe the weeklong festival with a number of important rituals, including a...

March 2024

Local Services

Protecting Your Investments and Assets

Three Questions with Insurance Experts on How, and What, You Should Cover Photography by Brian Ambrose, Elizabeth Taylor We all have so many important things in our lives we need to protect -- homes, cars, jewelry, even our lives and health. How do we figure out how to prioritize them and how much coverage we should have? We spoke with two local insurance experts, Stephanie Johnson of Comparion Insurance and Coe Bancroft of State Farm Insurance here in Glastonbury, to get some answers.    ...

March 2024

Home + Design

Crafting Timeless Homes

Kathryn Hunt Studio Provides Expert Advice for Creating Your Dream Space Article by Lucinda Jamison Finding the perfect balance between style and function when you’re building a home or renovating can be a daunting task.  The key to success lies in making informed decisions with the help of a design professional. A full-service interior decoration and design firm in West Hartford, The Kathryn Hunt Studio works in an array of visual styles to assist clients through the design process and...

February 2024

Home Services

Connecticut Shade and Blind: A Commitment to Customer Service

The locally-owned business has been in the same family for decades Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by John Helmke Founded on the principles of offering quality products and impeccable customer service, Connecticut Shade and Blind emerged 37 years ago as a family-owned business that defies the norm.  "Our business was started because it was a good fit, and we wanted to offer products that stand the test of time, not bound by seasonal fluctuations," says Ron Gattinella, the founder and...

February 2024

Home + Design

Real Estate Trends - 2024

A Conversation With Dawn Gagliardi, a Realtor With Coldwell Banker Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Connecticut Headshots Dawn Gagliardi is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. She and her business partner, Abby Dudarewicz, are on the top-producing Corrado Team.  A former attorney, Dawn is a fierce negotiator and zealous advocate for her clients. With over 250 transactions under her belt, Dawn brings real-life business experience to the table to help her clients navigate the...

February 2024

Home + Design

JWM Architects Explains Intelligent Design

Architects Can Help Control Building Expenses With Intelligent Design Options Article by John W. MacFarlane | Photography by Felicia Pascarella, John W. MacFarlane The past few years have created significant price increases in the building trades and especially in new home construction.  Rising demand, fuel prices and the recent epidemic have driven up materials costs. Record highs in home equity values have spurred a boom in renovation and additions to existing properties, placing...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Shephard's Pie

Try skipping the usual corned beef this year for a more sublime, authentic Irish meal Article by Eileen M. McNamara Looking for an alternative to the typical corned beef dinner on St Patrick's Day? Corned beef is Irish-American, immigrants came up with it when they came to this country. So here's a recipe for an authentic Irish meal, one you would easily encounter any day in Ireland. Traditionally the Irish used ground lamb in Shepard's Pie, but you can substitute ground beef, chicken or...

February 2024