West Hartford CT Community Notes: September 2013

HARTFORD>> Captain James Bernier and Community Services Officer Theresa Velez were recently honored by the Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford and Congregation Ados Israel at Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford's annual meeting. Both Capt. Bernier and Officer Velez were instrumental in the investigation and apprehension of the three vandals who desecrated close to 100 headstones in the city's North End in the fall of 2012.

Captain James Bernier, who has since retired from the department, went above and beyond the call of duty and arranged for an entire crew from Paganelli Construction, who donated their time and equipment, to resurrect a 6,000 lb. stone. We are proud of their perseverance and thank them and the entire Hartford Police Department for their extraordinary efforts.

Photo: Association of Jewish Cemeteries Vice-Chairs Henry M. Zachs and Jeffrey Bergen, along with Leonard Holtz of Congregation Ados Israel present an award of appreciation to Hartford Police (Retired) Captain James Bernier and Officer Theresa Velez

Living Lean seminars offer look at weight loss program

WEST HARTFORD >> Living Lean's Rob Nevins will host two free seminars to discuss the Living Lean fat loss program.

The first event is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Crowne Plaza, 100 Berlin road, in Cromwell. A second event is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Whole Foods Market Bishops Corner, 340 N. Main St. West Hartford.

Scot Haney, a Living Lean client and Channel 3 Early Warning Meteorologist, will speak.

Living Lean is unique in that it provides one-on-one consultations, a well-balanced customized nutrition plan and personalized service based on the client's food preferences. The program is based solely on food that can be purchased in any grocery store. The plan details what foods to eat, how much of each food, and additionally incorporating a weekly grocery list. The nutrition programs are customized to each individual, taking into consideration such variables as age, gender, weight, body fat percentage, metabolic needs, activity level and overall lifestyle. Clients are seen every two weeks to assess their progress and are provided with continued education that will enable them to "live lean" successfully.

The company also announced the addition of nutritional counselor Dawna Cappello and expanded hours at its West Hartford location hours.

Cappello has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a degree in business from Albertus Magnus College. Cappello has committed much of her career to providing counseling, as well as practicing recreation and cognitive therapy.

Space is limited,. To reserve a spot, call 203-294-9346, email inquiry@robnevinslivinglean.com or visit the events page at www.robnevinslivinglean.com.

Jewish teens visit Hartford leadership conference

HARTFORD >> 120 Jewish teens gathered at the state Capitol building in Hartford as the Jewish Teen Learning Connection (JTConnect) held its 2nd annual Teen Leadership Conference. The theme was "Leadership in Shorts; Leadership in Suits and was a collaborative program with our community partners: BBYO, Beth El Temple, B'nai Tikvoh Sholom, The Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, The Emanuel Synagogue, and Hebrew High School of New England.

The day began in the impressive Old Judiciary Room where the teens were divided into groups to learn about the Jewish perspective on issues such as education, gun violence, mental health, environment & energy, hunger & poverty, and social media & the internet.

After lunch and a tour of the beautiful Capitol Building and Legislative Office Building, where there was a sighting of Governor Malloy, teens chose between staying at the Capitol to meet with legislators about how to use advocacy as a tool for leadership ("Leadership in Suits") or going out into the Hartford community to make a difference by volunteering ("Leadership in Shorts").

"Leadership in Shorts"

"Leadership in Shorts" teens opting for community service volunteered in 3 different locations. At Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC), teens learned about Alyssa's Angels, an organization named for Alyssa Temkin, which supports children with Glycogen Storage Disease, a rare genetic metabolic disorder centered in the liver. Alyssa, who lives with GSD, and her mother Gayle, educated the teens about the disease and worked with them to decorate storage containers for supplies needed for the lifelong management of this disease.

Another group of volunteers worked with Riverfront Recapture. Understanding that it takes the help of everyone to keep our community beautiful, teens used their energy to shovel and rake an area of the Riverfront so that we can all enjoy its beauty.

Hands on Hartford spoke with the teens about hunger and food donations to both its food pantry and backpack program. At Stop & Shop in Hartford, teens collected 177 pounds of food for these programs and spoke with dozens of people to educate them on the importance of feeding the hungry.

"Leadership in Suits"

At the State Capitol, "Leadership in Suits" participants met with legislators to learn about how to make an impact on society through the use of advocacy. Representative David Baram, Representative Brian Becker, Senator Beth Bye and Senator Gayle Slossberg held sessions with the teens, giving them the opportunity to take a position on an issue that was current and meaningful to teens. Teens learned about the issue, built and presented their platform to the legislators.

One highlight of the afternoon was being invited into both the Senate Chambers and House of Representatives Chambers. One participant reported that she was so influenced by the conference that she would now consider a career working in the realm of political advocacy.

This exciting and impactful day of learning and service was only possible generous support of our sponsors: BBYO, Beth El Temple, B'nai Tikvoh Sholom, The Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, The Emanuel Synagogue, The Fishman Family and The Samuel Roskin Family Trust of Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

To find out about future JTConnect events, please visit our website at www.jtconnect.org or call our office at (860) 727-6110.

Jewish Teen Learning Connection is a learning and social community that offers a rich experience for teens, enhancing their connection to Jewish heritage, traditions and values. The program is designed for students in 6th through 12th grades. Synagogue membership is not required.

KO alum makes Fortune's '40 Under 40' list

WEST HARTFORD – Kingswood Oxford's Rachel Shechtman '95, an innovative New York City retailer, has been named to Fortune Magazine's "40 Under 40" list of "the most important young iconoclasts, risk-takers, and rule breakers in business."
Mark Zuckerberg, Marissa Mayer (CEO of Yahoo), and Kevin Systrom (CEO of Instagram) are just a few of the others on the list. To read more about Shechtman and the others, visit http://cnnmon.ie/
Shechtman, an Avon native, is highly regarded in the retail industry, having consulted for TOMS shoes, Lincoln, and Kraft, among others. She founded her boutique, "Story," in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan two years ago. The theme and merchandise in the shop changes every month or two, as she changes its "story."
"This TEDx-talking retail guru ... has earned a reputation for thinking outside the box when it comes to the future of shopping," according to Fortune. "Retail biggies like Nordstrom and CMOs of Fortune 500 companies have been checking it out to get her read on where retail is headed."

Friday, September 27, 2013

Avondale Loop celebrates annual block party

WEST HARTFORD >> Some West Hartford residents got together to celebrate the second annual "Avondale-Lovelace Loop" party with help from Nextdoor.com, a social media site that helps to keep more than 100 neighbors connected. The event included a food truck from Larry Mozzicato and love music with "Fat-Grip," a talented local band.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Old Guard begins 48th year of weekly meetings

The Old Guard resumes weekly Tuesday meetings of its 48th year on September 3 under the leadership of new President Phil Gardner.
Gardner succeeds Past President John Mitman who led a successful year of topical guest speakers, involvement in community activities, golf and bowling and special events. After a summer recess, the retired men's group will meet at the Westminster Presbyterian Church on the Boulevard in West Hartford.

President Gardner said "the speaker program for 2013-2014, under the leadership of Vice President Dale Richter and participation of his committee, is well under way and features outstanding presenters and topics. In September alone, we will have the President of Hartford Seminary, Dr. Heidi Hadsell; Lt. J. Paul Vance, official spokesperson of the Connecticut State Police on the history and role of that organization; former Congressman and novelist Robert Steele, author of The Curse: Big Time Gambling's Seduction of a Small New England Town; and the Rev. Dr. Robert Evans, co-Founder and Director, Plowshares Institute…and that is just our first month."

Meetings begin at 10:30 A.M. every Tuesday until next May. Meetings begin with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by selections from the Old Guard song book, a guest story-teller, an update on activities and then a featured presentation followed by a question period. Following the meeting, many members adjourn to numerous local restaurants for lunch. According to Gardner, "this is a formula which has worked for our 48 years and seems to continue to have appeal. We have new and energetic members join the Guard during the year and are able to maintain strong energy in activities that the men provide for the community. Among the activities that Old Guard members support is delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels program, information desk staffing at the UConn Health Center, regular collections of food for the community food bank and the Salvation Army. While we have been fortunate maintaining our membership levels, we continually poll the membership to assure that we continue to meet their desires."

"We are in the process of creating an Internet site for the benefit of existing members and providing information for prospective members" Gardner says. "While all of our members don't use email for communication, an increasing number do and we have been able to reduce our mailing costs through use of the internet. With a home page, we can better communicate with men interested in knowing about the Old Guard and maintain our current diversity. The Old Guard provides opportunity for men to renew professional relationships with former colleagues and create new social relationships, especially for retired men new to the community."

The Old Guard leadership team will include Dale Richter, Vice-President, Don Kauke, Secretary, Tom Robinson, Asst. Secretary, Jim Bixler, Treasurer and Paul Dean, Asst. Treasurer. Leading recruitment of new members will be Jeff Lee and Paul Dean will head a new committee that will manage Special Events and Luncheons. "With this team, I am looking forward to continuing the fine work done by our predecessors" said Gardner.

Chris Conlin named American Legion Outstanding Post Commander

The Connecticut Department of the American Legion has awarded the Louis E. Molinaro Plaque to Hayes-Velhage Post 96 Post Commander Chris Conlin as the most outstanding Post Commander for 2013. The award was presented July 11 at the State Convention of The American Legion in Rocky Hill."

Commander Conlin, in conjunction with VFW Post 9929 of West Hartford, supported the 143rd Military Police Company of the CT Army National Guard during their recent deployment to Afghanistan providing comfort kits of personal items throughout their deployment. He conducted fundraisers for the 143rd Family Readiness Group, a unit dedicated to supporting the families of deployed national guardsmen.

During his tenure as Post Commander, Conlin focused the Post's recruiting efforts on veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Commander Conlin enlisted in the Army in 1971 and served in Vietnam with the 198th and 11th Light Infantry Brigades of the Americal Division and later in a Recon Team with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade before returning to the U.S. in 1972. Upon release from active duty in 1973, Commander Conlin served with the 76th Army Reserve Unit in West Hartford, CT.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

The American Legion of West Hartford is open to military veterans who have served honorably during a wartime era and military personnel currently on active duty. Further information is available at www.post96.org or visit Hayes-Velhage Post 96 at 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT. 06107, phone 860-233-9029.

Hebrew Health Caregets Workforce Innovator Award

Hebrew Health Care was honored with the Workforce Innovator Award, presented by the MetroHartford Alliance Careers (MACH).
MACH is made up of Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) and the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWALF). The award was in recognition of Hebrew Health Care's positive contributions to the health care workforce. Hebrew Health Care partners with the Collaborative on training a new generation of certified nursing assistants. Kathy Mon, Vice President and COO at Hebrew Health Care remarked, "We are proud to be part of a Collaborative that is training the next generation of exceptional workers to care for the aging population serviced throughout any of our affiliates."

Junior League of Hartford awards outstanding volunteers

Members of the Junior League of Hartford and local West Hartford residents receive Junior League of Hartford's 2012-2013 outstanding volunteer awards. Award recipients photos from left to right -- a.Lindsey Meehan and Molly Towne, Active(s) of the Year; b. Carlene Bush, Sustainer of the Year;and c. Tobye Karl, President's Award - third from left with her family. Photos courtesy of Cheyney Barrieau Photography.

Montessori School of Greater Hartford celebrates International Day of Peace

Staff and students of the Montessori School of Greater Hartford gathered together in honor and recognition of the International Day of Peace. During the celebration, Head of School, Úna Barry, addressed the children and remarked that every child has the power to create a peaceful world. The Upper Elementary students concluded celebration by leading the community in songs of peace. The Montessori School of Greater Hartford is the only Montessori school in Connecticut to be fully recognized at the Toddler, Primary, and Elementary levels, by the Association Montessori Internationale. Photo of Adam Pendergrass and Eliza Lane by Amanda King

First WeHa Whiskey Festival set

WEST HARTFORD – The Town That Cares Fund and Camp Courant have been chosen as the charities benefiting from the 1st Annual WeHa Whiskey Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. The event is sponsored by Chivas Regal, Dewar's, Hartford Advocate, Hartford Magazine, Knob Creek, Maximum Beverage, Radio 104.1 FM, and The Glenlivet.

"We're very grateful the organizers have chosen us," said Suzanne M. Oslander, community partnerships manager for the town's Department of Human and Leisure Services. The department oversees the Town That Cares, a special fund that helps West Hartford residents experiencing a crisis situation that hinders their ability to pay for utility bills, food, shelter costs, medical expenses and other critical needs. More than 1,000 households received assistance from the Town That Cares fund last year.

"Partnering together on events like this does make a difference," said McKinley Albert, director of development for Hartford's Camp Courant. "It costs $25 per day, per child, a total of $750 for one child to go to camp." The largest free day camp in the nation, the organization sends 600 Hartford children ages 5 through 12 to camp for six weeks, providing round-trip transportation from Hartford to the Farmington campsite and two nutritious meals a day.

Contributions from the community are needed to maintain both of the charities the festival is benefiting.

The trade show style event will feature up to 30 tables and 150 items for tasting, including various brands of whiskey, bourbon and scotch. Patrons will receive a glass embossed with the sponsors' logos to use for tasting and as a keepsake. They will also receive gift bags and other giveaways. Radio 104.1 FM (WMRQ), a locally-owned station, will broadcast live at the festival.

"We've active with many charities, and we think this event will be amazing," said Whitney Bonadies, emergency marketing specialist for Radio 104.1 FM.

Hors d'oeuvres stations will provide refreshments to complement the variety of spirits being sampled. Tickets are $79.99 per person in advance, and $99.99 at the door.

In addition to receiving a portion of ticket sales, the charities will benefit from 100 percent of the proceeds from fundraising activities that will take place during the evening, including a raffle, a silent auction and a restaurant battle.

Like reality TV, chefs from five local restaurants will compete to determine whose creation is the best. The battle is sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey, and the recipes must include Jameson as an ingredient. Food tickets will be sold and whichever entree sells the most tickets wins the contest, earning an advertisement on Radio 104.1 FM.

"There's an interesting story behind each brand, and we know there are people who want to learn about them and try something new," said Seth Goldstein, managing partner of Maximum Beverage in Bishops Corner. "Whiskey is a growing category and the festival is an opportunity to educate the public while also raising money for some good causes."

To purchase tickets, contact Maximum Beverage at 860-761-2541.

About the Town That Cares

Established 30 years ago, the fund subsidizes a variety of needs, including the town's food pantry and seasonal activities administered by the Town, such as Thanksgiving food baskets, a Holiday Children's Party with gift cards for parents, and a Back to School Backpack and School Supplies program that served 530 children this year.

About Hartford's Camp Courant

Established in 1894, Camp Courant will mark its 120th anniversary in 2014. Round-trip transportation is provided from Hartford neighborhoods to the Farmington campsite in Batterson Park. In addition to swimming classes, a variety of recreational, educational, and cultural programs are offered as well as health and dental screenings. This summer's classes included anti-bullying and personal finance.

Resident coordinates accounting ed at community college

WEST HARTFORD >> Gerald F. Murphy was recently named Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, Accounting by Capital Community College. In this role, he will teach Financial & Managerial Accounting and work with over 100 undergraduate accounting students.

Previously, Murphy was an Associate Professor at UConn's Global Training & Development Institute for over 20 years (located at UConn's West Hartford campus), where he taught accounting and auditing to mid-career managers and administrators from developing countries.

Prof. Murphy has lived in West Hartford for over 40 years and currently resides in the Bishops Corner neighborhood with his wife, Lulu, and three sons, ages 12, 10 and 8.

Resident rides in fight against MS

Mike Marques, West Hartford, and Karen Butler, Manchester, pose at the finish line of the 2013 Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride, held Sunday, Sept. 8, at the historic Boathouse at Riverside Park in Hartford. Marques, who rode 75 miles in support of the fight against MS, is a longtime volunteer with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. A commercial photographer by trade, Marques has photographed more than 50 of individuals from across the state, illustrating the many faces of multiple sclerosis. In early February 2014, the chapter will host a gallery showing of Marques' work at the Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford. Butler oversees marketing and public relations for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. The 2013 Bike MS attracted more than 240 participants, spectators and volunteers. Cyclists traveled through nine towns and over three bridges, the Founders, Arrigoni and Charter Oak, to raise, to date, almost $80,000. Fundraising continues through Monday, Sept. 30. For more information on Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride, presented by Cashman + Katz, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

Photo Credit: Mark Johnson, Branford

Former Yankee to speak at men's breakfast

The Beth El Temple's Men's Club kicks off its breakfast program with a home run on Sunday September 29 at 9:15 a.m. as they welcome former NY Yankee Ron Blomberg. All are invited for a full breakfast buffet as Blomberg talks about growing up Jewish in the South, playing on the Yankees in the seventies, and his recent experience creating and coaching a baseball league in Israel.

Blomberg will offer a signing of his recent book "Designated Hebrew", which will also be available for purchase. The cost for this program, paid in advance, is $15 ($10 for Men's Club members); walk-ins will be charged $20 ($15 for Men's Club members). Please RSVP to Joe Springut at 860-676-9878 or email at dr.eyesjoe@gmail.com.

Beth El Temple is an egalitarian congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The synagogue strives to create, sustain and strengthen Jewish unity and continuity through personal involvement in meaningful worship, ritual, learning and social action. All are welcome. Located at 2626 Albany Avenue in West Hartford, Beth El is home to worshippers who live in more than a dozen Central Connecticut cities. For more information, please contact Beth El at (860) 233-9696, on the web at www.bethelwesthartford.org or friend us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bethelwh.

Kingswood Oxford students named AP Scholars

West Hartford, Sept. 11 – The College Board has announced that 52 students from Kingswood Oxford School – including 11 from West Hartford -- have been named AP Scholars for 2013, based on exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement Exams taken last May.

Among this group, KO had one National AP Scholar (Mark Toubman '13); 18 AP Scholars with Distinction; ten AP Scholars with Honor; and 23 AP Scholars. The complete list is available at www.kingswoodoxford.org/APScholars.

According to The College Board, the AP Scholar designations are defined as the following:

* National AP Scholar (students who receive an average of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on 8 or more of these exams);

* AP Scholar with Distinction (students who receive an average of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on 5 or more of these exams);

* AP Scholar with Honor (Students who receive an average of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on 4 or more of these exams); and
* AP Scholar (Students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams).

A rigorous academic program is a key component of a KO education, where students are encouraged to excel and to lead lives of integrity and involvement. The School will host Open Houses for prospective Upper School students on Nov. 3 and for prospective Middle School students on Nov. 17. Call the Admissions Office at 860-727-5000 for more info or to register.

Private art collections exhibit opens at USJ gallery

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. – On Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., the Art Gallery at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) will host an opening reception for the exhibition Objects of Our Affection II: Art from Private Collections of the University of Saint Joseph Community. Admission is free of charge. The Art Gallery, located in The Bruyette Athenaeum on USJ's West Hartford campus at 1678 Asylum Avenue, is open Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.; closed Monday. The exhibition will run through December 13, 2013.

Like the first exhibition of this name presented in 2004, Objects of Our Affection features a wide variety of works owned by University friends, alumni, faculty, participants in the Gallery's membership organization, and artists who have exhibited at the Gallery. The current exhibition features works ranging from the second half of the 19th century to the present, with a primary focus on American art.

From the delicate portrait miniatures on ivory painted by Elsie Dodge Pattee to the monumental watercolor on paper by Richard Yarde, works in the exhibition not only span a range of sizes, but also of techniques and styles. Connecticut Impressionist and Tonalist oil paintings include works by John Henry Twachtman and Bruce Crane; among the etchings and lithographs exhibited are landscapes by James Abbott McNeill Whistler and Louis Lozowick as well as contemporary artist Miriam Schapiro's homage to Frida Kahlo, who is also represented in the exhibition with a striking surrealist drawing. Among the works by contemporary artists (who have been featured in past exhibitions at the Gallery) are large works on paper by Ann McCoy and new sculptures by Robert Kirschbaum based on his Devarim drawings.

Photo attached; caption: Miriam Schapiro (b. 1923) Frida and Me, 1990. Lithograph, photolithograph, chine collé. Lent by Sonja Hansard-Weiner and Andrew D. Weiner, Spaightwood Galleries, Upton, MA. Art Gallery, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut.

KO student named semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship program

West Hartford, Sept. 12 – Kingswood Oxford senior Alexandra Stanton, the daughter of Claudia Coplein of West Hartford and Gerald Stanton of Farmington, has been named a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
This means she is in the top 1% of scorers nationally among the 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam in October 2012. She will now compete for designation as a National Merit Finalist and for a Merit Scholarship to be awarded next spring.
At KO, Stanton is a Martin-Nicholson Scholar, which means she was awarded a merit-based scholarship to the school based on academic performance and exemplary leadership, service and citizenship.
In May 2013, Attorney General George Jepsen chose Stanton as the first-place winner in a Constitution essay contest sponsored by the WALKS Foundation. The contest is open to junior history students at the five WALKS schools – Westminster, Avon Old Farms, Loomis Chaffee, Kingswood Oxford, and Suffield Academy. The topic was "Executive War Powers and National Security."
An active member of the school community, Stanton is the founder and president of KO's environmentally active "Green Team;" a varsity softball player; co-president of the GSA; and extremely involved in theater tech and set design. She is also a prefect, one of only 12 seniors chosen to serve as mentors to KO underclassmen.
Stanton is busy off-campus, as well; during the past two years, she has performed community service in Poland and Israel, and she also served as a counselor at Camp Northbound for inner-city Boston youth.
"We are all so proud of Allie," said Natalie Demers, Assistant Head of School for Academic Life. "As a scholar, an athlete, a thoughtful citizen and leader, she contributes so much to our community every single day. She truly exemplifies the very best of KO."
Since 1909, Kingswood Oxford -- an independent, co-ed, college prep day school in West Hartford for grades 6-12 – has inspired students to excel and to lead lives of integrity and involvement. KO will host Open Houses for prospective Upper School students on Nov. 3 and prospective Middle School students on Nov. 17. For more information or to schedule an interview, call 860-727-5000.

PHOTO CAPTION: West Hartford resident Alexandra Stanton, a senior at Kingswood Oxford, has been named a National Merit Semifinalist.

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Girls sell lemonade, make blankets for 'Gifts of Love'

Gifts of Love Announces
Local Girls Make Handmade Blankets for Gifts of Love

Avon, CT (September 13, 2013) –

WEST HARTFORD >> Local girls from Avon had a lemonade stand and used the proceeds to purchase material to make blankets for Gifts of Love's clients. Gifts of Love has been so fortunate to receive donations of beds from CT Mattress. But it is the little touches like sheets, pillows and a blanket that truly transforms just a bed to a cozy kid's room. We are so proud of our local kids making a difference for our clients.

Gifts of Love is now accepting fall and winter clothing at their new location – 34 East Main Street, Avon. New hours are Monday – Friday from 9 to 4 and some evenings and Saturdays. Call for details 860-676-2323. Or you can visit www.giftsoflovect.org.

Unified Theater groups attends local summit

Unified Theater 2013 at Sedgwick Middle School presented its 10th anniversary production schedule this month.

In preparation for this banner year, the student leadership team attended a one day summit at the Hartford Aetna sponsored by Micaela Connery and her Unified Theater group.

Small group interactions with other theater groups from Middletown, Glastonbury , and Colchester enabled the students to "let their hair down" and embrace some Unified lingo ("lose the labels" ) and core beliefs ('treat people as individuals and equals"). Making sure that each and every theater group is fully inclusive of students of all abilities is the core goal of Unified Theater. The productions are original, student produced and incorporate music, movement and acting.

Sedgwick students participating in this year's Unified Summit included:Owen Hyland, Maddie Gallinoto,Maggie Yezza,Michael Quinn-Mavredakis, Bella Celio,Tori Repka, Michael Woods, Maggie Venora,Lena Proietti, and Grace Andrews.

Unified Theater : ability over disability - creativity over conformity - collaboration over competition!

Photo caption: Sedgwick Middle School Unified Theater student leadership team pose before their recent Summit program at the Hartford Aetna.

Front row: Owen Hyland, Maddie Gallinoto, Maggie Yezza
Middle: Michael Quinn- Mavredakis, Bella Celio, Tori REpka
Top: Michael Woods, Maggie Venora, Lena Proietti, and Grace Andrews

Students recognized by National Merit Scholar Program

Two students from Watkinson School in Hartford have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship program for the PSAT's. Sumner Alperin-Lee '14 of Glastonbury, has been named as a Commended Student in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. In addition, Cyrus Duff '14 of West Hartford, has been named as a Semifinalist in the 2014 Program. Duff is among 16,000 students who qualify for that distinction this year which represents less than 1% of the nation's high school graduating seniors. As a semifinalist, Duff now has the opportunity to advance in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards, and the honor of being designated as a National Merit Scholar.

34,000 high performers were named Commended Students — these students place within the 96 percentile of college-bound juniors. 1.5 million students took the 2012 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test last fall, and Watkinson is pleased to have two students who have been recognized for their outstanding

performance on the test.

Watkinson School is Hartford's oldest independent day school serving students in grades 6-12/PG. Watkinson's next open house is October 19th at 1pm.

Brainard products receives profesional designation

Financial firm celebrates

FARMINGTON - Comprehensive tax and financial management firm, Wealth Management Group of North America, LLC (WMGNA), celebrated its 18th anniversary of its start. The company was founded in 1995 by Daniel J. Friedman, CEO and Brian P. Beck, President & CFO as a "one-stop" tax and financial management group to assist individuals and small business in coordinating all of their financial matters.

The firm's goal is to save money on taxes and unnecessary expenses, de-junking and de-stressing their lives, and assisting them in making smart choices with their money. WMGNA continues a distinctive fee-based program that allows for unbiased strategic wealth planning from an independent, cohesive team of professionals including CPA's, lawyers, bankers, insurance professionals and money managers.

WMGNA uses a breakthrough strategy, developed to assist way families and small businesses manage their lives and finances by successfully implementing the Power of True Success™ for retirement:

The partners are actively involved in supporting their local communities. They host a food drive each year for the West Hartford Food Pantry, sponsor a scholarship award for a Bloomfield High School student each year, sponsor the Hartford Hawks baseball team, sponsor the West Hartford Youth Football League, and put on a charity car wash for the Miracle League of Connecticut.

Pierce LLC adds new attorney to staff

West Hartford, CT August 19, 2013 -- Attorney Veronica J. Lee has joined Pierce LLC as Counsel. She brings experience in the areas of real estate law and healthcare provider overpayment cost containment cases.

Her practice area focuses on real estate law primarily in the areas of structuring, negotiating and drafting commercial real estate transactions, corporate finance transactions for both lenders and developers, including mortgage lending, commercial lending, real estate acquisitions, dispositions and leasing transactions. In addition, she has represented both property/casualty insurers and group third payers in healthcare provider overpayment cost containment matters across the United States.

Prior to joining Pierce LLC Atty. Lee practiced with Pepe & Hazard, LLP as a Senior Attorney.

An active member of the community, Atty. Lee is on the board of Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center of Connecticut. She also served on the boards of the Connecticut Children's Museum and Lawyers for Children.

Atty. Lee received her J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law; her MBA from Western New England College and her B.A. from University of Saint Joseph, cum laude.

She lives in Avon with her daughter.

About Pierce LLC

Pierce LLC is a client-centric firm that seeks optimal outcomes for our clients at sensible and appropriate costs. Their practice areas include Healthcare Cost Containment; False Claims Act & Whistleblower Matters; Commercial Litigation; Independent Internal Investigations and Real Estate. Their offices are located at Corporate Center West, 433 South Main St. Suite 228, West Hartford, CT. For more information see piercellclaw.com or (860) 560-8177.

Inspirational writer to speak at Holy Family

West Hartford, Conn. – Noted author, retreat leader and motivational speaker Paula D'Arcy will be at Holy Family Retreat Center Oct. 25-27 offering a powerful presentation on "The Practice of Watchfulness." The weekend retreat is open to both men and women. It begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes with Sunday brunch at noon. The offering to attend is $325.

A former psychotherapist and founder of the non-profit Red Bird Foundation, D'Arcy will address the importance of living more mindfully and opening oneself to what is. D'Arcy, herself, was painfully forced to accept what is when, in 1975, her husband and baby daughter were killed in a drunken driving accident; she was three months pregnant at the time.

"What changes in us when we meet life with increased awareness and wonder?" asks D'Arcy. "What changes in our communities and the world? Anyone ready to live and love more fully – to meet life in a deeper and more powerful way – will be drawn to this conversation."

In addition to her writing, seminars, and retreats, Paula D'Arcy works with women from the Middle East, supports men and women in prison, and creates circles of men and women dedicated to the awakening of hearts and the furthering of love and peace in the world. She is author of numerous books, including Gift of the Red Bird and Waking Up to This Day.

For more information or to register, visit www.holyfamilyretreat.org or call 860-760-9705.

Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, Connecticut, is the largest Passionist ministry in the world and the largest Catholic retreat center in the United States. Founded in 1951, Holy Family ministers to some 19,000 men, women, and youth each year with a message of hope, spiritual growth, and transformation. Visit the Holy Family website at www.holyfamilyretreat.org.

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West Hartford CT Community Notes

Monday, September 30, 2013

Director of Israel programs welcomed at the Mandell JCC

Peace, Love & Music Together fest celebrates Day of Peace

Hartford Police honored in wake of cemetery vandalism