Home + Design

A Way With Water

Paul Tarasuk’s Journey with PD Waterscapes Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Provided About six years ago Paul Tarasuk decided to turn his dual passions of living a creative life and being in the outdoors into PD Waterscapes, a thriving West Hartford-based business that brings natural beauty to backyards through custom-built water features.  Specializing in everything from koi ponds to cascading waterfalls and bubbling boulders, PD Waterscapes has become a go-to business for...

Arts + Culture

Glastonbury Apple Fest Turns 50

Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival Marks Golden Anniversary with Grand Celebration Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Brian Ambrose This October, the beloved Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival will celebrate a milestone: its 50th anniversary. Set for Friday–Sunday, October 17–19, 2025, at Riverfront Park (300 Welles St.), the festival promises three full days of music, food, rides, and community spirit. The Apple Harvest and Music Festival, affectionately known as...

Food + Beverage

Restaurant Spotlight

South Glastonbury's Dining Scene is Going Strong Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke South Glastonbury, a historic village along the Connecticut River, has developed into one of the region’s most notable dining hubs. The area blends established favorites with newer, chef-driven concepts, giving residents and visitors an array of options within a walkable district that maintains its colonial-era character. Much of South Glastonbury’s dining appeal comes from its setting...

Professional Services

From Kitchen Table Crisis to Community Champion

The Jac's Cleaning Story Article by Lucinda Jamison | Photography by Provided Still wearing her restaurant apron after a long shift, Jacqueline Goldstein sat at her kitchen table fifteen years ago, exhausted by the weight of single motherhood. At 23, she was raising a three-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter, working fifty hours a week, and drowning in daycare bills. That night, she had what she calls a moment of clarity: "I needed to make more money for my time, and I needed to spend...

Local Services

Experts Espresso Corner

Nia Chung Srodoski, NCS Law Estate Planner Julian Grant, Clinical Director, Femcare Med Spa Photography by Kaitlyn Casso and Seshu Badrinath Winter Wellness: Why Your Body May Need More Than Skincare  As temperatures drop, your body may face challenges that topical treatments can’t address. Winter months can affect everything from skin hydration to energy levels, making this the perfect time to consider comprehensive wellness support. At FemCare MedSpa, we understand that true radiance...

Travel

Discover the Real Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands capture hearts with their dramatic landscapes and rich heritage, but there's a world of difference between following a guidebook and experiencing Scotland like a local. While anyone can visit distilleries and castles, those who work with experienced travel advisors discover the authentic stories, hidden gems, and meaningful connections that transform a good trip into an unforgettable journey. Beyond the Tourist TrailScotland's whisky regions offer countless distilleries...

Style + Beauty

September Style!

Our Photo Shoot Featuring Local Talent and Businesses Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke For our 2025 Style Issue Photographer John Helmke decided to organize a day-long photo shoot featuring two local models. John, who owns Pictures of People Studio (with offices in Vernon and West Hartford), is a Connecticut-based artist specializing in creative photography, particularly headshots, fashion, and portraits. John creates a comfortable atmosphere during his sessions...

Professional Services

Expert's Espresso Corner

Consult Vera, Wu Healing Center: Traditional Chinese Medicine. Article and Photography by 1. You’ve probably been hearing all the chatter about this new tax reform. So let’s forget the politics and just talk about what it actually means for you or your business. You know that 20 percent pass-through deduction—the QBI—that we all cross our fingers for each year? Well, it's permanent now.  A 100 percent immediate write-off for new equipment and any R&D spending is also locked in for good. If...

Local Services

JW Frame Crafters

Bringing Art and Memories to Life by Framing the Past and Preserving the Future Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by Michele Tereso In an unassuming storefront in the heart of Glastonbury, time bends in the hands of Joel Kurlan. At JW Frame Crafters, history isn’t something you read — it’s something you can see, touch, and, thanks to Joel’s unparalleled skill, preserve for generations. “I started picture framing when I was eight years old,” Joel says. “My mother started the business, and I...

Home + Design

JWM Architects

A Contemporary Kitchen Transformation Before and After Article and Photography by The renovation of this classic colonial centered on reimagining the kitchen as a modern, functional space that respectfully engages with the home’s original architectural character. The design approach embraces contemporary forms and materials while ensuring a cohesive relationship with the traditional colonial structure. The transformation moved away from the typical raised oak panel kitchen aesthetic...