Education

Watkinson School

Creating Extraordinary Results from Happy Students Article by Jenni French | Photography by Michelle Wolff and Chad Williams Since 1881 Watkinson School, created following a major bequest by businessman and philanthropist David Watkinson, has been committed to educational excellence in Greater Hartford. The school’s mission, to develop in students the power to shape their lives and the world around them, is the rudder for that excellence.  A small, co-ed, private, college prep school for...

Education

The Learning Experience

The Company is Expanding With A New Center in Avon Photography by John Helmke The Learning Experience (TLE), a fast-growing early education franchise, recently opened a new state-of-the-art center, marking its fifth franchise location in Connecticut under the leadership of Vid Mitta, owner of TLE centers in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. The new 10,000-square-foot facility, located at 104 West Avon Road in Avon, will include a 5,000-square-foot playground and is expected to receive state...

Life + Culture

Meet The Publisher:

Sri Ramachandran Is Glastonbury Lifestyle's New Publisher. His Wife, Jaye Subramanian, is the Assistant Publisher Photography by Vincent Wrenn Jaye and I come from humble beginnings, shaped by parents who taught us what truly matters — people, not possessions; respect for money, but never submission to it. These timeless lessons have been the heartbeat of our journey, quietly guiding us through every step. Like many of our generation, our professional paths began in the corporate world. But...

Life + Culture

Protector of Animals

The Volunteer Group Celebrates 50 Years of Compassionate Animal Rescue Work Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Christine Penney What began as a grassroots effort by three women in 1975 has grown into one of Connecticut’s most respected no-kill animal rescue organizations. In 2025, Protectors of Animals (POA) celebrates 50 years of providing shelter, veterinary care, and second chances to thousands of animals in need. “For the first 25 years, we operated with foster homes in South...

Arts + Culture

Explore Local

Sip, Shop, and Savor: The Charm of South Glastonbury Article by Brian Boyer Tucked along the banks of the Connecticut River, South Glastonbury has long been known for its rich agricultural history. But these days, it’s also buzzing with a small yet dynamic business district that’s giving locals and visitors plenty of reasons to stay, shop, sip and savor. What was once a quiet, rural corner of town has blossomed into a destination filled with beloved restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques and a...

Arts + Culture

From Glastonbury to Global Business News

The Journey of CNBC President KC Sullivan Article by Eileen M. McNamara Throughout his life KC Sullivan has always balanced ambition with humility — a trait rooted in his upbringing here and shaped by years of navigating the complex media landscape.  Today, as the president of CNBC, KC leads one of the world’s most influential business news networks. But long before boardrooms and global strategy meetings, he was a Glastonbury kid with cleats on his feet and a deep respect for hard work...

Arts + Culture

Take a Hike

Explore Scenic and Historic Hiking Locations Here and Across the State Article by Eileen M. McNamara Connecticut, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers a plethora of hiking opportunities for all skill levels. From serene coastal trails to rugged mountain paths, the state is a haven for nature lovers. Each year the Museum of Connecticut History hosts a series of guided hikes of some of our state’s historic sites, including Cotton Hollow Preserve in Glastonbury. While this year’s...

Life + Culture

A Century of Innovation

Pratt & Whitney Celebrates 100 Years of Powering Progress Article by Eileen M. McNamara In 1925, Frederick Rentschler, a visionary engineer, set out to change the face of aviation. He founded Pratt & Whitney with a revolutionary goal: to develop a lighter, more reliable, and more powerful aircraft engine than anything that had come before. That first engine, the R-1340 Wasp, didn’t just succeed. It transformed aviation. Now, in 2025, Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, celebrates 100 years of...

Travel

Beyond the Crowds: An Insider's Guide to Italy's Hidden Gems

After two decades of crafting bespoke Italian adventures for discerning travelers, I've learned that the real magic of Italy isn't found in the crowded piazzas of Rome or the elbow-to-elbow galleries of Florence. It's discovered in the quiet corners where locals still pause for leisurely conversations, where family recipes haven't been adapted for tourist palates, and where the pace of life follows centuries-old rhythms rather than tour bus schedules.The Italy you see on Instagram, the one with...

Travel

Europe: Your Complete Guide to New Travel Requirements

The landscape of international travel is evolving rapidly, and Europe is implementing several significant changes that will impact how Americans visit the continent in 2025 and beyond. As someone who has guided thousands of travelers through European bureaucracy over the past twenty years, I can tell you that being prepared for these new requirements isn't just recommended, it's essential for a smooth, stress-free European adventure.The good news? With proper planning and insider knowledge...