A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.
Business Buzz is sponsored by NBT Bank, and we are very thankful for their support! 
By Ronni Newton
Even I can’t deny that it’s now fall, but I will take a moment to complain about the weekend weather which can best be described by the word “yucky.”
We went to the UConn vs. Duke football game on Saturday, and at least it didn’t rain until late in the game. Ted and I (both Duke alumni) were a bit conflicted because we are both Connecticut natives, and we returned to the state 25 years ago, and we financed the better part of 13 years worth of UConn tuition between our two kids, and we have UConn football season tickets – but we said would root for the losing team. I wore a UConn sweatshirt over my Duke sweatshirt (a good move to stay warm as well), and I didn’t have occasion to switch them, but we were at least hoping for a good game.
We enjoyed a tailgate with Sam and some of his friends, and other than that here are my two favorite moments:
Jonathan XIV and Jonathan XV at Rentschler Field. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Flyover prior to the Sept. 23 UConn vs. Duke football game. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
I did some hardcore grandparenting last week – a few hours one day, and then an overnight! A few takeaways: falling into the pattern of rocking a baby comes back automatically; the velcro on today’s diapers is far superior to the sticky tabs from the old days; today’s infant carseats are extraordinarily heavy; doing squats to soothe a fussy baby is a great workout, as is the slow-motion walk to the crib and careful lowering of the baby without waking it up; and, most notably, that toothless smile will melt my heart every single time.
It was more a combination of a discombobulated schedule last week, some nagging pain in my ankle (not the same foot I hurt in June, this pain appeared out of nowhere), and a sinus headache – not just the yucky weather – that led me to blow off my 12-mile run on Saturday. I’m putting it in writing that I am going to try to get that 12-miler in one morning this week.
I did find time for eating out this week, at a few favorite spots. Dinner and margaritas with friends at Ocho Cafe during the week, and the comfort of Zephyr’s Street Pizza late on a rainy Saturday night. I also had some fabulous food at West Hartford’s new French restaurant, Le Mazet, as part of my research for the story that can be found here!
Tempura fish tacos at Ocho Cafe. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Marg with No Name at Ocho Cafe. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Fajitas Hawaiianas at Ocho Cafe. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Caesar salad at Zephyr’s. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
OG Street Taco pizza at Zephyr’s. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A large seared tuna salad at Le Mazet is enough to be shared by 4-5 people, and includes sesame-crusted ahi tuna, soft-boiled eggs. green beans tempura, potatoes, tomatoes, and greens. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
I haven’t shared a Millie photo in a while. She is hoping for some cool, crisp fall days soon, and also dislikes this yucky weather.
Millie is not pleased about the soggy weekend. And her Husky bandana doesn’t seem to be bringing the Huskies much luck in football. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
If you’re looking for news about West Hartford in print please note that many stories from We-Ha.com, as well as other local news, is published in the twice-monthly issues of the West Hartford Press.
If you have information to share about local businesses, please provide details in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].
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Here’s this week’s Buzz:
WIP Fitness, 485 New Park Avenue, West Hartford, is now owned by Paul and Julia Ducey. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of WIP Fitness, 485 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of WIP Fitness, 485 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of WIP Fitness, 485 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of WIP Fitness, 485 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Paul Ducey demonstrates the rower at WIP Fitness. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Mark Paley (left) and Roger Beit at the opening of the Beit Paley Center. Courtesy photo
Screenshot from Oakwood Park plans submitted to DRAC for Study Session No. 6 on Aug. 31, 2023. (we-ha.com file photo)
Beloved Companions is planning to open a location in West Hartford. Courtesy photo
Congratulations to Peter Macdonald, who was recently named president of the Bridge Family Center Board of Directors. In this leadership role, Macdonald will ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the board’s governance role and processes and represent the Board and the Bridge within the community. Macdonald joined the Board in 2018 and has served as a member of the Governance Committee. Macdonald is currently head of Casualty Claims, North American General Insurance at AIG. He previously held senior positions responsible for workers’ compensation claims at North American General Insurance and The Hartford. He received a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Notre Dame. “Peter’s outstanding commitment to our children and families, demonstrated leadership qualities, and intellect and experience will be a tremendous asset to the Bridge and the community. I have enjoyed working with Peter on the Board and look forward to strengthening our relationship during his tenure as President,” said Margaret Hann, executive director of the Bridge.
Peter Macdonald. Courtesy photo
Congratulations to the 34 “Women of Innovation” – the STEM leaders who will be honored on Oct. 25 by the Connecticut Technology Council. Four of the finalists have ties to West Hartford, including residents Laurie Caines (Associate Professor of Medicine, UConn Health Center) and Elise Courtois (Director, Single Cell Biology Lab and Senior Research Scientist, State of CT Endometriosis at The Jackson Laboratory). Ivana Milanovic works in West Hartford as Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace & Acoustical Engineering, University of Hartford, and Nancy Miller also works in West Hartford as Senior Manager. Project Engineering Systems Project Engineering Triumph Group.“Since the first Women of Innovation event that I attended, I have been extremely impressed with the great contribution these outstanding women have had and continue to have on the technology ecosystem and our society. The class of 2023 certainly have earned this distinction,” said Giovanni Tomasi, President/Chief Technology Officer of RSL Fiber Systems and Board Chair of CTC. “The winners and finalists in the High School category are especially astounding; they have accomplished more in 17 or 18 years than most people do in a lifetime,” he said in a news release. “The Connecticut Technology Council is proud to host the Women of Innovation event with the support of our members, sponsors, and partners,” said Milena Stankova Erwin, CTC’s newly appointed Executive Director. “Congratulations to all the award finalists! We are excited to honor them and celebrate their impressive accomplishments and their noteworthy contributions.” For tickets to the awards event and additional information, visit www.ct.org/womenofinnovation.
Arhaus exterior. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Closed buybuy Baby store. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Closed buybuy Baby store. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
‘Pumpkins with a Mission’ of all shapes and sizes are now for sale at the West Hartford United Methodist Church on New Britain Avenue. photo credit: Ronni Newton
Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].
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