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
I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend, and I hope all the moms out there had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
And by “moms” I also extend that to anyone who has taken on the role of a mother. Sometimes a “mother” can also be a dad, or a grandparent, or an aunt (I always like to give a shout-out to my sister who beyond being “cool aunt” has certainly taken on a “mother” role with my kids at times), or a mother-in-law. And people “mother” their biological children, adopted children, foster children, pets …
A happy first Mother’s Day to my daughter, Katie! My heart swells with pride not only because I love our grandson so much, but also because I love watching her being such an amazing mother to him.
As I write this on Sunday, we are also celebrating Millie’s birthday. Happy 5th Birthday to our wonderful puppy who brings us so much joy every day!
Millie turned 5 on May 12! Photo credit: Ronni Newton
We spent a few days in Nantucket last week doing spring cleaning and visiting my mother-in-law. That’s where the photo of Millie was taken (she had just finished chasing lots of seagulls and trying to drink sea water), and where the food photos from dinner (Thursday night) were taken. If you’re visiting Nantucket, the newly-opened Misogi Noodle Bar (in the former Beet space – same ownership and chef, just a new concept) is excellent!
Tuna poke at Misogi Noodle Bar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Adobo chicken at Misogi Noodle Bar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
I was excited to be in a place known for its dark skies for viewing of the Northern Lights – which has been a bucket list item for me since I was a child and first heard about the Aurora Borealis. I got some cool photos with my iPhone even though there were a few clouds, but I’ve seen amazing photos from West Hartford as well. I was ready to go out again on Saturday night but the lights weren’t visible. Maybe Sunday night …
Northern Lights viewed from Surfside, Nantucket. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Welcome to We-Ha.com’s summer 2024 interns! I am very excited that Bridget Bronsdon has returned to We-Ha.com for her second summer after a great year at UConn where she further honed her journalism skills – and has been named sports editor of the Daily Campus for next year! She will be working on a few stories for We-Ha.com beginning this week. I am also looking forward to working with Kaily Martinez (you can see her first byline here in this great story she did on Friday about a helmet donation and bike safety program at Charter Oak International Academy) and Sean Ahern. Both Kaily and Sean are UConn journalism students as well, and both are writers for the Daily Campus.
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:
A hat stand has become a symbol for the growth of insurance company Beazley, which just opened an office for more than 200 employees in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
This looks like artwork, but it’s also a living –made of moss – and hangs on the wall at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Kitchen of Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The bird theme at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office is also auditory, with quiet sounds of birds chirping as background noise. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of workspaces, including areas for privacy. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Employees can unwind, or brainstorm over a game of pool at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Lounge area near the kitchen of Beazley’s new office in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. On the wall is a giant Scrabble board. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s four beehives were relocated from Batterson Park in Farmington to Westmoor Park in West Hartford. Photo credit: Meredith Longo Photography
Westfarms main entrance. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
Squishable is now open in the former Brighton space in the Nordstrom wing at Westfarms. Photo credit: Amanda Sirica
Interior of Squishable. Photo credit: Amanda Sirica
PTSMC opened in May 2019 at 135 South Main Street and is now celebrating their 5th anniversary. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The WeHa Wellness Fair will return on Tuesday, May 14. (Rain date, May 16)
Sylvia Urbanski (left) senior staff assistant, and Town Clerk Leon Davidoff holding the proclamation inside the vault where all the records are kept. Photo credit: Renee McCue
Brooke Goff. Courtesy photo
West Hartford’s Ben Bronz Academy (11 Wampanoag Drive) has announced the hiring of Ana Maria Alvarez as the school’s Chief Financial Officer and Business Manager. She will lead the business operations for the state-approved, private, special education school in West Hartford, the school announced in a news release. As a school administrator, Alvarez said she is always student focused. “The key to unlocking your potential lies in believing in yourself and the unique abilities you possess.” As school leaders, we hold the power to instill in our students a belief in their own abilities,” she said. “Each of us is unique, with our own distinct learning styles, yet we all possess the capability to achieve what we set our minds to. Before joining Ben Bronz, Alvarez was the Director of Finance and Human Resources at Intensive Education Academy (IEA). She played a pivotal role in organizational growth, overseeing financial operations and facilitating significant infrastructure enhancements. Alvarez earned a Business Administration degree from Charter Oak State College and later completed a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from UConn, focusing on diversity and employment law. BBA serves students grades 2nd through 12th grade from around the state who have struggled to learn in other settings. The students have been identified with various learning disabilities, including: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Executive Function Difficulties, ADHD, CAPD, and ASD (mild/Asperger’s). The goal at Ben Bronz is to help students correct their functional weaknesses and to develop strong, spontaneous thinking habits that build self-confidence, foster curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning. BBA was founded in 1985 with the belief that every student deserves to succeed. Since then, BBA has prepared hundreds of students for academic success. Their individualized learning program enables students to master learning skills, achieve academic success and enhance self-confidence. Ben Bronz Executive Director and CEO Gail Lanza said Alvarez is a perfect fit. “Ana Maria is deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives the love, respect, and educational opportunities they deserve. With profound appreciation for the dedicated efforts of educators and school personnel, Ana Maria recognizes the pivotal role they play in shaping young minds,” Lanza said. As a mother of two boys, Alvarez values the transformative power of education in preparing children for future success and shares in Ben Bronz’ philosophy that all children can succeed academically and personally.
Ana Maria Alvarez. Courtesy photo
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Advertiser Spotlight!
Keating Agency Insurance is a third-generation family business founded in 1969 by Mike Keating Sr. Mike Keating Jr. joined in 1981 and family ownership perpetuated in 1999 with Ryan Keating joining in 2016 and Maura Keating in 2019. We believe what separates the Keating Agency from our competitors is our extensive product knowledge and applying that knowledge, proactively, for our policy holders.
Both Ryan and Maura have continued our community involvement in both town and the region with FLOW, The West Hartford Chamber, Leadership Greater Hartford, and Insure Tech Hartford. Also, they provide ongoing support of our Conard and Hall sports teams, Safe Grad, WHYBL, WHYHL, and various nonprofits within the community including Noah Webster House, Journey Home, Playhouse on Park, Dog Star Rescue, West Hartford Dog Park Coalition, Bike West Hartford, HARC, the Junior League and Friends of Feeney – to name a few.
Life happens and our agency has seen the impacts of Ice Storm Felix, the Hartford Civic Center collapse, Windsor Locks tornado, Hurricane Gloria, the 2011 Halloween storm, Superstorm Sandy, Tropical Storm Irene, auto fatalities, house fires, and other big events over the years that can affect our day-to-day lives and financial well-being.
At the end of the day, what separates one agency from another is their ability to proactively service their policy holders, and their knowledge of the insurance industry, products, and different situations that may present themselves to their clients. As Mike Keating Sr. said on day one: “It doesn’t matter til it matters so get it right.”
If you are a long term, regular advertiser on We-Ha.com and have a 60 to 75 word submission for a future Business Buzz please send to Bob Carr at [email protected].
Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].
Coffee station at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Workspace at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s four beehives were relocated from Batterson Park in Farmington to Westmoor Park in West Hartford. Photo credit: Meredith Longo Photography
Beazley’s four beehives were relocated from Batterson Park in Farmington to Westmoor Park in West Hartford. Photo credit: Meredith Longo Photography
Floor plan of Beazley’s Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley provides shower facilities for the employees of their new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The workspace of Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes living artwork. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Workspace at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Open workspace at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of workspaces, including areas for privacy. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Terrace at Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration – or for meeting over lunch. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Kitchen of Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Beazley’s new Blue Back Square office includes a variety of spaces for collaboration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Elevator lobby at 65 Memorial Road, where Beazley has just relocated 234 people who formerly worked in Farmington. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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