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Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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
Wow, it’s Dec. 16. I’ve got a lot of Christmas shopping left to do, but at least my house and tree are finally fully decorated.
Winter officially arrives next Saturday, Dec. 21, at 4:21 a.m. – the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. While the latest sunrise (due to Daylight Saving Time) is actually the morning of the end of Daylight Saving Time (in November), the amount of daylight is shortest at the winter solstice. On Sunday in West Hartford, the sun rose at 7:11 a.m. and set at 4:21 p.m. – giving us 9 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. During this coming week, the sunrise gets a bit later, but sunset doesn’t actually get any earlier. In fact by Saturday, Dec. 21, sunset is at 4:23 p.m. – but sunrise is at 7:14 p.m. – so we have one less minute of daylight earlier in the week. Sunrise will actually continue to get a bit later following the solstice. (to 7:17 a.m.), but we start gaining minutes at the end of the day and eventually will have noticeably longer days.
It was a week full of holiday celebrations, including parties on Friday and Saturday night, but we also took the time to participate in what I thought was a really meaningful holiday experience – Wreaths Across America at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. It was the first time I had ever been part of the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans, and it was heartwarming to see hundreds of volunteers of all ages involved on a frosty cold morning (there may have been well over a thousand people there, but it was really spread out). My sister’s boyfriend, Carmine, organized our group that included his siblings and their families, as well as Katie and Matt and our grandson. The cemetery looked starkly beautiful after the wreaths were in place. My dad is buried at the Veterans Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida, and I hope volunteers place wreaths there as well.
Wreaths Across America at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Most of us warmed up over lunch at Concentric Brewing Co. (right across the bridge in Portland) where I had never been – but I definitely want to return.
Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Burger at Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Chicken sandwich at Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tacos at Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Since we knew we were going to be at parties both Friday and Saturday nights and haven’t had much opportunity lately to support our local restaurants, Ted and I enjoyed a fabulous mid-week dinner at Treva in the Center. I am still thinking about both the calamari we split and my scallops (and the taste of Ted’s gnocchi).
Chef’s Calamari Saute at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Pettini at Treva (scallops, wild mushroom, crispy shallots, polenta). Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Gnocchi at Treva (sausage, broccoli rabe, calabrian chili, pecorino). Photo credit: Ronni Newton
We’ve got a number of events this coming week as well – and lots more eating to do – but I’m still trying hard to keep up with my exercise routine, too!
We will have our regular schedule of newsletters this week, but the following two weeks we will only send out newsletters on Monday (Dec. 23 and Dec. 30) and Friday (Dec. 27 and Jan. 3), since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Wednesdays. Also, as of now I am not planning to write a Business Buzz column on Dec. 30.
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]. You can also contact Bob if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of a section of the site.
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:
Sam Wilder is the new owner of the Elmwood Pastry Shop. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Muffins from Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Candy Time will be opening in early 2025 at 1049 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Candy Time logo. Courtesy image
Restaurant Bricco owner Billy Grant at the 25th anniversary of his West Hartford restaurant on Jan. 18, 2021. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
Sichuan Alley ribbon cutting. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
We Care Card check presentation. Courtesy photo
Build-out underway at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Just Salad will be opening at 2538 Albany Avenue in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Construction at future Chick-fil-A in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Salsa Fresca. 345 North Main Street, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
JCPenney, one of the original tenants at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
The Bridge Family Center has welcomed West Hartford resident Caitlin Arnold to its Board of Directors. According to a news release, for the past 10 years, Arnold has worked at Bank of America Private Bank. She began her career as an officer, philanthropic administration and is currently senior vice president, senior trust officer. In this role, Arnold focuses on the complex financial needs of wealthy individuals and families – as well as institutions – helping to manage and preserve wealth across generations. “The Bridge is very excited to welcome Caitlin to the Board. Her extensive experience in philanthropic management will be a tremendous asset as we raise funds for our vital programs and services,” Bridge Family Center Executive Director Margaret Hann said in a statement. Arnold has a degree in history and economics from the College of the Holy Cross.
Caitlin Arnold. Courtesy photo
Vinnie DeNatale at Cram the Van for BBBSCT. Courtesy photo
West Hartford merchandise!
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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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Sally’s will be open by Superbowl Sunday.
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