A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.

By Ronni Newton

There is no way it can be August already.

This summer is going by way too fast.

On Sunday my husband and I helped our daughter move some of her furniture from one apartment to another (still the same upscale complex, complete with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, but now she has a terrace) at the Oaks in Storrs, which really made it seem like summer is waning. It won’t be long before she is back at UConn, and this fall her younger brother will be there, too. Thankfully, we have some family beach time scheduled in the next few weeks before the nest is empty.

One more personal note before getting down to business … I want to thank the kind residents who provided me with replacement car magnets after someone stole all four magnets off my car near the Conard baseball field last week. I was so mad – as anyone who read my rant on Facebook knows – because it was just such a senseless act of vandalism to take things that have no value except to me. Thank you to Conard teacher Karen Contorno for the replacement CHS magnet, and to Stefanie Marco Lanz for the WeHa magnet! You both made my day!

If you have tips about businesses opening or closing, or doing something worth sharing, please provide that information in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Wise Old Dog will be taking over the former Lindy’s Laundromat space on South Quaker Lane. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• The Wise Old Dog is may not be getting any wiser, but it’s likely getting a whole lot bigger. A few months ago an alert reader notified us that a dumpster appeared in front of the former Lindy’s Laundromat at 612 South Quaker Lane. The interior of the space was cleared out, and the dumpster disappeared, but it still wasn’t apparent what was happening with the space. There still aren’t many details to share about timing, but according to an employee of the Wise Old Dog, the popular package store will be moving from 610 South Quaker Lane next door into the much-larger space in the same shopping center.
• The West Hartford Town Council surprised Charlie Hilborn, owner of Sheehan Hillborn Breen Funeral Home, last Tuesday by presenting him with a proclamation honoring his 50-plus years of service to the town. Our congratulations on a very well-deserved honor! Thank you to Bob Hilborn for the photo of his dad with the proclamation, and the other photos that appear at the end of the column.
  

  Charlie Hilborn with his proclamation honoring his years of service. Courtesy photo

• Congratulations to Budget Blinds of West Hartford, located at 591 New Park Ave., which celebrated its fifth anniversary in late July. “There have been some really positive changes in this business over the last 5 years,” said new owner Tina Boske in a news release. “We’ve seen the launch of Inspired Drapes, a line of contemporary draperies sold exclusively through the company and have also expanded into the commercial sector, bringing our specifically designed commercial products to more businesses in the area.” Budget Blinds offers consumers the convenience of shopping at home – or in the office – for window coverings and other home décor accessories with the wide variety of product found in a home center but free in-home consultation and professional measuring and installation. They also have an exclusive “5 Year No Questions Asked Warranty” on their window treatments. For more information ,visit their website.
• This story has its own feature that was also in Monday’s newsletter, but I want to give an extra special shout out to my dear – and remarkable – friend Kim Green, who will be opening her very own mediation studio, Mindfulness and Matters, on Sept. 1 at 485 New Park Ave. Many people know Green as founder of West Hartford Concerned Citizens and leader of the “anti-Niagara” efforts in West Hartford, but meditation is what has helped her through so much of what she has faced over the years. Click here for the complete story.
• Natalie Marie Beauty has recently opened at 61 South Main St. According to the website, owner Natalie Marie Gioscio offers a full range of skin treatments ranging from a selection of facials (some specific to teens, and to men) to waxing, tinting, and esthetic enhancements.
  

  Cumberland Farms has installed a “Welcome to West Hartford” sign at the intersection of New Park and Flatbush avenues. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• While I was in the neighborhood taking the Wise Old Dog/Lindy’s Laundromat photo, I filled up on gas at the new Cumberland Farms at the corner of Flatbush and New Park (great price, and there was actually a line!) and checked out the new “Welcome to West Hartford” sign on their property that a reader had told me about. It’s a definite improvement to the look of the neighborhood!
• ICYMI, The Paper Store had a soft opening Friday afternoon in the former Party City space next to Sleepy’s in Bishops Corner. The Paper Store sells much more than just paper, and offers a great selection of giftware, home decór, accessories, and even women’s clothing. A ribbon-cutting will be held on Thursday and the grand opening celebration is Monday. Click here for the details.
• Also ICYMI, congratulations to all who earned a spot on this year’s Hartford Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” list, especially the six who live and/or work in West Hartford. The complete story can be found here.
• Here’s your reminder to vote for Best of West Hartford from among the more than 275 finalists selected in nearly 50 categories – all determined by nominations from the community. The winners which will be honored at a gala awards show on Sept. 8, and tickets are now on sale! Click here to purchase. A list of all of the finalists and the link to voting can be found by clicking here. Some area businesses are doing a great job making their customers aware of the competition, so don’t forget to support your own favorites. Voting is easy, and you can even do it from your phone while sitting on a sunny beach somewhere!
• Now that The Landmark Building on South Main Street is complete, the Kaoud family has been busy sprucing up the rear façade of the 17 South Main St. strip that houses Kaoud Oriental Rugs. Maurice Kaoud shared these photos of the updates.

Rear of 17 South Main St. Courtesy of Maurice Kaoud

Rear of 17 South Main St. Courtesy of Maurice Kaoud

Rear of 17 South Main St. Courtesy of Maurice Kaoud

Charlie Hilborn receives proclamation honoring his years of service from Mayor Shari Cantor. Courtesy photo

Proclamation honoring Charlie Hilborn. Courtesy photo

Remember, if you have any business news to share, remember to add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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