West Hartford Business Buzz: August 15, 2016

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

By Ronni Newton

Did I say something about the dog days of summer last week? I should have saved that comment for this week.

Scarlett thinks she owns the beach in Nantucket. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

I will admit that I have missed the most recent oppressive heat wave because I have been lucky to have been spending some time during the past week visiting my in-laws, who live on Nantucket. Although it has been an unseasonably hot 81 degrees here, and it’s humid, and we don’t have air conditioning, I know that’s nothing compared to the weather in West Hartford.

Here’s my dog in her favorite beachy dog days pose.

It’s another big vacation week in West Hartford, but there’s still plenty of business news to report.

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:

Former Herb’s Sports Shop on LaSalle Road, West Hartford is undergoing renovations. Photo credit: Joy Taylor

• Some major renovations are taking place on LaSalle Road. The former Herb’s Sports Shop is getting a facelift. Representatives from LaSalle Road Partners, the building owners, said in an email: “We are doing physical work and improving the assets,” but more details are promised this week. Stay tuned!
• Deputy Corporation Counsel Kimberly Boneham will present evidence in Hartford Superior Court on Tuesday as the Town of West Hartford seeks an injunction against Los Imperios Restaurant and Lounge for non-compliance with zoning and other regulations. Although the Hartford Courant reported Thursday that Los Imperios’ attorney Rodvald E. Jones “said Los Imperios has stopped imposing a cover charge and no longer restricts patrons based on their age,” West Hartford Director of Community Services Mark McGovern said Friday that he doesn’t believe that anything has changed. “We’ve been down this road before with Mr. Leon. We’ve tried to resolve these issues amicably but have been unsuccessful,” McGovern said. According to McGovern, Leon appeared before the Liquor Commission on Aug. 6, 2015, and testified that he understood the Town’s ordinances. The injunction is seeking an increase in the fine to $2,500 for “each instance of an ordinance violation dating back to this date,” as well as for future violations, McGovern said.
• Congratulations to Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, recipient of the “Excellence in Action Award” from National Research Corporation. According to a news release, the award, known as the 2016 My InnerView by National Research, recognizes long term care and senior living organizations that achieve exceptionally high levels of excellence – in the top 10 percent of qualifying organizations. “We strive every day to provide quality care for our residents and, by doing so, for their families and loved ones, as well,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, in the release. “This award by the National Research Corporation is a testament to Hughes’ daily mission of providing health care service in an environment where caring makes the difference.  We are extremely grateful for National Research’s recognition.”
• The Children’s Museum has announced the election of two new board members: Moraima Gutierrez and Michael Bell. “Over the past year, we’ve significantly grown our board of trustees from six members to fifteen active and talented professionals,” stated Michael Werle, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum, in a news release. “Moraima and Michael are welcomed additions that possess strong leadership skills and genuine passions for furthering child education.” Moraima Gutierrez is the Assistant District Director for Economic Development and Media Relations Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the Connecticut District Office. Using her extensive background in management and marketing, she helps business owners grow and expand their businesses through loan programs and entrepreneurial services. Prior, Ms. Gutierrez worked for the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission where she was the public relations liaison for the Commission. She holds a M.S. in Management from the University of Saint Joseph and a B.S. in Communications/Liberal Arts from Bay Path College. “Like The Children‘s Museum, I’ve always prioritized strengthening communities and making education equitable for all. Joining their board was a natural step. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Museum‘s future,” Ms. Gutierrez stated. Michael Bell is the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Voya Investment Management where he heads corporate finance planning, financial reporting, and the development of the multiyear strategic business plans. Prior, Mr. Bell served as CFO of Hartford Investment Management (HIMCO) and Hartford Life, and he was a senior manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. He received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a Certified Public Accountant. “I’m very happy to join The Children‘s Museum‘s Board,” stated Mr. Bell. “For years, my children attended the Museum‘s preschool and regularly visited its exhibits. Our time there was so important for their development, and I’m happy to be part of the effort that perpetuates these learning opportunities for others.” Ms. Gutierrez and Mr. Bell join the Board of The Children’s Museum on the heels of Judith Rosenthal, principal and owner of JRR Associates, who was elected to the Board in June 2016. “The Museum is very excited to welcome Michael, Moraima, and Judith as its newest board members. Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge and professional experience that is essential to leading the Museum forward in the coming years,” stated Peter Stevens, Board Chair of The Children’s Museum.
  

  Ribbon-cutting at The Paper Store. Photo credit: Ira Nozick

• The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting at The Paper Store in Bishops Corner on Aug. 4. The Paper Store opened to the public on July 29, and held its grand opening celebration on Aug. 6.
• The Seventh Annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR rode to Westfarms on Aug. 5, where Kiehl’s President Chris Salgado presented a $5,000 check to AIDS Connecticut. Celebrities rode motorcycles in this 11-day, multi-stop event to raise funds and awareness for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Kiehl’s, a  cosmetics company with retail stores, will donate $150,000 over the course of the ride. Thanks to freelance writer and photographer  
  Julius Fabrini ([email protected]) for the photos which appear below.
• My kids voted while they were waiting for us to get ready to go to the beach, and 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 nearly anywhere, any time!

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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West Hartford Town Council member Beth Kerrigan reads a Proclamation by Mayor Shari Cantor to recognize Kiehl’s AIDS fundraising. PHoto credit: Julius Fabrini

Kiehl’s President Chris Salgardo (on right) and Gilles Marini (actor, “Sex and the City”). Photo credit: Julius Fabrini

Celebrity riders arrive at Westfarms for the Kiehl’s LifeRide AIDS fundraising event. Photo credit: Julius Fabrini