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

By Ronni Newton

Happy Monday!

No weather commentary needed other than to say that it’s summer (yay!) and it’s hot and sunny. To me, it’s pretty much great weather for everything with the possible exception of sitting inside an office. That’s just one of the reasons I love my job – it gets me out in the community and talking to people. Friday’s work day alone included the varied experiences of interviewing Chef Billy Grant in the kitchen of Restaurant Bricco and observing the rescue of “Baby Delamar,” the red-tailed hawk hatched in a pine tree on the Delamar West Hartford Hotel construction site.

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].

Blo will be moving to 59 Memorial Rd. in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square this week. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

• Blo is moving! The Blow Dry Bar is relocating from 71 Memorial Rd. just around the corner to a prime Blue Back Square spot at 59 Memorial Rd. (former Stride Rite Shoe location). The reason for the move, which came about rather suddenly and will take place by the middle of this week, is because the existing Blo space is reportedly needed by West Elm for storage.
• West Elm is, of course, one of the big business stories of this week. ICYMI, the Brooklyn-based home furnishings, decor, and accessories store officially announced the fall opening of its 9,043 square foot store, filling the vacant Ann Taylor, Akua Ba, and other spots in Blue Back Square.
  

  A barre class at Lifer Fitness Studio. Photo courtesy of Debra Fountain

• Lifer Fitness Studio had its grand opening on Monday, July 6. Owner Debra Fountain is over-the-top excited about her new venture, and has a full schedule of cycling, barre, and yoga on tap at the 20 Jefferson Ave. studio. Click here for Lifer’s website which has details and a class schedule.
• The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, which supports businesses and organizations of all types throughout West Hartford, is hosting its annual golf tournament on Aug. 31, at Hartford Golf Club. The Chamber’s 29th annual tournament is its signature fundraising event – which this year will also benefit the American Cancer Society – and they are hoping to attract a large crowd of golfers as well as those who don’t play golf but would like to attend the dinner. (I definitely fall into that category, although I am a skilled beverage cart driver!) Click here for details.
• Hughes Health & Rehabilitation announced in a news release that Jennette Livingston has been appointed as director of Social Services. “Jennette provides the holistic care we believe is vital to our residents, as well as to their families,” said Mark Finkelstein, vice president of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation in the release. “Jennette has already engaged with many Hughes’ residents in a unique and supportive way.”

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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Cycling class at Lifer Fitness Studio. Photo courtesy of Debra Fountain