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

Holiday decorations are up in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

How did it get to be the middle of November already? It seems like it was summer just yesterday, but now the holiday decorations are going up everywhere and it’s impossible to avoid hearing jingle bells in the background of nearly every television ad.

We know you like to be in the know about what’s happening with West Hartford’s businesses, so we will get right to the buzz.

But don’t forget that this column needs your input, too! 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].

The owner of Plimpton’s is retiring and the nearly-150-year-old store will close. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• In case you missed the story last week, Plimpton’s in West Hartford Center is closing its doors for good as soon as it sells off remaining inventory. Plimpton’s has been in business for nearly 150 years, and has been a West Hartford institution since the 1930s. The store was closed for a few days early last week to prepare for the “HUGE retirement/store closing sale,” that began on Nov. 13. Stop in as soon as you can for some great deals on luggage, fine pens, stationery, handbags, and gifts.

• Kingswood Oxford officially cut the ribbon for the Wyvern Squash Club in the former Kingswood Middle School facility at 18 Highland St. in West Hartford on Nov. 6. Well known international squash player and former Hartford Golf Club coach Robby Lingashi runs the club, which is open to the public. Lingashi played an exhibition match at the grand opening with Alastair Walker, a professional squash player from Botswana who is ranked no. 25 in the world. “It was a huge success for us with about 80 in attendance and a phenomenal exhibition of the highest caliber. Alastair Walker is now in Qatar competing in the World Championships and less than a week ago he was on our courts,” said Sheri Slobin Shea, director of Summer Programs and Facility Rentals for Kingswood Oxford. Visit the Wyvern Squash Club website for more information.

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, town leaders, and the Kingswood Oxford community cut the ribbon on the new Wyvern Squash Club on Nov. 6. Submitted photo.

• Eyeglasses.com, the new eyeglass store in Blue Back Square, will host a free education event on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. the event is entitled: “Vision & Nutrition: Protecting our Dominant Sense,” and the program will be presented by optometrist Dr. Brian Mann, OD, and nutrition coach Michael Golden. Snacks will be provided, and according to a news release, “attendees can learn how to promote optimal eye health and the impact their diet has on cataracts, glaucoma, retinal problems, macular degeneration, vision development in children and the clarity of the intra-ocular lens. While not required, reservations are appreciated. To reserve a seat or to contribute a snack or beverage, contact Anita Schubert at (860) 997-7900 or email her at [email protected].”

15 North Main St., West Hartford, CT. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Have you seen the construction site at 15 North Main St. lateley? It’s quickly gone from being a hole in the ground to a very visible multi-story steel frame structure. According to West Hartford Director of Community Services Mark McGovern, the building is expected to be completed and occupied by the end of 2015, but of course the construction timetable is dependent on the winter weather.
• There may soon be a new occupant in the now vacant building formerly occupied by The Prospect Cafe. Angelo Faenza sold his two parcels of property at 341-345 Park Rd. to “Noonan LLC” for $675,000 on Nov. 3. West Hartford Director of Community Services Mark McGovern confirmed that the property was purchased by a local developer, but said that no specific information about future occupancy is available at this time. However, McGovern said the the new owner “clearly sees the opportunity available” in this property which is located directly across the street from what will likely be a large apartment complex developed on the 22-acre Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambery site at 27 Park Rd.