Life + Culture

Meet Five Women Shaping West Hartford

All Are Leaders in Government, Business, Education, and Community Article by Irene O’Connor, Linked Media | Photography by Nicole Zarrilli, Linked Media Adrienne Billings-Smith Director of Community Engagement, Town of West Hartford Adrienne Billings-Smith has built a career centered on connection—bringing people together within local government and across the community.  As Director of Community Engagement and Title VI Coordinator for the Town of West Hartford, she leads initiatives...

Local Services

Experts Espresso Corner

Marketing That Actually Works for Small Businesses, How to Encourage Independence at Home Article by Prati Kaufman, Taylor Walsh Marketing can feel overwhelming for busy small business owners, often becoming something you “try to get to later.” Digital marketing shouldn't be complicated. Here's a quick framework for building an effective marketing ecosystem. Don’t sell to EVERYONE . When you do, you sell to no one. Know exactly who your ideal customer is and the platforms where they spend...

Education

Bringing Science to Life

Dr. Emma Mitchell Helps Girls Connect With Science Article by Eileen M. McNamara At the Ethel Walker School science teacher Dr. Emma Mitchell believes one of the most important lessons for students has little to do with formulas or equations. It’s learning success from failure. “In science, mistakes are something we celebrate. They help us move forward." Now in her 10th year at the all-girls independent school in Simsbury, she's built a reputation for bringing physics and engineering to...

Shopping

Morneault's: A New Chapter in Style

Jody and Ron Morneault Celebrate a New Location for Morneault’s Stackpole Moore Tryon  Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke After more than four decades in the fashion industry, Hartford retailers Jody and Ronny Morneault are embarking on their latest chapter — reopening their hallmark store, Morneault’s Stackpole Moore Tryon,  and continuing their tradition of personalized, high-end fashions. The new location, at 255 Asylum St., opened in mid-April, just down the road...

Life + Culture

From Curb Appeal to Self-Care

West Hartford’s Ultimate Expert Panel Article by Eileen M. McNamara Julian Grant, RN, MSN-Ed,  FemCare MedSpa Hair that quietly disappears. Sexual health changes nobody names out loud. A body that stops responding the way it used to. Julian lived every word of that, and spent years looking for a place that understood it completely. She never found that place, so she created it. FemCare MedSpa is West Hartford's premier regenerative spa, led by an all-female clinical team, and centered on...

Life + Culture

Where Opportunity Meets Ambition

Some tips for planning your own business Article by Jaye Subramanian | Photography by Kaitlyn Casso For many women, the idea of starting a business begins with a question: Where do I start? A growing network of programs, advisors and financial resources is helping women turn ambition into opportunity. Not sure what type of venture fits your skills, career ownership coaching can be a useful first step. Firms like The Entrepreneur's Source can evaluate your professional strengths, financial...

Arts + Culture

Scenes from Runway7 in NYC

Staff Photographer John Helmke's Images From This Year's Fashion Show Article and Photography by John Helmke Runway7 is fast becoming the premier fashion show producer at New York Fashion Week. Hosting 6 shows a day for 5 full days, they present fashion for every taste. Staff photographer, John Helmke, shared some of his images from this season’s Runway7 shows. John is a Connecticut-based artist specializing in fashion and creative portraiture. He’s been actively photographing runway fashion...

Health + Wellness

Pelvic Therapy Expands Patient Options

FYZICAL'S Lauren Cummins is helping raise awareness of the benefits of Pelvic Floor physical therapy Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Kaitlyn Casso For years, many people quietly accepted problems such as pelvic pain or discomfort after childbirth, as an unavoidable part of life. Increasingly, however, healthcare providers are pointing to a solution that remains underused: pelvic floor physical therapy. The specialized form of rehabilitation focuses on strengthening and...

Finance + Legal Services

Camille Gagliardi Honored As Best-In-State Wealth Advisor by Forbes

West Hartford, CT – April 7, 2026 – Camille Gagliardi, MBA, CFP®, BFA™, CIMA®, CPWA® a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial in West Hartford, was named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors. Gagliardi was chosen based on...

Finance + Legal Services

Powering Small Business with Transparency

Katie Weber is Rewriting the Rules of Payroll in Connecticut Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by John Helmke When Katie Weber, Connecticut Agent for Lumina Payments, talks about merchant services, she doesn’t start with rates or terminals. She starts with relationships. “Small business owners don’t need another vendor. They need a partner who will pick up the phone when they need help .” As the local Connecticut representative for Lumina Payments, a fast-growing payments company focused...