Home Care In West Simsbury, CT

The owner of a West Hartford liquor store is expanding into an old dry cleaner's space in Simsbury.

Patch Staff

SIMSBURY, CT — Local zoning officials this month approved a special exception permit for a developer to open a new liquor store, called "Harvest Wine and Spirits" in Simsbury Center.

The vote was 4-1, with commission members David Ryan (chairman), Bruce Elliott, Anne Erickson and Diane Madigan voting "yes" and Jackie Battos being the lone dissenter.

Approved was a 1,187-square-foot store in the Simsbury Center Zone in a shopping plaza at 710 Hopmeadow St.

The applicant for the permit was GPF Drake Hill LLC, which is owned by Neeraj Gupta, who presented the application at the June 5 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting.

It will be located in the former Battiston's dry cleaning operation in the plaza there.

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Gupta is also the owner of "Harvest Wine and Spirits," which has multiple stores in West Hartford.

"We currently have multiple locations in West Hartford. They are very well rated, super nice buildouts, very high quality," Gupta said. "We intend of bringing the same kind of service to Simsbury."

The zoning board vote came after a brief public hearing in which only one person spoke about the plan.

Jim Pabich of West Street Wine & Spirits on West Street said there are eight liquor stores already in Simsbury, many within one mile of each other, including on Hopmeadow Street.

"I don't know how heavily that weighs in," Pabich said, expressing concern there are too many stores in too close an area in Simsbury.

"My concern is the proximity of too many stores in the center district," Pabich said, adding some stores in the area are struggling and questioned whether that was a good use of the site.

Commission members debated whether such a liquor store was a good use for the property and whether it was needed.

Some zoning board members said it's important to aid existing businesses in town.

"Within a mile, we have three package stores. I just don't know if that's what we want to do. It gives me pause," said Madigan, who ultimately voted in favor of the application, however.

Members said "yes" to the plan because members said their purview is not to determine a businesses' future, especially since this is a vacant spot in a shopping plaza, a plaza that once had a package store many years ago anyway.

"The market, to some extent, takes care of those things," said Ryan. "What our role is to determine if that is a safe place and whether it fits in the community. Not whether it's a good business decision and impacts somebody else."

For the minutes of the June 4 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

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It started as an egg farm and is now a fifth-generation family farm offering so much more.

SIMSBURY, Conn. — The FOX61 CT Bucket List tour headed to Flamig Farm in West Simsbury on Monday. It's known as a petting zoo but also has so much to explore!

It started as an egg farm and is now a fifth-generation family farm offering so much more.

"It's been in the family since 1907," said Julie Christensen from Flamig Farm.

And they have stayed open, largely, because of the family, and the loyal visitors.

"Around, here is so great, everyone is so friendly," said Madeline Tucker from Flamig Farm

Tucker and her little sister, Hadley, said it's not only the people who are friendly but the animals too!

"A lot of people may not get to see all of the animals that are supplied here," Tucker said. "We have horses, we have pigs, we have peacocks, and so much more!"

Flamig Farm also does not just house, and take care of these animals either, they have been known to rescue and rehabilitate animals as well.

"This is little Hamlet, I rescued him when he was the size of a potato," said Christensen. "He didn't have much of a chance, but guess what, we adopted him, and now, he's having dessert! He's having his morning coffee cake!"

And, as much as we may all love to see and pet these creatures, turns out, they love it too!

"You can come and you can feed these beautiful animals right out of your hand, they'll come right up to you on the fence," said Pete Christensen of Flamig Farm. "We do pony rides on the weekend, that tends to be a hit for the little guys, and come fall, we do some tractor hayrides, which are another favorite there!"

Plus, visitors can make a whole day out of it! There is a country store with local goods, and on weekends, the farm has food trucks set up outside!

"What I love about the farm, is obviously you get to be outside, enjoying nature," said Pete Christensen. "You get to meet animals that are loving, they love your attention, they are kind, and they are sweet."

It's fun for those who are familiar with farm animals, and especially exciting for those who have never seen them!

"It's really magical to see people who haven't seen animals much from inner cities, that sort of stuff, come out here, touch, feel, hear the animals noises," said Pete Christensen. "It's just truly a magical place, to watch that happen, we bring smiles to people's faces, and that's all you can ask for."

"I think they should come visit because there are just so many animals that want to be pet and interacted with, and just want to see your smile, and it's just so amazing to be here at the farm," said Hadley.

If you are interested in visiting Flamig Farm, they are open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on pony rides are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

Want to learn more go here: https://flamigfarm.com/

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Baking makes Helena Houlis feel connected with her roots on two continents, but just as “rewarding” are the smiles on people’s faces when she delivers the goodies.

Houlis, 25, a baker and more at her mom’s Ana’s Kitchen Cafe in Simsbury has started a side business, Scones & Co.

Simsbury’s Peaberry’s Cafe to Become Ana’s Kitchen Cafe

The sign, nestled between Han’s Nails and Bill Selig Jewelers in the Drake Hill Mall shopping plaza, and vinyl window decals still say “Peaberry’s Café,” but subtle changes are noticeable inside the Simsbury coffee shop. The slate blue paint, cushy sofas and fireplace flanked by bookshelves remain, but the expansive chalkboard wall detailing the day’s … Continue reading Simsbury’s Peaberry’s Cafe to Become Ana’s Kitchen Cafe

She puts her own spin on the traditional scone recipe — hers are moister than most — and delivers them for free with a holiday greeting or other message from the sender. Some people even have a box of her scones delivered to themselves.

Scones & Co. owner Helena Houlis holds a variety of scones as she stands next to her car in West Simsbury on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)

“Delivery is something I look forward to,” she said. “I drive up and people are excited. People are excited to try something you’ve made them. It’s very rewarding.”

Houlis said scones are “are something really sentimental,” to her.

“It makes me think of my family,” Houlis said.

She was born in Brazil, then lived n England from age 11 to 18, when the family left to come to the United States because of her stepfather’s job.

She has warm memories in England of her and her mom and little brother sharing a small plate of scones in addition to their breakfasts when they went out to eat.

When baking she also feels connected with her dad in Brazil, who was always cooking and baking with her mom. Her parents once ran a bakery together in Brazil.

“Since he’s in Brazil it’s something we can share even though we’re not physically together,” Houlis said, referring to dad.

Baking makes Houlis feel, “really peaceful ” she said. In the restaurant business you’re always rushing and baking doesn’t work “unless you’re in the present, in the moment,” she said.

“It help me stay grounded,” Houlis said. “It’s therapeutic for me.”

Right now for free delivery she is offering a box of 20 scones for $35, half of them maple walnut and half of them cinnamon, both flavors bestsellers.

The scones are delivered in a box with tissue paper and buyers can send a personal message.

There’s a no more than 24-hour turn around at present and her delivery area goes as far as Hartford, although the delivery radius has not been set in stone.

Houlis said scones are round, not triangular and are moister than traditional scones.

Customer Lola Allen, a nursing technician at Hartford Hospital, said she’s “not a scone person,” because they’re general too dry.

“But I can’t get enough of hers,” Allen said.

She said delivery is a great idea too.

“I think in today’s world it’s perfect,” Allen said. “Everyone has something delivered.”

Ana’s customer Fran Sethre said Houlis’ scones are “delicious.”

“They are a wonderful, hardworking group of people. Very entrepreneurial,” Sethre said of the family.

As much as baking is a labor of love, Houlis has a goal in mind: She’s trying to earn extra money to become a Pilates instructor.

“This year I decided I’m going for it. But it’s expensive,” she said of training to be an instructor. “I had to do something different that people couldn’t normally get in any other store.”

Houlis takes three Pilates classes a week and is a fan of the workout method, she said, because it’s an efficient workout with controlled movements that “works out a lot of different muscles at the same time.”

“It’s good from the inside out,” she said. “It helps you control your body and your mind,” she said.

What of the irony that she’s selling baked goods to fund an exercise career?

“I think the message is to be kind to your body. Watch what you eat, but treat yourself and be kind to yourself,” she said. “I wouldn’t recommend eating my scones every day.”

Houlis lives in Barkhamsted with her husband, whom she said is the “No. 1 fan” of her business.

Houlis said her delivered scones can be ordered through her Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Bankrupt home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond has announced that it will close all of its remaining stores — including its last two establishments in Connecticut.

Union, N.J.-headquartered Bed Bath & Beyond is holding store closing sales across all 360 Bed Bath & Beyond and 120 buybuy BABY locations nationwide, including the Bed Bath & Beyond stores in Brookfield and Simsbury, in connection with the start last month of the company’s bankruptcy proceedings and “orderly wind down,” according to a news release issued last Saturday. Those shutdowns will follow the closing in the past few months of its stores in Enfield, Fairfield, Guilford, Hamden, Manchester, Norwalk, Southington and Wethersfield.

The stores will offer discounts of 10 percent to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on home, baby, beauty and wellness products, according to the news release.

“Select” fixtures, furnishings and equipment will also be available for sale in closing locations, according to the news release. The release also noted the following:

• Gift cards, merchandise credits and loyalty rewards will be honored through May 8

• All sales are final

• Returns and exchanges for items purchased before April 26, 2023, will be accepted “in accordance with usual policies through close of business,” on May 24, local time

“This is an opportunity to save on household items or stock up on baby essentials at discounted prices. New merchandise is arriving in stores. Top-selling items from the most sought-after brands will be discounted and will sell out very quickly,” an unnamed spokesperson for the liquidation event said in the news release. “We encourage shoppers to take advantage of these new price reductions before it's too late. Whether celebrating the birth of a baby or a new graduate, or for someone who enjoys cooking, gardening, or decorating, this unique sales event offers something for everyone.”

The news release did not provide closing dates for the stores in Brookfield and Simsbury or any other locations. Stores that shut down often stay open until they have sold off all their merchandise.

The demise of Bed Bath and Beyond’s brick-and-mortar network was not surprising given that the company had been reeling long before its filing last month for bankruptcy. In February, it announced that it would shut down about 150 “lower-producing” Bed Bath & Beyond stores, adding to the earlier closure of approximately 200 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and approximately 50 standalone Harmon stores in the U.S.

It is unclear how many Bed Bath & Beyond employees in Connecticut are losing their jobs as a result of the closings. Bed Bath & Beyond has not sent this year any layoff notices to the Connecticut Department of Labor. The federal Workforce Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires companies to inform the labor department of mass layoffs in many, but not all, situations.

In Norwalk, city officials have said that they are ready to help affected employees.

“We encourage anyone who may experience job loss by this potential closure to contact our Community Services Department at City Hall,” Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said in a recent statement. “Norwalk has a strong workforce development program in place and can connect those in need of job prospects with training programs and workforce development opportunities. Residents can call 203-854-7999 and select prompt four to be directly connected to a member of our Community Services team to help them navigate this process.”

Alexander Soule contributed reporting to this article.

The West Hartford resident Monday was named one of 10 national honorees of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's 'Lighthouse Awards.'

WEST HARTFORD/SIMSBURY, CT — A courageous Simsbury middle school teacher from West Hartford battling cancer Monday earned a prestigious honor, courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

West Hartford resident Elaine Kotler, a seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury, was one of 10 nationally to receive one of HMH's inaugural "Lighthouse Awards."

The Boston-based learning technology company announced the awards for Teacher Appreciation Week Monday.

HMH said the awards are in partnership with speaker and author of "The Lighthouse Effect" Steve Pemberton and Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, chief operating officer at the National Association of Investment Companies and a “human lighthouse” featured in Pemberton’s book.

The book is an inspirational work about how "ordinary people can have an extraordinary impacts in the world."

For this award, more than 500 teachers across the country were nominated.

"This year’s winners have shown a commitment to going above and beyond for their students," wrote HMH in a statement Monday.

"These teachers are committed to the success of students in every part of their lives and serve as a guiding force to those around them, inspiring them to be lighthouses to others."

Simply put, Pemberton said he was impressed with all educators nominated.

“As I read through the nominations, I felt as if I was brought into the classrooms of each teacher, and was in awe of their daily commitments,” said Pemberton in a statement released Monday. “I am thrilled that Carmen and I were able to work with HMH to recognize the impact that these teachers are having on students, schools and communities.”

Students, families, colleagues and school and district administrators nominated the 10 winners.

They were all selected based on their embodiment of the key characteristics of a "teacher lighthouse," someone who is humble, steady, and seeks no recognition for the work they do, according to HMH.

Regarding Kotler, HMH said, with her, "you should never judge a book by its cover."

They said she "is an energetic and enthusiastic teacher, who connects with her students through compassion and humor, but each day she is in chronic pain as she suffers from major health issues, including cancer."

She has had 12 operations over a three-year span, all of which she scheduled around school vacations to "ensure she was able to continue providing her students with the best educational experience," wrote HMH.

There are, generally, 10 characteristic categories for the award, with Kotler earning hers for exemplifying a "spirit of resiliency."

“Elaine is enthusiastic, energetic, encouraging, empathetic, exciting and engaging. She suffers from tremendous health issues, including cancer. Yet, her students are not aware of her chronic pain and daily struggles," according to the nomination letter to HMH.

"Her students, present and past, constantly express their love for her, describing her compassion and humor. Students long since graduated keep in contact and visit to reminisce of wonderful memories that occurred in her classroom, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. She is driven to provide the best educational experiences even in the face of adversity."

In the fall, she will teach the ninth-grade science course, "Integrated and Physical Science," at Simsbury High School.

In addition to teaching science in Simsbury schools, Kotler is as an adjunct professor at Manchester Community College, teaching oceanography, earth science, natural disasters and environmental sciences since 2001.

Kotler said she is also is an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Hayes-Velhage Unit 96 of West Hartford.

In 2022 she was named the ‘Unit Member of the Year’ by the Department of Connecticut American Legion Auxiliary.

For more information on "The Lighthouse Effect" book, click on this link.

For more information on Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's inaugural "Lighthouse Awards," click on this link.