tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46473439230214278952024-03-05T05:59:08.561-08:00H22A 20-something executive assistant in the theatre industry muses about living and working in downtown Hartford. Hartford, you're my home.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-20088855758791936582010-11-21T18:50:00.000-08:002010-11-21T18:50:35.913-08:00Hartford: Fashion....backwards.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/best-dressed-intro-0908-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/best-dressed-intro-0908-lg.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>In Hartford, it's the little things that make me happy: a restaurant that's full on a Friday night, a jogger on the street, a "coming soon" sign. These things are so rare in downtown Hartford that when they pop up, my confidence in the city instantly increases. Something else that's rare in Hartford? Great fashion.<br />
<br />
Fashion in general is pretty much non-existant in my neighborhood. As much as I hate to acknowledge the statistic, Hartford was recently named one of the least sexy cities in the country and Hartford's nickname, the Insurance Capital of the World, does a great job at defying sexiness and fashion. Ok, maybe I'm being overly critical since I just spent a weekend in Boston and I'm running on little sleep but in Boston, people know how to dress. At a sports bar in Brighton (a particularly young area of Boston), seemingly straight men were smart enough to throw on a pair of dress jeans, a button down shirt or sweater, and even a sleek watch; the bar could be compared to Black Bear (although much cleaner) and everyone looked pleasantly put-together. Head deeper into the core of Boston and you're sure to find even more cutting edge, fashion forward outfits. Walk down the Allyn Street club district in downtown Hartford and it's a completely different story: guys in cargo pants, oversized sports t-shirts, and baseball hats. I mean, if you're not going to put in the effort to change out of your day/lounge clothes, how do you expect to pick up girls? Sure, I could head to DISH or Trumbull Kitchen for some better fashion eye candy but those venues draw a slightly older crowd. And even with the high-powered executives working in the city, the workweek isn't much better: men in ill-fitted suits and women in clunky heels or (even worse) sneakers! I stick out like a sore thumb walking to work in brightly colored dress shirts, skinny jeans, and my faux-leather biker jacket.<br />
<br />
I guess being between Boston and New York City hasn't done much for Hartford in terms of fashion. Granted, Hartford does not have the same shopping selection as Boston or New York but I've gotta say, there's something stimulating and inspiring about being around an abundance of well-dressed and creative individuals. And there <i>are</i> people in Hartford who do know how to dress...I've seen you! Keep putting together great outfits and showing up the fools on Allyn Street. Now if only Northland would convert that big empty Hartford 21 complex into a Newbury Street or 5th Avenue for Hartford, we'd be sure to see some more eye candy on the streets of Hartford.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-72124969596586285542010-11-07T17:57:00.000-08:002010-11-07T18:04:55.168-08:00Parking Stress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1245/622902613_3fc7a841f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1245/622902613_3fc7a841f2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I typically can't stand when people complain about parking in downtown Hartford. An abundance of surface lots and multi-level parking garages have replaced buildings, nearly destroying the architecture of the city AND street parking is free all weekend and 5pm-8am on weekdays. I've never had a problem with parking down here...until today. I keep my car in a garage roughly one mile from my apartment and, on the weekends, I take advantage of street parking and keep my car closer to home. This morning (Sunday) at around 9:30am, I parked my car on Asylum Street. There were a couple other cars there and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. When I walked outside at 3pm, my car had been replaced with a marching band and veterans in uniform. Apparently, there was a Veterans Day parade running up the street where I had parked my car. When I parked there at 9:30 in the morning, there were no signs saying "no parking," no barricades, and no officials to be seen. Now, I understand that they had to move my car to make way for the parade but I sure as hell hope they don't put up too much of a fight when I give them a call tomorrow. On top of towing my car, at a $108 (and a lot of stress) expense to me, they also decided to give me a $45 parking ticket. I plan to appeal the ticket AND asked to be reimbursed to towing expenses. Like I said: there were NO "no parking" signs and street parking is always free on the weekends (so says hartford.com and the street meters)- how was I to know this weekend was different? The little experience I've had with the Hartford Parking Authority has not been pleasant, so I'm not sure how this situation will play out. Anyone have any thoughts or tips? Well, after lots of stress, yelling, and a cold trip to the impound lot, my car is safe and sound in her parking spot, my bank account has taken a hit, and I got the motivation I needed to start blogging again. Stay tunes.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-44209989417839272232010-02-22T19:33:00.000-08:002010-02-22T19:34:34.440-08:00Boston You're My Home<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbq1eYlc6QBsFTFEjb0XGkIUEywVJL1BQjG7eO9wX6NVhenL1WLOwXPFykvwX6cHoJHh6FyelgYRpBjjjXgtWkZw-9TlJnljoQyQ0VxHe5LJX1WQIQqVfvK-rixMz9OaXO1Thyphenhyphenyc34q4/s1600-h/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbq1eYlc6QBsFTFEjb0XGkIUEywVJL1BQjG7eO9wX6NVhenL1WLOwXPFykvwX6cHoJHh6FyelgYRpBjjjXgtWkZw-9TlJnljoQyQ0VxHe5LJX1WQIQqVfvK-rixMz9OaXO1Thyphenhyphenyc34q4/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This weekend I took some much needed time in my hometown in Massachusetts. It was much needed for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I had two weeks of laundry piled up that had to get done. I know it might seem a bit ridiculous to drive 1.5 hours to go to mom and dad's to do laundry, but I would have to drive anyway, since there is no laundromat in downtown Hartford, so I might as well make the trip home and do it for free, right? I also got some good meals out of it and a taste of high speed internet and HD cable television (with all the movie channels!). Now, I didn't have extensive cable television while I was growing up, we didn't have Internet access in my home until I was in the 6th grade, and I didn't get a cell phone until (if I recall correctly) my Sophomore year of High School, but once you have these things, it's hard to go without. I know it sounds spoiled, and maybe it is, but I'm finding it extremely difficult having the slowest available internet (because it was the cheapest) and access to only two or three channels with my antenna and digital converter (because there is </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">no</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> monthly fee). I have a lot of friends and co-workers who seem to do fine living as minimalists without cable or Internet access, but I'm beginning to think I might not be cut out for such a lifestyle. Yeah, I can pop in a DVD or read a book, but it makes me feel so secluded not being connected. I think part of the problem is that I'm living alone. If I had a roommate there would, at the very least, be another body around, there would be company available. I'm happy with where I am and I'm happy I made the choice to live in a studio downtown and give urban living a shot. I just have some kinks to work out along the way.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I was up in MA I took some time to venture into Boston (well, Cambridge) to see a show at Club Oberon, a new nightclub opened by the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard. I saw The Donkey Show, which is essentially a disco-fied version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Audience members either stood (and danced) on the dance floor, where bartenders were available throughout the entire show, or had table seating. I was refreshed by the enthusiasm in the venue and the diverse crowd in attendance. Patrons were young, old, male, female, straight, gay, black, white, etc. and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Yeah, Club Oberon is in Boston, where the population is young, old, black white, male, female etc etc etc and there are a number of large universities and colleges in the area, but I have to admit, the staff at A.R.T took a leap of faith with this production. As far as I know, A.R.T has a reputation in the regional theatre world and this was definitely not a traditional piece of theatre. The plan is to keep Club Oberon in place and produce programming to fit the nightclub venue, essentially paving the path for a new generation of theatergoers while (hopefully) retaining the long-time loyal subscribers, donors, board members, and patrons. All I know is I had a good time and I feel that I got some artistic nourishment. I'll definitely be back to Club Oberon for more.</span></span></div>Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-18491097923930308362010-02-15T16:45:00.000-08:002010-02-15T16:45:34.615-08:00Life is Like A WheelMy grandfather has always told me that life is like a wheel; it goes around and around. Sometimes you are up, sometimes you're down, and more often than not, you're somewhere in the middle. This theory really can be applied to any aspect of life: professional, social, financial, love, etc. I have found that lately, my wheel has been going around quite fast. Some days I find myself up, some days down, and often somewhere in between.<br />
<br />
When I first moved downtown, I was quite optimistic about the state of the city of Hartford and where it might be heading. I knew it would be a struggle as downtown lacks many necessary amenities such as a grocery store and a laundromat, but I stayed optimistic. I made the move downtown because I had just graduated, I got a full-time job downtown, and I needed a change of atmosphere after spending 4 years in the suburbs of West Hartford. I have been mostly happy with my move downtown. My building is fantastically diverse and I have an unbeatable 5-minute walk commute to my office. Unfortunately, pessimism kicked in for a while and I wasn't feeling so great about Hartford. Last weekend I drove to West Hartford to do my laundry and had an overwhelming urge to move back to my old neighborhood. I could pay far less in monthly rent (for a larger apartment) and I would be surrounded by far more people and much more industry. But where's the fun in that? In Downtown hartford, I have a chance to make some change, to be a part of a movement, regardless of how far it goes. Tonight I attended the first meeting of what will evolve into a downtown Hartford Resident Association. It's relieving to be a part of the community in downtown.<br />
<br />
I think I just have some cabin fever. I'm ready for Spring and Summer and time outside (at Bushnell Park across the street)!Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-3039154049191400782010-02-03T14:52:00.000-08:002010-02-03T14:52:07.785-08:00Routine is....RestrictingWARNING: This post is a bit self-indulgent! Hey, I did say this is a blog about the woes of being a young professional living in a city, didn't I?<br />
<br />
I've always been a person who lives by a routine. I grew up with a lot of anxiety and I never really took part in outrageous activities. I was always told that I have "an old soul." Some of my college years were particularly stressful as there often is no routine in college. Some days I didn't have class until 1pm and other times I had to be up for 8am. Throw part-time jobs and internships into the mix and there really was no cohesive structure to my weeks, and it stressed me out! When I graduated in December, I wasn't sure how I would react to my new professional life. I was excited to have my 9-6 job but I knew that I would be bored with my nights and weekends. So I decided to start this blog to occupy my time and I have become pretty active in downtown Hartford revitalization by assisting Common Ground in their grocery store efforts, becoming active with the Tenant Association in my building, and joining a number of other Hartford activists in efforts to revive the city. I also joined the downtown YMCA and have become active with SpringBoard, the young professionals group at Hartford Stage, and am hoping to get involved with HYPE (Hartford's Young Professionals and Entrepeneaurs). <br />
<br />
Ok so that all sounds like a lot but, on a day-to-day basis I am finding routine to be...restrictive. Especially since I am living downtown, a 5 minute walk from work, I feel confined to the same 5 blocks at all times (even my gym is within the same radius). My thought is that this is part of adulthood in general; even if I was living outside of downtown, I would still drive the same route to and from work every day. I also think that maybe there just isn't enough to do in my neighborhood, or maybe I don't have the money to do the things I want...living on a budget/being cheap seriously limits my social calendar. Also, when I first moved down here I had a boyfriend. Companionship certainly makes transitions easier, and it gave me something to look forward to after work. Now, living in a small studio apartment with no cable and extremely slow internet, I'm trying to find ways to entertain myself at night and ways to stay social. Thank god for netflix and my dog, right?Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-71698185517388805002010-01-23T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-23T09:09:18.013-08:00Let's Get Together (yeah, yeah, yeah)This lovely Saturday morning, I woke up to a great blog entry @ www.realhartford.org. The entry contained a lot of "neighborhood pride." See, the author just purchased a home in Frog Hollow, a neighborhood right outside of downtown. She described her neighborhood in a tone that made me want to pack my bags and move, highlighting all of the vibrances of the community. This is something I often do with my own neighborhood. When asked about living downtown, and what downtown Hartford has to offer, I highlight the perks of living downtown and the changes that are well on their way. Anyway, this blog post got me thinking about collaboration. I've been thinking about how important it is for downtown Hartford business owners, residents, and employees to come together in a joint effort to revive our city. If retailers are going to be successful, they need the support of residents, employees, and visitors and to make downtown a desirable location, consumers, residents, and employees need to feel the presence of retailers and industry. I'm happy to have found a core group of "Hartford Activists" who blog, twitter, and advocate for change in our city (I have to admit, I didn't realize this group existed). Now, we have to continue to collaborate, come together, and push for the change that so many people are only talking about.<div><br />
</div><div>Unfortunately, it seems to me that city officials and certain (major) property owners are not joining in this collaborative effort. I recently read an article arguing that with more support from the city and state, the new CT Science Center in downtown Hartford could make our capital city a "hot spot" for potential residents, employees, and visitors from as far as western MA. If the state does not up their support now, while the facility is new, they could miss the chance to revive the city. We have to jump on things while they're hot, as we're doing with the grocery store issue. If Northland had filled all of those retails spaces in Hartford 21 for a way reduced rate back when it first opened, they would have built up the area and would now have retailers itching to get in there for a more desirable rent. Seriously, what kind of business person is handling the leasing??</div>Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-43693417618598972002010-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:002010-01-13T17:42:42.205-08:00Hartford, the Event Capital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/68/175929585_849a5cff17.jpg?v=0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/68/175929585_849a5cff17.jpg?v=0" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>Tonight I left work at around 5:30pm and was not so shocked to find the streets hustling and bustling with activity. Lately there have been a lot of UCONN games at the XL center, which is half a block from my office and only a 3 minute walk from my apartment. These games and other events at the XL Center always draw huge crowds. This weekend the city was alive with activity thanks, in part, to the Disney Princesses on Ice at the XL Center. Tonight, every restaurant I passed was packed with a wait at the door. This is not typical for a Wednesday night in downtown Hartford. So my question is, how do we continue to develop the city of Hartford as the event capital of Connecticut and of the region? In addition, once we get these patrons downtown for events at the XL Center, how do we <i>keep</i> them here? Sure, there are great restaurants and bars to stop at for a bite/drink before the game or show, but what else do we have? Two major downtown coffee shops, Starbucks and JoJo's, close at 5pm, closing themselves off from potential pre-game/show business and making it very difficult for patrons to get that much needed caffeine jolt (it's also nearly impossible to find a convenience store where would could grab a red bull and some candy/snacks). There's no bookstore where downtown guests could stop to read a magazine or browse while waiting for friends and there's no clothing store where one might pick up a much needed sweatshirt or some UCONN gear. What else can/do people do before these types of events. Once we get patrons downtown, how can we continue to attract them to the city. What other events would draw such large audiences. We know UCONN games have a huge draw, so we should definitely capitalize on that while it's hot. Why not put the team in permanent residency here and build a satellite campus downtown. It would be great if we could get a professional team with a home stadium in Hartford. Also, continuing to develop the music industry in Hartford would be a great plan. Why don't more major acts put Hartford on their tour schedule. Madonna played here in 2005 during her Confessions Tour. The Spice Girls played their reunion tour at the XL Center and drew a full house despite a blizzard. Lady GaGa and Kanye were scheduled to play the XL Center together but that tour got cancelled and now Lady GaGa is scheduled to play at Mohegan and The Oakdale. The XL Center and the city should put a little more effort into bringing these major acts to our capital city, thus fueling industry in area. Also, a grocery store and visibly open retail (including starbucks) would help display Hartford as a lively and livable city.<br />
<br />
On a slightly different note, what if retailers, venues, and the city offered a tax break or a discount on tickets with a bus ticket receipt. That might be an incentive to use public transit rather than driving, which would clear the roads a bit, save the environment, and reduce drunk driving a bit....in this case, the buses would certainly need to run later to accommodate event goers...and the system would have to be more understandable.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-33425975997274626582010-01-04T20:35:00.000-08:002010-01-04T20:35:04.936-08:00Let the Consumers.....Consume!Today I had to run to CVS after work to grab some cleaning supplies. I really didn't want to go to CVS as it is a bit out of the way (by out of the way I mean like 3 blocks out of the way, so I really can't complain) but I went regardless. I found that many downtown Hartford residents employees and residents were in a similar situation to mine and needed to stop at the convenience store on the way home from work. The store was packed. Also, the store closes at 6pm on weekdays (is it open at all on the weekends??) so those who get out of work at 5 have to rush to the store and those who work until 6 are forced to go home empty handed or support towns and cities other than Hartford.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hartford.gov/PhotoGallery/data/images/dt-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://www.hartford.gov/PhotoGallery/data/images/dt-4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>Anyway, my main point here is that there clearly are consumers in Hartford. I was out and about all night on New Years Eve and was so happy to see our city alive and vibrant with arts and culture patrons and consumers (the Courant reports a great turnout for this years First Night Hartford). This Saturday I was out walking my dog at about 4pm and I noticed lots of people walking around downtown and very few stores or restaurants open. On big event night at the XL center, retailers and restaurants miss out on huge opportunity by closing their doors at 5pm (coughstarbuckscough). Shouldn't we do a bit of catering to these event goers and show them that downtown Hartford is a city <i>worth</i> coming to? If cheap/quick restaurants, a market, coffee shops, and retail outlets were available, maybe more event goers would extend their stay in the city and, in turn, support downtown industry.<br />
<br />
If an amenity such as CVS can fill up from 5-6pm, couldn't a grocery store as well? Hartford employees could stop off and pick up a box of pasta, or some yummy prepared food for dinner before heading home to homes in the suburbs. Downtown residents could finally live as real city residents and walk to the market instead of waiting until the weekend and driving to the suburbs to get groceries. This also means commuters would be supporting industry in Hartford, would not have to stop at a market on the commute, and would get home sooner.<br />
<br />
...I've heard argument that there is not enough parking at The Hollander for a market. Well, CVS seems to do quite well with even less parking.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-50434505480646577942009-12-24T11:07:00.000-08:002009-12-24T11:07:44.354-08:00Plant a seed, Grow a ForestI want to start this post by sharing a Hartford Courant article with you: <a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-downtowngrocery.artdec23,0,2998981.story">Nonprofit Group Seeks To Open Grocery Store In Downtown Hartford By Summer</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.nbcconnecticut.com/images/410*307/52802399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ps="true" src="http://media.nbcconnecticut.com/images/410*307/52802399.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>Yes, that's my apartment building, and yes, those are many of my comments below the article (see comments posted by Jweb330). When I moved into the building, the residential management team informed me they hoped to get a small grocery store into one of the first floor commercial spaces. I subscribe, via Google Alerts, to all news relating to downtown Hartford and was thrilled when I finally saw a published article regarding CommonGround's plans to bring a grocery store to downtown Hartford. This article followed great news that the city will receive an influx of students next fall with the opening of the St. Francis School of Pharmacy in Hartford 21 and that Hartford 21 will soon have another retail tenant, New Alliance Bank. To me, it seems as though we have all the fixins' to build a city from the ground up, and I, for one, am eager to do my part to support the cities as it grows. I plan to rally my fellow downtown Hartford residents and employees to support the grocery store in The Hollander on High and Asylum street, even if it is a bit of a walk (that's part of city life, isn't it?) so we can finally see a successful retail outlet in downtown Hartford. Afterall, that would be incentive for even more retailers to come to the area. For all who are so eager to see a larger grocer in the Hartford 21 complex, it likely will not happen until the larger grocer sees a successful model on a smaller scale. <br />
<br />
There were lots of comments on the Courant article about robbings and the area not being safe. Well, I have a small dog and I often take him out as late as midnight and have never encountered such crime. It is an extremely quiet neighborhood and is even more safe in the daytime, the normal operating hours of a grocery store. I would not be any more scared to walk around this neighborhood than I would be walking around the streets of Boston or New York (again, we are talking about city life, aren't we?)<br />
<br />
I could go on and on about this topic, so if anyone wants to start a dialogue, please comment and let's get some discussion flowing. Anyway, I give props and all my support to CommonGround as they make efforts to improve life for downtown Hartford residents and employees. In fact, I plan to email the offices today and see how I can help. I hope you will all join me in my efforts and be a part of the growth of downtown Hartford.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-36552093458913575972009-12-13T19:10:00.000-08:002009-12-14T08:47:28.458-08:00Hartford: a Cure for Retail Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://m2.wnymedia.net/files/2008/06/hart5008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://m2.wnymedia.net/files/2008/06/hart5008.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>So I know I often complain, both in the blog and otherwise, about the lack of retail in my new neighborhood, downtown Hartford, but the other day I was thinking about the benefits of the area's 40% retail space vacancy. I recently started a new job, my first job since graduation college and also moved into my first apartment where I will be paying rent (and all other bills) on my own. Luckily, I am not repaying my college loans yet (thank you 6-month grace period!), but in a few months, that will be yet another expense to add to my budget. I'm slowly getting myself on my feet. When I leave my office at 6pm and walk home to my apartment, I do not pass any retail stores or quick food stops that I can run into quickly. If I was living in New York City, Chicago, or Boston, my attention would easily be grabbed by storefronts filled with clothing, electronics, and quick, cheap, and yummy food....if there was a tasti delite or a pinkberry down here, I'd be making a stop at least a few times a week. If I want to go shopping, even for the essentials, I have to make a special trip to, say, West Hartford. I have to walk to my car, drive a few exits, drive back, park in front of my building, unload my car, drive to my parking spot, and walk back. Yeah, it's really not that big of a hassle but it does mean that I'm less likely to spend money, at least during the week. So that's a good thing right? Don't get me wrong, I still wish some of those empty store fronts in downtown Hartford will fill up with holiday displays, etc. It's upsetting that all the beautiful, brand-new, prime location retail spaces on the first floor of my building are still sitting empty when once, when Hartford was a bustling city, they were full. but I'm seeing a silver lining/bright side here. Also, I've been getting this email of free things to do in Hartford. It's being forwarded to me from an old email account at work but it is definitely a great resource for free events in Hartford. I'll have to look into it and get you some more information.<br />
<br />
Happy Hanukkah everyone and happy Monday tomorrow!Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-29156004511804100702009-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:002009-12-10T11:05:43.036-08:00300 New Next Door Neighbors<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.courant.com/media/photo/2009-12/50865666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" ps="true" src="http://www.courant.com/media/photo/2009-12/50865666.jpg" width="270" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right, I'm about to have 300 new neighbors. Well, not right away, but within the next few years. It'll start with about 65 new neighbors who will serve as the first entering class at St. Joseph's new School of Pharmacy located in Trumbull Street's Hartford 21. The first class is set to begin their two-year masters program in the facility in fall of 2010. Within a few years the student body could swell to over 300. As far as I know, there is no current plan to build student housing, but hopefully many of the graduate students will choose to live downtown, near campus. There is also the possibility that St. Joe's will lease what used to be the Goodwin Hotel on Asylum street and convert the antique hotel into student housing (with a bookstore and cafe, please?!?!?!). While some might complain about the possibility of a student housing complex being developed a few blocks from their home, I'm thrilled with the idea. First of all, these are graduate students, so they will be more mature and respectful, and likely have more disposable income. One article I read said that "eds and meds" help to fuel a city, and I could not agree more. Look at major college towns such as Amherst/Northampton, New Haven, etc. Industry thrives in these cities, in part due to the large student population. I'm hopeful and eager that the new School of Pharmacy (and the New Alliance Bank branch also moving into Hartfor 21) will fuel industry growth in the downtown Hartford area and as there won't be a cafeteria in the facility, so students will be supporting downtown food and retail establishments. Now a grocery store, that would really fuel development in the city. Someone has got to make it happen, and soon, if there is going to be an influx of students into the city: I hear the city is offering funding to the first real estate developer that attracts a supermarket; so what are they waiting for?!</span><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, St. Joe's school is creating the second pharmacy school in the state and with health care career opportunities on the rise, this is sure to be a desirable program. It would be even more desirable if there was a grocery store (and other amenities....a laundromat?!?!) downtown....can you tell how I feel? It'll be exciting to watch the city grow!</span><br />
</div>Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-9417077522424860832009-12-01T13:42:00.000-08:002009-12-01T13:42:25.050-08:00Wireless Hartford?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greenmountresort.com.au/images/wireless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://www.greenmountresort.com.au/images/wireless.jpg" width="200" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>It's amazing how much life (and blogs) get put on hold without internet access. I just moved into my new place downtown this weekend and I don't have internet access yet. To be honest, I'm a bit suprised I can't pick up a wireless signal from anyone else in the building, but I guess most people have caught on to the whole stealing Internet thing. Anyway, AT&T offers DSL for $20/month...(and that's not an introductory rate!) which is far cheaper than Comcast. So I'm giving that a shot and it should be installed by next Monday. Hopefully it is decent service. I am skipping on the cable for now and just getting a converter box so I can get basic channels and relying on hulu and my netflix. <br />
<br />
What ever happened to "wireless hartford"??? Isn't there supposed to be free wireless access in all of downtown? If there is, I can't seem to pick up the signal. Ah well, I'll spend tonight hanging some pictures in the new place.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-12186310323673594512009-11-27T11:31:00.000-08:002009-11-27T11:31:33.735-08:00Tomorrow is Moving Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3X3a_CKoKzgTzEgt5sd6q_5J49ZNoNHhqN4gOb_4-dkZ8c9J3p_QNQwzrcvQPRAeq012q3wAnBus19kcce2wp8bK36R9ksLU6uS-8AlKFoZaBHQPBOf-uOJQswxEYGc0vZqE1XZt2xY/s1600/14245_573148294289_22804318_33571698_8070773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3X3a_CKoKzgTzEgt5sd6q_5J49ZNoNHhqN4gOb_4-dkZ8c9J3p_QNQwzrcvQPRAeq012q3wAnBus19kcce2wp8bK36R9ksLU6uS-8AlKFoZaBHQPBOf-uOJQswxEYGc0vZqE1XZt2xY/s200/14245_573148294289_22804318_33571698_8070773_n.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Last weekend there were three shootings in downtown Hartford. I am still excited to move into my brand new apartment, only two blocks away from at least one of these shootings took place. Don't get me wrong, it scared me at first, and it still does scare me. In my experience, downtown Hartford is a ghost town on most weeknights. It is very quiet and, for the most part, feels safe (although it is eerie when there is not another soul in sight). On the other hand, Hartford night life can get pretty rowdy on the weekends, hence three shootings in one night. My parking spot is about 1/2 mile from my apartment and I really do not want to feel as though I have to be in my apartment by 9pm on weekends in order to avoid the violence. But this sort of fear, of the possibility of violence, is the price you pay for living in any urban or metropolitan area, I just hope there is some governmental plan of action to lower the crime rate in the area, in order to make the city more desirable for residents. It is not as if there is no possibility of violence in Boston, New York, or Chicago on a Friday or Saturday night. In fact, there is probably more violence in many areas of those cities. At the very least, I think I will feel safe in my building.<br />
<br />
Moving day is such an exciting day. It still hasn't hit me that I will be in a new apartment after spending 2.5 years in my current place and I'm sure it will take a while for the new apartment to feel like home, but it will get there. I'm excited for my little studio in downtown Hartford. Oh, I'm looking to start a Sunday dog walking club....coffee and some puppy play time in Bushnell Park. Whose in?Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-19318007809665969392009-11-21T17:31:00.000-08:002009-11-21T17:31:40.217-08:00Arts in the City/Suburbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.playhouseonpark.org/pop/images/PoP_BuildingAtNIght.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.playhouseonpark.org/pop/images/PoP_BuildingAtNIght.gif" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One thing I really love about New York City are all of the small, hole-in-the-theaters and arts organizations that can get away with doing obscure work that might not have the selling power to fill larger spaces. It seems to me that Hartford's theaters are pretty expressive when it comes to presenting innovative works. Hartford Stage offers a thrust stage perfect for creating an interactive and innovative atmosphere, and they also offer the annual Brand:New festival featuring new works and emerging playwrights. Theaterworks' space is intimate and perfect for recent off-broadway hits. And last night I had the chance to check out West Hartford's Playhouse in Park, now in its' debut season. The creative/executive team there has been working tirelessly to essentially create a culture and build an arts organization from the ground up, and they seem to be doing all the right things. Their season has something for everyone. There are comedy nights, improv shows, community theatre productions, dance troupes, and an upcoming Christmas show. Last night's show, Collected Stories, is in it's final week, and features the theater's first equity actors. Actors who do a brilliant job of inviting every audience member in the 200-seat theater into the small New York City apartment that is the set, and into the worlds of Ruth and Lisa, a well-respected author and her up-and-coming student protege (respectively). Needless to say, I picked up all the brochures I could on my way out the door, and am looking forward to the upcoming Cage Match, a battle between CT-based improv troupes, and a collaboration with New Britain's Hole in the Wall Theater (Nothin' gets me going like a good collaboration between local arts organizations). Oh, I was also happy to see some of Hartford Stage's set pieces on stage at Playhouse on Park, makes me feel like a good neighbor! </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Proud to be a part of the Hartford theatre scene during this exciting time!</span></span></span></span>Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-26695942799954148712009-11-12T17:04:00.000-08:002009-11-12T17:04:26.370-08:00Studio Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When I got hired full-time in Hartford, one of my first thoughts was: "Great! I'll get to live (relatively) cheaply and save some money!" My plan was to move to New York City in December and start looking for work in the theatre industry and the cheapest two-bedroom apartments I could find ran at least $1400/month...and these were out in Brooklyn and/or Astoria; but this is typical in NYC, so I was unphased by the prices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.commonground.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Hollander_exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://www.commonground.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Hollander_exterior.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>When I got a job downtown, I decided I needed a change of atmosphere. I did have New York on my mind, and after 4-years as a young person in the suburbs of West Hartford, I'm looking for more of an urban atmosphere. I need to be around more people (not that downtown Hartford has a huge population, but at least it is more concentrated). Anyway, as of December 1st, I'll be living in a studio apartment in The Hollander building downtown. It's a beautiful, newly renovated apartment in a green building. I'm hoping there are a lot of other young professionals in the building (and other puppies for mine to play with!). I'm excited to be less than .5miles from my office so I can stop using my car and avoid a gas expense (I wish I could get rid of my car all together!) I'm also pretty interested in being a part of dowtown Hartford's revitalization: if we want the city to wake up, we need to contribute!<br />
<br />
Actually, I've just convinced myself that I am making the right choice (I've been going back-and-forth on this) while writing this. It's important to me to be downtown, close to work, and in an apartment building with other tenants. I mean where else would I have the opportunity to live in the heart of a city for such a low price? Let's make it happen.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-14322675522649272692009-11-09T18:11:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:11:02.194-08:00Learning Curve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs194.snc1/6560_564234821959_22804318_33240397_7849191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs194.snc1/6560_564234821959_22804318_33240397_7849191_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
</div>Is it just me or is the first day (or is it the first few weeks) on a new job entirely overwhelming? Not overwhelming in a bad way but in a "wow, I can't believe I'm here" kind of way. Especially when you are learning the ropes of the job from a long-time employee, it seems almost daunting: there is so much information to learn and so much to do in one day and yet the trainer seems to move at rapid speed. Well, that's because s/he's been doing it for 3, 4, 5 years and has a handle on the day-to-day activity of the job. I'll get there too of course, time and practice bring knowledge. Needless to say, I started my job as an executive assistant at Hartford Stage today. 3 weeks until I make the move into my downtown (studio!) apartment, and 4 weeks until I'm finished with my undergraduate degree.<br />
<br />
Studio living will be....interesting. I've been living in a two-bedroom apartment in the suburbs of West Hartford for the past 3 years. The studio may be small, but it's in a really great building in a key location across from Bushnell park. As I enter this next chapter in my life I want to be surrounded by people and other young professionals like myself, I'm hoping the building I'm moving into will give me the community I'm looking for. I also hope the end up opening a grocery and/or coffee shop in the retail spaces on the 1st floor! We'll make it work, although my dog might not like a smaller space. Can't wait for moving dayJared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4647343923021427895.post-54585422129135515532009-11-08T20:23:00.000-08:002009-11-08T20:27:17.787-08:00Welcome to the World. Welcome to Hartford.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs162.snc1/6048_1196919289885_1435578826_540666_2966100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs162.snc1/6048_1196919289885_1435578826_540666_2966100_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
</div>Tomorrow I begin my transition into adulthood and into a resident and employee of downtown Hartford. Not yet a graduate of the University of Hartford, I'll begin my professional career at Hartford Stage as an executive assistant to the Managing Director. I'm proud to consider myself among the fortunate few in the present economy to be employed right out of school (well actually I'm still in school until December 2009, but that's beside the point), and am even more honored to be working in my industry of choice with an organization and staff I respect highly. Tomorrow is day one and I'm ready to tackle the task head on....until 4:30 when I have to head to class.<br />
<br />
If you asked me a few months ago whether I would be staying in Hartford after graduation from The Hartt School, I would have likely said there was a slim chance. After 4 years as a student in the suburbs of "New England's Rising Star," (one of Hartford's favorite taglines/euphemisms) I've decided to make a move downtown with the new job. As of December 1st I'll be living across from Bushnell Park, in the heart of downtown Hartford, a .3 mile (5 minute) walk from my office on Pratt Street. It's a small city, but it's my city and I'm ready to embrace and enhance all that Hartford has to offer. Suggestions welcome!<br />
<br />
...One thing the college life doesn't prepare you for is the 9-5. I have to learn to get to bed early.<br />
<br />
Oh! That's me and my dad at Hartford Stage during one of my internships with the company. I owe my parents so much thanks as they stop paying my room and board and release me into adulthood....slowly but surely.Jared M. Weberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04859542808715071651noreply@blogger.com1