Hispanic Heritage Month (El Mes de la Herencia Hispana) was started in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, originally set to be just a week long celebration.  However in 1988, it was expanded to 30 days by President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month lasts every year from September 15th-October 15th. September 15th marks el Día de la Independencia for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua thus it was a fitting day to begin a celebration for Hispanic Heritage.  September 16th marks the Independence Day for Mexico, September 18th marks the Independence Day for Chile. While in the United States, October 12th is celebrated as Columbus Day, in much of Latin America it is celebrated as Dia de la Raza, or Hispanic Heritage Day. Since that time frame is filled with a lot of history, it serves as a great time to honor and celebrate the cultures of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

So how do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

1. Education

The first step is to understand the culture. Learn a little bit about your Hispanic counterparts whether that be through research or asking questions! With so many different countries making up Latin America, there is always new information about traditions, food, and culture. Whether through art, literature, or conversation, you are sure to enjoy some of what you hear. Check out one of these books by Latino authors!

2. Music

Latin Music from Gasolina to Despacito has always made it into the hearts of listeners regardless of language preference. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, here is a playlist of all of our favorite latin hits. There is sure to be a song here you would love!

3. Food

Without good music and good food can you even consider yourself Latino? Celebrate the delicious varieties of food from Latin America by hosting a potluck with friends. Everyone can bring a dish inspired by a different Latin American country! Don’t worry, we’ve got a few suggestions to get you started.

4. Movie Night

Not into food or dance? Why not host a movie night instead! Movies from Selena to Mi Familia all celebrate Hispanics and Hispanic Americans. Many films like Disney’s Coco (also on Netflix!!) will probably jerk some tears out between the smiles. Need some more ideas? Here is a list of great films to watch this month.

5. Speak Spanish!

Whether you speak fluently, proficiently, or not at all, a few words in Spanish can make you new connections whether that be through work, family, or friendship. If you don’t speak Spanish, try out Duolingo (a ~*free*~ language learning app) for the month to see how much you can learn! Even one word a day can make a difference.

Finally, if you are Hispanic/Latino, share your culture with others, let them know that you are proud of where you come from. Now is a time to celebrate, learn about different cultures, and break down barriers. Don’t be scared to try new things; embrace the differences and similarities that bring us together!

One of the many perks of living in Connecticut is the festivity and beauty of the Autumn. As the fall season begins, we all begin looking forward to the festivals and fairs that can be found across the state. In an effort to help everyone find fun ways to spend their weekends we have put together a list of Fall Festivals in Hartford county. Don’t miss out on the fun!

September

September 6th-9th – Wapping Fair

75 Brookfield Street, South Windsor, CT 06074

Check it out here!

September 7th-9th – Septemberfest

22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury, CT 06070

Check it out here!

September 8th-9th – Suffield on the Green

Suffield Town Green

Check it out here!

September 14th-16th – Berlin Fair

Beckley Road, Berlin, CT 06037

Check it out here!

September 22nd – Wethersfield Corn Fest

Broad Street Green

Check it out here!

September 28th-30th – Southington Apple Harvest Festival

75 N Main Street, Southington, CT 06489

Check it out here!

September 29th – Old Wethersfield Arts & Crafts Fair

Cove Park, State Street, Wethersfield

Check it out here!

October

October 5th-7th – Southington Apple Harvest Festival

75 N Main Street, Southington, CT 06489

Check it out here!

October 6th – Windsor Lions Club Fall Arts & Crafts Festival

Windsor Town Green on Broad Street in Windsor

Check it out here!

October 7th – Max’s Fifth Annual HOPtoberfest

Rosedale Farms & Vineyard

Check it out here!

October 12th-14th – Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival

Riverfront Park, 300 Welles Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Check it out here!

October 13th – Rocky Hill Fall Fest

Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater

Check it out here!

October 20th – The Plainville Pumpkin Fest

Downtown Plainville, in front of Town Hall

Check it out here!

October 27th – Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge

22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury, CT 06070

Check it out here!

With school just around the corner, it is planning season. Whether buying school supplies, new clothes, or groceries, we are all a little stressed to have everything ready in time for the big first day. Many children and parents opt to pack lunches rather than purchase hot lunch at school for various reasons. Perhaps waiting in line takes away too much time, maybe packing is cheaper or healthier, or maybe your kids simply do not like what the cafeteria has to offer. Either way, it can become difficult to come up with new ideas of what to pack for 180 days and kids definitely get tired of the same old PB&J. Whatever your reason may be, we’ve put together a list of lunch ideas that for sure will not bore!

1.Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

What child doesn’t like pizza? This home made HotPocket can be filled with anything to suit your kid’s tastebuds, or even to be healthier. Try the recipe here!

2. Turkey & Cream Cheese Pin Wheels

A new take on the classic sandwich. These pinwheels are both delicious and fun to eat. Check out the recipe here!

Also check out turkey and cheese pin wheels for another twist here!

3. Turkey, Cheddar, and Crackers

The fun shapes and fresh food will have your kids never touching another Lunchable! Use cookie cutters to cut deli meat and cheese into fun shapes that your kids can use to put together their own sandwich crackers. Check out the recipe here!

4. Crust-Free PB&J

Uncrustables who? Everyone loves a classic PB&J, use this fun and easy recipe to eliminate the crust for any picky eater or just for a fresh take on a classic. Check out the recipe here!

5. Chicken Marinara

You can make this meal fresh for lunch or enjoy it for dinner and pack up the leftovers. With a thermos like this, your child won’t feel like he’s missing out on warm food by packing. Check out the recipe here!

6. Classic Sandwiches

Sometimes a simple sandwich is all it takes to keep a kid satisfied. By changing up the ingredients and sides, lunches won’t get boring. Check out this video for a whole week of sandwich packing ideas!

7. PB&J Triangles

Try out this modern twist on a classic. Using tortillas instead of bread in a PB&J (or any sandwich) can provide a whole new lunch. Check out the recipe here!

8. Build Your Own Pizza

Kids love hands on activities, even for lunch! With a few simple ingredients, your kid will have the best lunch at the table. Check out the recipe here!

9. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups

For a fun and easy to eat lunch, consider these grilled cheese roll ups with a side of marinara sauce. Like mozzarella sticks but better, any kid is sure to love these. Check out the recipe here!

10. Pasta Salad

Both you and your kid are sure to love this fresh, easy to make pasta salad. Pro Tip: Change up the noodles with different shapes and colors to make it even more exciting for your kid to eat. Check out the recipe here!

If you are like most people in West Hartford, CT, you may likely ignore the idea of taking up a life insurance plan thinking that you don’t need it. However, sudden accidents can bring you to a realization that life can end at any time without giving you any clues or hints. What will happen to your family then?

It’s important to understand that life continues even after you are gone, so it is important to prepare early enough and protect your family’s future in your absence. It would be unfortunate for the flow of income to be discontinued and there isn’t an alternative source. This is where life insurance coverage from StateChoice comes in. This post will outline some benefits of getting a life insurance plan.

Advantages of life insurance

The primary goal of purchasing life insurance is to offer immediate cash funds to assist your loved ones in paying their regular monthly expenses when you are gone. The coverage may cater for your funeral expenses and your home’s mortgage expenses too.

Another benefit of life insurance proceeds is that it can fund the future education expenses for your children or grandchildren. The cost of education keeps rising so this insurance plan will be an excellent tool to help your children achieve their education goals.

If you need to pay estate taxes upon death, consider buying life insurance coverage to pay for the due amount. It would be unfortunate to leave this burden to your loved ones –some people end up selling their assets at a low cost just to pay the tax funds.

Life insurance proceeds can also act as an inheritance. For instance, if you have a child, you can buy a life insurance policy in the amount of your property’s value and name them as a beneficiary.

To get a suitable life insurance plan in West Hartford, CT, contact StateChoice today.

You work hard for your business and have a significant amount of your wealth tied up there. Even though you take every possible precaution, accidents can happen. Let’s say a few customers are hurt on your property and seek a lawsuit. What happens next? The answer to this question is very different, depending on whether you have commercial umbrella insurance.

In our scenario, you have general liability Insurance as well as a commercial umbrella policy, so your assets and business are safe. How well does your coverage measure up in real life? Talk to your StateChoice agent about your options for commercial umbrella insurance. Meanwhile, here is some basic coverage information.

What is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

Commercial umbrella insurance is supplemental to existing liability coverage and protects you against catastrophic loss. If someone decides to target you in a lawsuit, your business and personal assets are on the line for large claims. Your commercial policy typically has a limit, but lawsuits can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

To avoid extraordinary losses, consider bolstering your existing coverage with an umbrella policy. Note that a regular commercial policy is still needed. An umbrella policy doesn’t take the place of your existing policy.

What’s Covered?

Commercial umbrella policies pay for medical bills, legal fees and damages that exceed your regular policy limits if:

• You hold an appropriate underlying policy.
• Your claim exceeds the underlying policy coverage.

Additionally, you might not be able to get a commercial umbrella policy unless your regular policy has a limit.

Contact Us

Significant assets are at risk when your business is the target of a lawsuit. Don’t wait until damages threaten to ruin your business. Contact your StateChoice agent today to make an appointment for a quote and to answer any questions you may have.

Yes, that’s right, it is that time of year again. Time to bring out the grill, open the pool, and enjoy some s’mores around the fire pit. As Memorial Day weekend begins, we are all excited to spend time outdoors with family and friends. However, during your festivities, do not forget to be careful and avoid risks that could spoil the fun. Here are a few tips from your StateChoice team to stay safe this weekend!

1. Attention Grill Masters!

Remember to always watch your grill while it is in use. Keep the grill away from anything that could catch fire and avoid burns by using long handled tools and keeping pets and children away from the grill.

2. Fun in the Sun!

A long day out in the sun is fun but can have negative consequences if you aren’t careful. Avoid dehydration by making sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep your skin protected with sunscreen and lots of shade; overexposure to the sun can lead to bad burns and skin cancer in the long run. Don’t forget to reapply!

3. On the Go!

If you are traveling make sure to drive safely. Driving the speed limit, wearing seatbelts, and keeping a designated driver will not only keep you safer, but help you avoid a ticket! If you can’t find a DD sign up for uber using this code (ruis213ue) to get one free ride.

4. Let Your Colors Burst!

Nothing wraps up a great weekend like the excitement of fireworks, but make sure to use only small, at home fireworks. Improper use of fireworks can lead to injury or damage so ensure that fireworks are used properly, by an adult, and at a safe distance.

5. Just Keep Swimming!

If weather permits, many of us will be enjoying time in the pool this weekend. Make sure children and weaker swimmers are always supervised around the water.

6. Have fun, but remember who this day is all about!

While you enjoy your holiday, remember to think about all of those who have died protecting our lives. Use Red Poppies as decorations or pinned to your clothes to honor these lost lives.

“We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.” – Moina Michael