On The Scene

Strong communities grow when young people have opportunities to connect, contribute, and succeed. On this episode of On The Scene, hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr welcome teacher and basketball coach Garrett Hickey for a conversation about the people and purpose behind Connecticut high school sports.

Garrett shares how he is rebuilding Westbrook’s basketball program through teamwork, commitment, and small victories that matter beyond the scoreboard. Hear how coaches balance technology with personal connection, encourage students to play multiple sports, and build relationships that keep athletes engaged through challenging seasons.From developing younger players to earning family support, this discussion explores what helps school athletics bring communities together.

For listeners in West Hartford and surrounding communities, it offers a fresh appreciation for the coaches, families, and students strengthening local sports. Tune in and discover why showing up for your team can make a lasting difference.

Real Art Ways is entering an exciting new chapter, and its growth could transform how people experience art, film, culture, and community across Greater Hartford. On this episode of On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr welcome Executive Director Will K. Wilkins for a lively conversation about the organization’s 50-year history, deep roots in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, and ambitious renovation of its historic Arbor Street home.

Discover plans for four movie screens, an expanded gallery, a performing arts space, educational facilities, and a welcoming café designed to bring people together. Wilkins also explains how community partnerships, public art, diverse programming, and sustainable revenue can strengthen both an organization and the region it serves. Hear how Real Art Ways is creating more than an arts destination. It is building an inclusive gathering place where ideas, experiences, and unexpected connections can thrive.

Networking is more than exchanging business cards. It is about building relationships, making connections, and becoming part of your community.

In this episode of On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr share practical, conversational advice for making networking more effective and more personal. They discuss everything from first impressions and confident introductions to asking better questions, following up, using LinkedIn, making referrals, and creating a professional presence people remember.

Tom and Bob also spotlight the upcoming Best of West Hartford event and explain why gatherings like it give people an opportunity to connect, strengthen relationships, and experience the welcoming spirit of the West Hartford community.

Whether you are building a business, developing your career, or simply looking to become more connected locally, this discussion offers useful ideas you can put into action.Listen now and discover how stronger connections can open new doors throughout your community.

On this episode of On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr sit down with longtime Bartlett Brainard owner Cathy Davis and new owner Scott Miller for a conversation about business, community, and what it means to carry a local legacy forward. Listeners hear how Scott plans to preserve the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and personal service while introducing new technology, digital tools, and safer, more efficient ways of working.

The discussion also explores Bartlett Brainard’s deep roots in West Hartford, its service throughout surrounding communities, and Scott’s plan to give back through an annual nonprofit community service project. From leadership transitions and customer relationships to local history and community involvement, Tom and Bob deliver another engaging look at the people and businesses helping shape the region.

West Hartford and the surrounding region are built on connection, conversation, and fresh ideas. In this episode of On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr welcome the Connecticut Forum’s executive director, Mana Zarinejad, for an engaging look at the organization’s 35th season and its role in bringing people together.

Hear what makes the Forum a powerful community resource, how audience feedback shapes each program, and why respectful disagreement can open minds and strengthen understanding. The conversation previews appearances by Trevor Noah, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Chris Hayes, Samantha Power, and David Miliband, along with timely discussions about the economy, journalism, humanitarian action, and the future of our communities.

Listeners will also discover how Forum events encourage people to learn, participate, and carry meaningful ideas back to their neighborhoods. Tune in for an informative, inspiring conversation about Greater Hartford’s cultural life and the people creating opportunities for dialogue. Listen now to On The Scene.

On this episode of NBT Bank’s On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr welcome Bernadette Grecki, Executive Director of the Advertising Club of Connecticut, for a conversation about connection, opportunity, and the future of Connecticut’s advertising community.

Bernadette shares how the century-old organization has rebuilt its membership and expanded its reach across the state. Discover how networking, professional development programs, industry panels, media events, awards, and new career resources are helping advertising and marketing professionals build stronger relationships and create new opportunities.

The conversation also explores the lasting value of face-to-face connections and how one introduction can lead to a new client, career opportunity, or professional partnership.

Stay connected to the people, organizations, and ideas shaping West Hartford and the surrounding communities with On The Scene.

On this episode of NBT Bank’s On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr welcome longtime West Hartford Magazine photographer Todd Fairchild for a warm, funny, and insightful conversation about the art of capturing life’s biggest moments. Todd shares how a fifth-grade interest in photography grew into a full-time passion, why weddings remain so meaningful, and how comfort, timing, lighting, and trust make the difference between a snapshot and a memory. From blinkers and candid moments to the shift from film to digital, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the skill and heart that go into great photography. It is also a reminder that West Hartford’s stories are told not only through words, but through the people and images that preserve them. Listen now and stay connected to what is happening On The Scene.

Step into the energy, excitement, and community spirit behind one of West Hartford’s most anticipated celebrations. In this episode of On The Scene, Tom Hickey and Bob Carr welcome Lacey Escobar from Arthur Murray Dance Studio and Hilary Sarrasin from 2020 Media for a lively look at Dancing with WeHa Stars, the entertainment highlight of the Best of West Hartford event. Listeners will hear how local residents, business owners, chefs, and community members can step out of their comfort zones, learn a routine, and bring their personality to the dance floor. With food, fun, cheering crowds, and a supportive atmosphere, this event has become more than a performance. It is a celebration of connection, confidence, and local pride. Whether you want to dance, attend, sponsor, or simply experience the excitement, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Listen now and get On The Scene.

Celebrate the power of community, creativity, and live theater in this engaging episode of On The Scene. Hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr sit down with Edwin Thrower and Herb Emanuelson of the Capital Classics Theater Company to explore the passion behind one of Greater Hartford’s most beloved summer traditions. From the magic of Shakespeare under the stars to the importance of volunteerism and nonprofit board service, this conversation highlights how local arts organizations thrive through community support, dedication, and shared purpose. Listeners will discover how Capital Classics has grown over 35 seasons, why families return year after year, and how new volunteers and board members can make a real impact. Whether you love theater, community events, or inspiring stories of people coming together, this episode delivers insight, energy, and a deeper appreciation for the arts in West Hartford. Listen now.

Discover the stories, culture, and creativity shaping Greater Hartford in this engaging episode of On The Scene with Tom Hickey and Bob Carr. The conversation takes listeners inside the New Britain Museum of American Art with special guest Lisa Lappe, Chief Operating Officer of the museum. From the exciting Museum After Dark events to powerful new exhibitions celebrating Puerto Rican and Indigenous American artists, this episode highlights why the museum continues to attract visitors from West Hartford and beyond. Listeners will also get a preview of major upcoming exhibits featuring Mary Cassatt, Louise Nevelson, and The Wyeths. Packed with community insight, local culture, and inspiring conversation, this episode showcases the people and organizations making a difference across the region. Listen now and stay connected to everything happening On The Scene in West Hartford and surrounding communities.