Issuu

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

JUNE 2020

Hops on the Hill is Built on Teamwork

LOCAL BUSINESSES HAVE RETOOLED FOR THE QUARANTINE

OPEN HOUSE: A RAMBLING RANCH IN SOUTH GLASTONBURY

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER

Gary Perrelli | gary.perrelli@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Here's to You, Glastonbury Dads WELCOME TO OUR JUNE ISSUE, BETTER KNOWN AS THE MEN’S ISSUE AND DEDICATED TO ALL THE DADS OUT THERE, WHAT THEY LOVE TO DO AND WHAT THEY WANT FOR FATHER'S DAY. We’ll be talking about cars, grilling, beer, backyards, pools and more.

Joan Hunt | joan.hunt@lifestylepubs.com. Eileen M. McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carrie Draghi

We spent some time with Bill Driggs, who co-owns the restaurants 2 Hopewell, Sayulita, The Beamhouse and Birch Hill Tavern. We were inspired by how he was able to give back and support his employees and the community during the quarantine. We even included a Father’s Day gift guide from Dr. Nick Damato to help you come up with some great gift ideas. When I think of Father’s Day, as a child, I always think of our backyard cookouts with the whole family - parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins - the more the merrier! I can still picture my Dad at the grill flipping burgers and dogs, making sure everyone had plenty to eat and got just what they wanted.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Now that I’m a Dad, we’ve moved the cookout to our house and I’ve tried to carry on

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

that tradition with one minor exception, I’m the Grill Master now!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

So, here’s to the start of summer. I think we can all agree it’s been a very challenging

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

spring with quarantining and social distancing. Our local businesses had to literally

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

reinvent themselves overnight in order to survive. In our Shifting Strategies segment, we spoke with some prominent local business owners about what they did to ensure they remained “Open for Business” throughout this unprecedented time. I'd also like to express my appreciation for all the healthcare workers and essential personal who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Without them, none of this would be possible. ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Please enjoy this issue and all the inspiring stories. Happy Father’s Day Glastonbury.

Together we remain Glastonbury Strong. Gary Perrelli, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Phil Lohr and Al Gondek, co-owners of Hops on the Hill Brewery.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARRIE DRAGHI. @CDRAGHIPHOTO.COM. 4

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

Proverbs 3:5-6 Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Glastonbury areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Glastonbury Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Financial Professionals doing business as Lichtenstein Financial, LLC offer securities through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIP, and advisory services through Securities America Advisors, Inc.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2020

FEATURES 12 Giving Back: Bill Driggs The Restaurateur and His Partners are Focused on Their Business and Local Communities

14 Open House: a Home With YearRound Appeal This 5,000-Square-Foot House in Glastonbury is Surrounded by Significant Acreage

18 Business Not as Usual Local Business Owners Find Ways to Shift Their Strategies

24 Local Limelight: Hops On The Hill The South Glastonbury Brewery

18 12

Owners Pride Themselves on Their Farm-To-Glass Philosophy

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Giving Back

Open House

Inspired By

24 Local Limelight 28 Driver’s Notebook 30 Culinary Creations 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

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CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

GOOD TIMES 1.

The Front Steps Project Glastonbury As Covid-19 began to change family life, Carrie Draghi launched #TheFrontStepsProjectGlastonbury. It was an extension of a national photo project to document families during these historic times and create a digital sense of community. Participants donated to charity and shared their photos online. Local photographers Lynn Damon, Brian Ambrose, and EB Taylor collaborated to photograph almost 200 Glastonbury families.

10.

11.

12.

1. Sean Murphy and Dawn Gardner with their son. By Lynn Damon | 2. Britt Miglietta and Mike Schatz with their boys. By Lynn Damon | 3. The Dugan Family. By EB Taylor | 4. The Carducci Family. By Carrie Draghi | 5. The “Chaford” Family. By Carrie Draghi | 6. The Cassanelli Family. By Carrie Draghi | 7. The Wilde Family. By Carrie Draghi | 8. The Tishler Family. By Carrie Draghi | 9. The Fritz Family. By Carrie Draghi | 10. The Desmarais Family. By Carrie Draghi | 11. The Schwartz Family. By Carrie Draghi | 12. The Collette Family. By Carrie Draghi 8

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

Nationally Recognized Advisors Right Here in Your Backyard Jason Cerniglia CFP®, CRPC®, CMFC® Private Wealth Advisor Chief Executive Officer

Bryan J. Lauriat APMA® Financial Advisor Managing Director

Joel E. Blum APMA®, CRPC® Financial Advisor Managing Director

Forbes Best-in-State 2018 - 2020 Barron’s Top 1200 2017 - 2020 Financial Times Top 400 2018 - 2020 Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council 2017 - 2019

Forbes’ Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisor 2019

Forbes’ America’s Top Next Generation Wealth Advisor 2018

Coastal Wealth Management, a Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management advice to affluent individuals, families, small businesses, and family trusts.

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Forbes/SHOOK Research listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, selected by their firms, which is then submitted to and judged by SHOOK Research. Key factors and criteria include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and credentials/years of professional experience. Selection of winners is done by comparing advisors at a national level, selecting winners, and then sorting them into state-specific lists. A separate evaluation is not done for each state. Portfolio performance is not a factor. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Barron’s listings are based on data compiled by many of the nation’s most productive advisors, which is then submitted to and judged by Barron’s. Key factors and criteria for each award include: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory and compliance record, and years of professional experience. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. This award is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the ranking. The Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers is an independent listing produced annually by the Financial Times. The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisors, firms, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each advisor’s performance in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved.

AROUND TOWN

THE SCOOP GLASTONBURY COMES TO GLASTONBURY LIFESTYLE!

NEW SELF-CARE RETREAT Just Be (A Self-Care Retreat) has renovated the

Content for part of the “About Town” section is pro-

former spa in the same building as Shampoo One.

vided by Jackie Post from The Scoop Glastonbury.

This mini oasis will provide a relaxing break from

The Scoop Glastonbury is a business news website

everyday life. They offer infusion foot soaks, mas-

that follows breaking “SCOOP” about new business

sage and an infrared salt sauna. They will also have

in town, business renovations or relocations, and

integrated energy and light therapies. Sounds like

unique or interesting business happenings. Follow

our kind of place!

The Scoop Glastonbury on social media or visit www.thescoopglastonbury.com to sign up for the weekly newsletter.

SARAH VICTOR MOVING Sarah Victor Beauty is moving from their

GLITTER SPA FOR GIRLS

on the corner of Naubuc Avenue and Putnam

Glitter has taken over the space on the first floor

Boulevard. The beauty and tattoo salon will

of the house at the corner of Sycamore and New

also offer the FIRST blow dry bar in town, called

London Turnpike. The new spa for girls will offer

Studio 476. Clients will be able to get a wash,

mani/pedis on a giant gold-rimmed throne, make-

scalp massage, and blow dry starting at just

your-own bath products, stuff-your-own animals,

$40. Sounds divine!

and a party room for rent! How fun?!

location on Main Street to a brand new building

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

The Sow’s Ear 2400 Main Street | Glastonbury

860.633.0311 Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 - 5, Saturday 10 - 3, Closed Sunday & Monday

BELGIAN WAFFLE CHAIN COMING TO ONE STOP Zinneken’s Wafffles is coming to the One Stop Plaza on New London Turnpike. The small waffle chain started in Massachusetts and will open their first Connecticut location in Glastonbury.

Jewelry Accessories Candles Unique Gifts Home Accents Furniture

This place is the real deal…all ingredients are imported directly from Belgium. They plan to open this summer.

www.sowsearct.com

THE SALAD BAR COMING TO PLAZA WITH BERTUCCI’S We announced several months ago that The Salad Bar (out of Rocky Hill) will be coming to Glastonbury. They have a big following there so we are super excited for this! Their new location is in the Bertucci’s plaza next to Subway. They offer custom salads, soups, shakes, and wraps.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Glastonbury using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

GIVING BACK

KEEPING COMMUNITIES I N TAC T

ONE OF THE HARDEST HIT SMALL BUSINESSES DURING THE RECENT QUARANTINE HAVE BEEN RESTAURANTS, AND MOST LOCAL EATERY OWNERS HAVE WORKED OVERTIME TRYING TO KEEP THEIR BUSINESSES AFLOAT. For Bill Driggs, co-owner of four local restaurants, that struggle has involved finding ways to keep as much of his staff employed as possible, shifting business models to a take-out only option and even trying to make the local community feel safe and normal during an abnormal time. “Restaurants that are still open offer people a sense of solace and a semblance of normalcy when things are not normal,” Driggs says. “What we’re doing, hopefully, is bringing a little bit of hope back to the community. We’re making the local community feel included and we’re trying to find ways to let them know we’re still here. We are local, myself and my brother, we live in Glastonbury and it was important for us to stay here and connect with people as much as possible.” In return, he adds, loyal customers have sought to bring solace to the restaurant’s workers. “The support from the community, for us, has been great. I can’t stress enough how much they’ve reached out to us. We’ve been here for a while with our restaurants so we have a lot of great local support. People are supporting us by buying gift certificates and some people are being very generous with gratuities and tips. We get phone calls and letters of support and social media support.” Driggs and his brother, Adam Driggs, along with a partner, Jon Lynch, own four restaurants here in Glastonbury, 2 Hopewell Bistro & Bar, Birch Hill Tavern, Sayulita and The Beamhouse. Combined, they employ dozens of people. But after the Coronavirus hit this winter and Connecticut issued stay-at-home orders to help stop the spread of the disease, the four restaurants, like most restaurants in the state, were hard hit. They scaled back operations by nearly 70 percent. The impact, Bill Driggs says, was sudden and dramatic. “Obviously, we had to make an immediate shift to have this business go to a new way of operating, we had to figure that out for all four of our restaurants. We went to curbside delivery.” 12

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

Bill Driggs outside of 2 Hopewell Bistro & Bar

THE OWNERS OF FOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS FOUND AND GAVE SOLACE DURING THE RECENT PANDEMIC

“ w h a t w e ’r e d o i n g , h o p e f u l l y, i s b r i n g i n g a l i t t l e bit of hope back to the c o m m u n i t y. We ’r e m a k i n g the local community feel i n c l u d e d a n d w e ’r e t r y i n g t o find ways to let them know w e ’r e s t i l l h e r e .” Before the virus struck, Driggs says, the four restaurants collectively employed about 130 full and part time workers. That number shrunk to 30 when the restaurants had to shutter their doors. But he and his partners were able to keep offering all of the workers benefits during the furlough. At the height of the shutdown, he says, sales fell off by about 70 percent but he and his partners had to work even harder to keep the businesses afloat. “It’s more work now doing 70 percent less in sales than when we were at 100 percent capacity,” he says. He and his partners are hoping that by June things will start getting back to normal and his restaurant group can reopen their doors. But “normal,” Driggs says, will likely not look or feel the same as before the virus struck. ‘I’m pretty optimistic we can get back on track. It will be a struggle for everyone, losing a couple months of revenue and employees losing two months of income is going to be awful for everyone. Social distancing will continue to a different degree, but obviously people want to get out and get back to a somewhat normal life.”

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

OPEN HOUSE

a home in the country WITH MORE THAN 5,000 SQUARE FEET THE EXPANSIVE RANCH AT 96 DICKINSON ROAD IN SOUTH GLASTONBURY IS AN IMPRESSIVE PROPERTY. Serene would also be an apt way to describe the vibe at this rambling ranch in the countryside. It sits on just under an acre but is surrounded by another 56 unimproved acres that might be available for sale.

THIS SECLUDED PROPERTY IN SOUTH GLASTONBURY HAS TWO POOLS FOR YEAR-ROUND SWIMMING ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

In the summer, birds chirp and sing from the trees that surround the home and the soothing sound of water trickles from waterfalls and fountains in the outdoor pool. The property is listed at $809,883 by Fred Martins of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; 2790 Main St., Glastonbury. The property has two unique pools, one inside and one outside. The large outdoor pool features a slide, stone fountains, a cabana and an expansive pool deck for outside entertaining.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

The commercial-style kitchen features two Wolf stoves. Photo credit: Home Base Solutions

“The indoor pool is spectacular,” Martins said. “There’s

You can eat your meals at the kitchen’s breakfast nook or

glass tile in the hot tub area and Turkish tile around the pool.

in the grand dining space, which overlooks the award winning

The owner spared no expense on the improvements, it’s all

pool and landscaped yard.

top of the line.”

Other rooms include a library/office with custom built-in

The home has four bedrooms and four and a half bath-

shelves and a living room with a fireplace. The oversized

rooms and boasts a large and open flexible floor plan on its

master bedroom offers a large walk-in closet, full bath-

main floor.

room with jetted tub and dual sinks. It also has a huge walk

Guests will enjoy their own private wing and private baths off two of the three bedrooms. The spacious lower level recreation room offers a wet bar, dressing rooms and a full bathroom.

in shower featuring 11 shower heads, including a rain shower style head, and a steam bath spa. From the lower level recreation room you can step

Upstairs the commercial-style kitchen includes two Wolf

outside to the large, gunite pool that features cascading

stoves, double ovens, double pot filler faucets, an ice maker

waterfalls, water features, carved animals and masonry

and a wine cooler, multiple dishwashers, a trash compactor

elements. There’s also a pool cabana and a covered out-

and numerous custom wood cabinets that wrap around the

door dining area.

entire kitchen. CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

860-796-0562

www.FlanaganRealtyGroup.com Dana@FlanaganRealtyGroup.com

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

SHIFTING STRATEGIES:

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE QUARANTINE WE ASKED LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES DURING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND WHAT STRATEGIES WORKED FOR THEM

D r. R o b e r t P. C o t t h a u s Q. HOW HAVE YOU NAVIGATED YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC? A. We have especially been focusing on balancing safeguards to the health of our employees while trying to best serve our clients and their pets. Q. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT CUSTOMERS ENGAGED? A. We have reached our clients through email correspondence, social media postings as well as our Pet Healthcare APP and good old fashioned voicemail messages as well. Q. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT OR SERVICE DURING THIS TIME? A. During this time we have been giving priority to sick animal appointments. We are also integrating routine wellness appointments as our social distancing procedures and schedule has allowed.

OWNER,

Q. WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSING ON FOR THE FUTURE?

GLASTONBURY

A. We are focusing on keeping our staff healthy while continuing to serve our clients and animal patients. We will be here as long as we are able! 18

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Q. HOW HAVE YOU NAVIGATED YOUR BUSINESS

Q. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT

THROUGH THESE WEEKS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION?

OR SERVICE DURING THIS TIME?

A. We are considered an essential business so our staff

A. Our advice. We’re well informed and experienced in

has been onsite working everyday without face-to-face cli-

both disciplines of taxation and investment management.

ent contact. We’ve maintained high morale and I’m thankful

We’ve been able to help people understand what’s happen-

for having such a great team. We’ve continued to perform

ing in this crisis and how best to manage and act upon it.

our jobs since our clients need our direction and guidance

For example, our tax and business management advice has

in this crisis and our clients have been appreciative.

been in high demand as we assist clients with interpreting and applying for the government stimulus programs. Our

Q. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT CUSTOMERS ENGAGED? A. Our practice is focused on behavioral coaching, mean-

immediate focus is getting our clients, families, and friends on solid footing during this unprecedented time.

ing each client is unique, and each interaction needs to be tailored to the needs of that particular client. We help

Q. WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST DURING

them avoid making reactionary decisions that could have

THE LOCKDOWN?

negative long-term impacts. This approach has helped

A. Tax season is a gem because we meet with most of

outcomes tremendously and our clients have appreciated

our clients; individual, business, investment and planning.

the difference we’ve made in their lives. We have vigorously

Unfortunately, the lockdown has forced us to work distantly. I

stepped up communication with clients. This has presented

miss the energy, the rush, the hugs and kisses, and especially

the opportunity to have thoughtful, meaningful conversa-

the stories bringing me up to date on clients’ families and

tions with them.

lives. We look forward to a normal reconnect. Finally, I miss teaching and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with my teammates.

Brian Lichtenstein “Our practice is focused on be hav ioral coaching , meaning each client is unique, and each interaction needs to be tailored to the needs of t h a t p a r t i c u l a r c l i e n t .”

FOUNDER/CEO, LICHTENSTEIN FINANCIAL LLC CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Dana Flanagan CEO, FLANAGAN REALTY GROUP Q. HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGIES DURING THIS TIME? A. We’ve shifted into a personal virtual approach. Finding ways to shift your business in a pandemic is important. This isn’t like in 2008 when the market crashed. This is a worldwide problem and you have to be able to shift your business quickly and it takes a lot of creativity. We’re conducting listing appointments virtually and I think people are getting much more used to video conferencing and those types of virtual opportunities. We’ve seen rule changes for home showings, like no unnecessary people coming in with buyers, no children, no parents, no friends. We have appraisers who don’t want the listing agents coming with them into the house. Most sellers right now are okay with people coming in to their house. But there’s instructions with each listing, bring wipes with you, don’t touch anything in the house. Some people choose to wear gloves or masks when they come to a showing. Q. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT CUSTOMERS ENGAGED? A. We’re doing consultations via Facetime and Skype. So I’m in the house, walking the client through the property in a video. I’m also putting together virtual tours for people who either have compromised immune systems or are working from home. I’m doing a live update every week on what’s going on in the real estate market. Q. WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSING ON FOR THE FUTURE? A. This is still a good time to sell a house because there’s not much inventory out there and a lot of people still have stable incomes and now they have time on their hands to go out and look at houses. I have a list of sellers that are ready to come to market as soon as this is over. By staying on the cutting edge of technology some of us are creating huge opportunities to do business differently when we come out of this. 20

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

Q. HOW HAVE YOU NAVIGATED YOUR BUSINESS

Q. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT

THROUGH THE PANDEMIC?

OR SERVICE?

A. Safety of both customers and employees has been

A. Our pick up service has seen our largest rise during

first. This was unchartered waters for us, so it has been a

this time It has become its own department. We started

daily adjustment as far as what we do for social distancing

with a rise in volume in pickup without being properly

and sourcing personal protective equipment.

staffed. Luckily our staff is fantastic. We have members from different departments helping each other out with a

Q. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT CUSTOMERS ENGAGED?

great team mentality.

A. Customers started off scared and not sure what to do. There was a large amount of panic purchasing when

Q. WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSING ON FOR THE FUTURE?

the pandemic first hit Connecticut. Working with suppliers

A. I think the pandemic is going to have a lasting effect on

to restock the shelves with items that may not have been

how customers shop. I believe the curbside pick up will remain

part of our mix before. Talking to the customer to explain

higher than previous times. I also believe people are going to

what we have been able to do and find out what they are

be looking for more prepackaged items going forward. This

looking for has been the focus on engaging them.

will be an area we are going to have to expand our offerings.

“ Ta l k i n g t o t h e customer to explain what we have been able to do and find out what they are looking for has been the focus on e n g a g i n g t h e m .”

Tim Devanney VICE PRESIDENT, HIGHLAND PARK MARKET

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Q. HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY NAVIGATED THE PANDEMIC?

Q. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR HIGHEST-DEMAND PRODUCT?

A. We’ve been doing mostly curbside pickup and delivery

A. We’ve been selling a lot of toilet paper and masks. We’ve

because most people don’t come into the store. We still have

always sold toilet paper but we usually only had a few pack-

some people who come in and they have to wear masks and

ages in the store. We’re also selling individual toilet paper

they have to keep six feet apart. We have shields at each of our

rolls. We just sold over 8,000 masks since Friday and we’ve

registers and we’re constantly cleaning.

reached out to another vendor whom we’ve never dealt with before to get more. We’re also selling a lot of hand sanitizers

Q. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT CUSTOMERS ENGAGED?

and we’ve brought in puzzles and we’ve sold tons of puzzles.

A. We’ve really shifted into selling everyday products to fulfill our customers needs, for instance we’ve always sold toilet

Q. WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSING ON FOR THE FUTURE?

paper and masks but now we’re selling a lot of those products.

I think we’re always going to have this type of social distanc-

We are so grateful for our community, everyone for the most

ing, and needing masks and hand sanitizer. As the economy

part has been so patient and so supportive and we want to

reopens we’ll be selling masks, hand sanitizers and gloves. The

thank our community and our customers.

store will change in that respect.

“ We a r e s o grateful for our c o m m u n i t y, ever yone for the most par t has been so patient and so suppor ti ve and we want to thank our communit y and o u r c u s t o m e r s .”

CO- OWNER, KATZ ACE HARDWARE

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

Shannon Krieger

Emmy Louâ€™s, Ltd

Gift Shop

Distinctive Home Decor Custom Florals

and

17 Hebron Avenue , Glastonbury

| (860) 633-9565

emmylousgiftshop.com CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA | PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

A BREW FOR ALL SEASONS 24

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

PHIL LOHR AND AL GONDEK SHARE A CLEAR VISION OF WHAT THEIR BREWERY IS ALL ABOUT. The two men, co-owners of Hops on the Hill Brewery on Dug Road aren’t interested in making exotic, fancy-sounding beers. “I love brewing, but it’s the means to an end, it’s not the end itself,” Phil says. It’s more about community, a great venue and bringing people together to enjoy the farm environment. That’s what we have to offer, the whole experience.” Phil and Al opened their farm brewery in June of 2018 in an old tobacco barn on land Al owns. Planning for the business started many months before. Phil was a brewing hobbyist for many years “Before home brewing became popular” - and Gondek, whose family has operated farms in Glastonbury for decades, was growing hops on some of his fields. “Al was growing an acre of fresh hops, we met and started talking about hops and what I knew about craft breweries,” Phil says. “I asked him ‘Do you want to give this a shot?’ We started with a very humble vision and wanted to grow it over time.” For Al, the brewery represented a dramatic shift in his life. “I thought of growing hops for other brewers but I never thought of owning a brewery myself. If you had told me five years ago I’d be part owner of a brewery,” he says with a laugh, “I’d never have believed it.” The beers he and Phil brew are all made from local ingredients,

HOPS ON THE HILL IS A YEAR-ROUND FARMTO-GLASS BREWERY

including hops that come from a field visible from the large windows inside the cavernous brewery barn. Hops on the Hill offers about 10 beers brewed in the giant steel drums inside the barn. There’s coffee porter, apple ale, citrus ale, Winterfest lager and a nut brown ale, to name a few. Phil says they’re traditional beers, not trendy brews with fancy-sounding names. “If you want a cupcake mango pilsner, that’s not us. Our beers are very traditional, brewed to taste like biting into a fresh piece of bread.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

The barn that houses the brewery was originally used by Al’s family to dry tobacco they grew on the surrounding land. While the tap bar at one end is new, the rest of the barn, which features roughhewn timbers and bunches of dried tobacco leaves hanging from the beams in the high ceiling, is authentic. The brewery is open year-round, something Phil says many customers don’t always realize. While it doesn’t have a kitchen, customers can order-in food from one of several local restaurants. Phil and Al say they also are considering opening the brewery up to large events, like weddings. Their customers seem to understand the farm culture he and Al have created with Hops on the Hill, Phil says. “We’re hearing that people get it, they get the vibe that all of these beers are made with Connecticut produce. It’s not just a brewery on a farm, it’s truly farm to glass.”

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

“IF YOU WANT A CUPCAKE MANGO PILSNER, THAT’S NOT US. OUR BEERS ARE VERY TRADITIONAL, BREWED TO TASTE LIKE BITING INTO A FRESH PIECE OF BREAD.”

Photo provided by Hops on the Hill

CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

what kind of car guy are you?

OUR CARS ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR PERSONALITIES, WHICH BEST SUITS YOUR PERSONALITY?

+ for the a d ve n t u re r

+ for the d o g l ove r

THE 2020 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

SUBARU OUTBACK

Form, function and exemplary levels of

Not only does Subaru, which has donated $25 million to the

finesse are brought together to help create

ASPCA during its 11-year commitment with the group love

the Discovery. Its strength and off-road

dogs, it also makes one of the best dog-lover cars, the pop-

capabilities are matched only by its bold

ular Outback hatchback. The Outback features a low load

contemporary looks and touches of luxury.

floor which makes it easier for dogs of all ages to jump in and

For the adventurer, its inherent strength

out of the vehicle. Its wagon configuration allows plenty of

and off-road capabilities are matched only

room for your furry family members and prides itself in the

by its bold contemporary looks and alluring

research of pet safety. Subaru has even completed a pet

touches of luxury.

seat safety regimen with the Center for Pet Safety.

DETAILS:

Model: 5-door SE

Model: Subaru Outback

Price: Starts at $54,300

Price: Starts at $26,645

MPG: Combined 23mpg

MPG: Combined 29mpg

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

ARE YOU A SPEED DEMON, OR AN ADVENTURER? Are you always fussing with the back seat or the hatch area to make room for your dog, or make it more comfy for them? How about the kids? Do you look for a vehicle that has enough room for them, their sporting equipment and their friends? Can it seat seven or eight? What’s the safety rating on it? At some point in our lives, we are all of these car people, aren’t we? Which one are you right now? Mark Mitchell, president of Mitchell Auto Group

+ for the speedster

+ for the family man

THE DODGE DEMON

THE VOLVO CX60

The Dodge Demon is any speedsters dream

It’s hard to narrow down which of Volvo’s cars make the best family

car. As Car and Driver put it: “The Challenger

model, given the company’s long tradition of building family-friendly

SRT Demon is even mightier than the Hellcat

sedans and wagons and the company’s renowned emphasis on

version, boasting up to 840 horsepower and

safety. In 2019 The XC60 was named Edmunds Best Family Luxury

exclusive drag-racing equipment.”

Small SUV. include a 250-horsepower turbocharged engine, LED

DETAILS:

headlights, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. With

Model: Challenger SRT Demon RWD

a million of the XC60s sold worldwide as of 2019, the vehicle is

Price: Starts at $84,690

Volvo’s most popular since it was introduced in 2008. Redesigned

MPG: Combined 16mpg

in 2018, the newer XC60s are expected to continue that success. DETAILS: Details: Model: Volvo CX60 Price: Starts at $40,150 MPG: Combined 24mpg CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

CULINARY CREATIONS

ARTICLE EILEEN M. MCNAMARA

Summer grilling season is starting, time to find your best grill!

Time to Get Grilling! GET FIRED UP: IT’S OUTDOOR GRILLING SEASON AND GAS GRILLS HAVE GONE HIGH END

AH, SUMMER! Is there any better season to lay in a backyard hammock, sit poolside while sipping a cool drink or throw an impromptu party with family and friends? Of course, the centerpiece of all that laid-back lounging in your backyard is the gas grill. Invented in the early 1950s by Don McGlaughlin, owner of the Chicago Combustion Corporation, the squatty little two-burner basic black iron grill has evolved today into a sleek, high-end appliance that is a must-have for every outdoor dining experiences, from simple decks with a picnic table to sprawling patios with full, outdoor kitchens.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

“High end grills are very big now, they can run anywhere from $500 to $5,000,” says Eric Sharp, sales manager for SK Lavery Appliances, which has stores in Glastonbury and West Hartford. “And you can even go higher than $5,000.” Some of the high-end gas grill brands that SK Lavery sells include Wolf, Weber, Lynx and Prestige. So what do high-end grills have over their A six burner gas grill. Large cooking space is a feature of high-end grills.

your run-of-the-mill gas grill? Most of them have must-have options for optimal grilling, Sharp says, things like infrared cooking, rotisseries, a larger cooking area than the average grill and better igniters, the kind that don’t wear out within the first few months after you set your grill up. “I’ve even seen high-end grills that came with a built-in refrigerator,” Sharp says. One of the more practical options available in better grills, Sharp says, are lights. “They have built-in lights for nighttime grilling and that’s a great feature because in December it gets dark at 4:30 and that’s right when you’re going to be cooking.” So what are consumers looking for most in their gas grills these days? Sharp says it’s size and heat. “If you’re passionate about grilling you’re going to want infrared or rotisseries. A really

A Weber Spirit grill is one of many high-end grills on the market today.

high intense sear is something you really want on a steak because it lets you trap juices inside the meat.” Others want a big grill for large parties or built-in options for outdoor kitchens. “Some people want something for enter-

“ I f y o u ’r e p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t g r i l l i n g y o u ’r e g o i n g t o w a n t i n f r a r e d or rotisseries. A really high intense sear is something you really want on a steak because it lets you trap juices inside the meat.”

taining like 50 people, so they want something large. Other people want a grill they can install in an outdoor kitchen or dining area.” Less sexy, but equally or even more important, Sharp says, is that higher end grills come with better warrantees and have much longer lifespans than cheaper grills. With hundreds of grills available at their two locations, Sharp said SK Lavery has just about every grill for every outdoor living lifestyle. CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

EDITOR’S NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19 PLEASE CHECK WITH THE EACH EVENT’S ORGANIZER FOR INFORMATION ON CANCELLATIONS, POSTPONEMENTS OR EVENTS THAT ARE NOW BEING HELD VIRTUALLY.

corn-hole, a bounce house and more. $25 registration fee, $100 fundraising minimum per player. The proceeds benefit programs and services that are either unfunded or underfunded yet provide essential support to people with intellec-

20 THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW

Hilton Garden Inn, 85 Glastonbury Blvd

The Dinner Detective is America’s

tual and developmental disabilities.

largest interactive murder mystery

comedy dinner show. Solve a hilari-

SECOND TUESDAY BOOK GROUP

beware! The culprit is lurking some-

ous mystery while you feast on a fantastic four-course plated dinner. Just

Welles-Turner Library, 2407 Main Street

where in the room, and you may find

Come talk books with other bibliophiles!

yourself as a prime suspect. Tickets,

This book group will meet the second

$59.95. Thedinnerdetective.com.

GLASTONBURY RUN GROUP

“Just Mercy,” by Bryan Stevenson.

Tuesday of the month in the library's Friends Room. In June we're reading

Sound Runner, 63 Hebron Avenue

Limited copies of the current selection

Looking for some people to run

will be available at the Reference Desk.

with? Join the folks at Sound Runner

Refreshments provided. Registration

in Glastonbury for a Wednesday eve-

not required. For more information, call

Adults age 21 and over are wel-

ning jaunt. Don't go it alone, it's always

Reference at 860-652-7720.

come to meet for a non-traditional

Hops on the Hill, 275 Dug Road

book discussion over a pint of

nice to run with friends. Run distance is 3-5 miles. All abilities are welcome.

BOOKS ON TAP

Glastonbury beer at Hops on the

GLASTONBURY FARMERS MARKET

not required. Limited copies of the

Hill. No purchase is required to take

1944 Main Street

part in the book club. Registration book we're reading this month, Dark

MARC COMMUNITY RESOURCE'S 2ND ANNUAL MARC MADNESS KICKBALL TOURNAMENT

The kickoff for the 2020 Farmer's

Matter by Black Crouch, will be

Market,

available at the Reference desk.

Elks Lodge, 98 Woodland Street

Wednesday, June 17. The market runs

Join us for a fun-filled day of kickball,

each Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.

which

runs

from

June

through September, is scheduled for

ONE STOP SHOP

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Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

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beautiful

smile

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(860) 659-8660

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Steven M. Balloch, DDS

300 Hebron Ave Ste 112 Glastonbury, CT

Jeffery J. Glavine, DDS CityLifestyle.com/Glastonbury

LOCAL’S CHOICE

F AT H E R ’ S D AY G I F T G U I D E

WE ASKED NICK DAMATO, LOCAL DAD AND OWNER OF DAMATO CHIROPRACTIC CENTER ON HEBRON AVENUE, FOR HIS DAD’S DAY WISHLIST

PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIE DRAGHI

FROM CAR WASHES TO CARS, HERE’S ONE LOCAL DAD’S GIFT IDEAS FOR FATHER’S DAY.

Gift certificates for monthly visits to a local carwash, like 2 Brothers.

A weekend getaway of skiing or snowmobiling in Vermont.

A restored vintage 1972 Ford Bronco wagon.

A night at the Tobacco Shop in Hartford.

A membership to a “Bourbon of the Month” club.

A prepaid day of golf for me and three buddies at Minnechaug Golf Club.

A massage at a local massage business.

Glastonbury Lifestyle | June 2020

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