The Day Magazine August 2023

Legendary links

Storied Groton golf course celebrates milestone SIGHTS &

SOUNDS OF SUMMER

- Family adventures on the water in August

- Free outdoor music in scenic surroundings

BEST The results are in!

From the Bronx to the world:

HIP-HOP

Do you know how to play Wheel of Fortune?

If you have a hearing loss, you do it all the time. The reason is that with all hearing losses, some speech sounds may come through quite well, while others are missed. For example, in the sentence,

All of the high frequency sounds have been hidden. This common pattern of hearing loss leaves the individual struggling to understand what the person said, grasping to fill in the missing blanks that their hearing loss doesn’t allow them to hear.

This pattern of hearing loss, over time, can lead to a lack of attention and loss of listening ability. It can make one cognitively slower and literally a step behind everyone else in the conversation.

Fortunately, this pattern of hearing loss can be greatly helped when treated by one of our Doctors of Audiology. In fact, our Doctors have had extensive, advanced training in learning about the acoustics of speech, how different patterns of hearing loss affect speech understanding, and extensive experience in utilizing today’s modern hearing aids to correct an individual’s hearing problems. The complete sentence above is“LET’S GO PLAY BASEBALL, GRANDAD!”. Isn’t it easy when you have the complete picture?

Now is the time to schedule a FREE Complete Hearing Consultation

FREE PROFESSIONAL EAR EXAMINATION

One of our Hearing Professionals will provide a professional examination of your ears and assess your hearing. Specialized testing will determine how well you understand speech, particularly in background noise.

FREE DEMONSTRATION

In the event that you have a hearing loss, you will have the opportunity to evaluate hearing aids that have been accurately and professionally tuned specifically for your hearing loss. Your instrument will be chosen from several different brands based upon your specific needs, value, sound quality, and reliability.

Call one of our convenient offices to schedule your appointment.

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on the cover A microphone stands in Apathy ’s New London recording studio, ready to lay down a track. Photo by barb Dunn

“Shenny” celebrates 125 years

DESIGNED BY LEGENDARY ARCHITECT, TOWN GOLF COURSE OFFERS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, RICH HISTORY

By anthony PioPPi

For 125 years golf has been played at Eastern Point in Groton, beginning in 1898 with a rudimentary four-hole design on nothing more than a cow pasture. Then, it hosted enthusiastic participants whacking gutta-percha balls with hickoryshafted clubs.

Shortly thereafter, the course expanded to nine holes, laid out by Thomas Bendelow, a prolific course designer. In 1916 legendary course architect Donald Ross was hired to construct an entirely new layout, then known as Shennecossett Country Club.

Today, the mostly-Ross, 18-hole design, now known as Shennecossett Golf Course and owned by the town of Groton, is one of the most popular publicly accessible layouts in the state, and rich in golf history.

In its heyday as a private course associated with the long-gone grand Griswold Hotel, some of the all-time greats graced the Shennecossett course: Glenna CollettVare, Gene Sarazen, Francis Ouimet, Tommy Armour, Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Max Marston. Among Shennecossett head golf professionals were Scottishborn Alex Smith, who won the U.S. Open in 1906 and 1909, and English-American “Lighthorse” Harry Cooper,

who won 30 times on what would become the PGA Tour. Marston, who frequented the course during many summers, captured the 1923 U.S. Amateur title and was a member of three Walker Cup teams. He also won the Shennecossett Invitational on multiple occasions.

For years, the course hosted the Shennecossett Women’s Open, one of the premier amateur events in the country that Vare, arguably the greatest American female amateur golfer, won a record seven times.

A number of state tournaments have been played at Shennecossett over the years, including the Connecticut Senior Open on multiple occasions.

In 1926, professional golfers Walter Hagen and Joe Kirkwood were hired by the inventor of a new item, the wooden golf tee, to demonstrate its use and drum up sales through a number of exhibitions, one of the first being at Shennecossett. Prior to the wooden tee, golfers placed their balls on a little tuft of mud they built using dirt and water stocked at each teeing ground.

“Joe and I strutted around the course with the bright red tees stuck behind our ears,” Hagen recalled of his Shennecossett experience in a 2007 interview for The Elks Magazine. “At each tee we used them … and left them. Kids scrambled on the course grabbing them as souvenirs.”

The modern incarnation of Shennecossett stays open year-round if it is a warm winter, with golfers traveling sizable distances from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and beyond to get in their cold-weather fix. During the traditional golf season, it is nearly always packed, as is the Par-4 restaurant, which is also open all year.

Shenny, as it is commonly known, has the qualities of a links golf course. It is near the sea so wind is a constant factor, and longtime superintendent and unofficial course historian Eric Morrison keeps the turf healthy and firm so that the ground game can be utilized.

“It is a different golf experience from the parkland courses that players are more used to playing,” longtime head golf professional Todd Goodhue commented of the design that features few trees, unlike the parkland style.

In some cases, like the par-4 third hole with a green that runs away from the line of play and the wind often at the players’ backs, landing the golf ball short and letting it trundle its way onto the putting surface is the only way to successfully navigate the approach shot.

According to Goodhue, the Donald Ross lineage is a significant attraction. The Scottish-born Ross, who worked in the St. Andrews shop of Old Tom Morris, is considered one of the finest course architects. His most

above Four-time Masters Champion Arnold Palmer, then 23 years old, played at Shennecossett while stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London in the early 1950s. photo courtesy of facebook.com/shennygolf

below Caddies at the Shennecossett Golf Course (left to right) Tom Edwards, Mike Altman, Bob Ross, Harold Robinson, Don O’Mara and Ron Boucher are pictured in this 1949 photograph. photo courtesy of tom edwards

bottom Spectators watch a match at the old 15th hole, which is now the 12th, around 1915-1920. photo courtesy of shennecossett golf course

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famous creations included Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, and Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla. In Connecticut, his designs are Wampanoag Country Club in West Hartford and the Country Club of Waterbury. At Hartford Golf Club, Ross designed the third nine and renovated the existing 18.

“Many like to play us because of our history, and the fact that we are a Donald Ross-designed course,” says Goodhue. “Players will travel to play us just because they are Donald Ross fans.”

In 1906, the grand two-story 400-room Griswold Hotel opened, built by Morton F. Plant, a railroad magnate. It was located in the area of the current 16th green and 17th tee at Shenny. With the growing enthusiasm in golf, Plant realized a top-tier layout was a must for his guests.

He purchased the existing course and additional land that bordered it and hired Ross to create an entirely new design that would stand among the best in New England and beyond. The original Ross layout, opened in 1916 and tweaked by him in 1919, featured a wonderful array of holes that tested the acumen of the best golfers while also providing enjoyment for the shorter hitters and less-skilled players. It had wide fairways with long, wispy grasses accentuating the undulating terrain.

Plant was also a philanthropist. A sizable donation from him led to the creation of what is now Connecticut College.

The course remained in private hands until 1968 when Groton purchased the property. The town formally opened Shennecossett as a municipal course on April 10, 1969. The hotel had closed in 1967. Pfizer purchased the building and tore down the shuttered hotel the following year.

Shennecossett was significantly altered in 1996 when the town undertook a land swap with Pfizer, much to the chagrin of golf architecture enthusiasts. Lost in their

At Shennecossett’s 16th hole, golfers may get a look at a passing submarine. photo courtesy of shennecossett golf course

An old postcard of the Shennecossett Golf Club, circa 1915. photo courtesy of shennecossett golf course

entirety were the fifth and sixth holes and most of the seventh. The area was converted into a parking lot. The town hired architect Mark Mungeam, who designed three holes on the new property: the current 15th through 17th. The 16th green, overlooking the Thames River with its passing ferries and occasional submarines, is one of the most photographed golf locations in Connecticut.

At the same time, a reworking of much of the remaining course was necessary. A par-3 was abandoned, the current eighth hole was redesigned, the existing ninth was added and the 10th was shortened from a par-5 to a par-4, eliminating a tee shot over Plant Street. The 18th green was moved and the hole was extended from a par-4 to a par-5.

Since 2009, architect Tim Gerrish, working with Morrison, has overseen improvements on an

almost-annual basis, focusing on adding drainage, renovating bunkers and rebuilding and leveling tees.

Gerrish adores the layout, which he noted is one of the few seaside municipal courses in the country, even prodding his friends in Maine to make the drive.

“It truly is a great golf experience,” he said.

For a more in-depth history of the golf course, see Shennecossett, the History of a Golf Course by Ray W. Rancourt, available in the Shennecossett golf shop.

Anthony Pioppi is primarily a golf writer and historian. He is the author of four books, including The Finest Nines, North America’s Best Nine-Hole Golf Courses, as well as the co-author of Haunted Golf. He is also the executive director of the Seth Raynor Society.

“Players will travel to play us just because they are Donald Ross fans.”

TODD GOODHUE

Sunrise over Shennecossett’s 2nd green. photo courtesy of shennecossett golf course

Summer sounds

LBy Morgan rizzo

ive outdoor music is a great way to bring family and friends together for a night out, whether you’re picnicking on a lawn, sitting with your feet in the sand, or watching the sunset at a local vineyard. If you haven’t already spent some time this summer enjoying musical performances in some of southeastern Connecticut’s most beautiful surroundings, now’s your chance! Here are some of the free or inexpensive concert series taking place throughout the region through the end of summer.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, OLD SAYBROOK

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Old Saybrook Town Green 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook

Bring a blanket and chairs, pack a picnic and enjoy a night of free live music brought to the community in part by the Old Saybrook Rotary Club. The 45th annual Summer Concerts on the Green series features both solo artists and bands including Gracie Day on August 9, Long Island Sound on August 16 and Jukebox 45 on August 23.

Fridays, 7 p.m., Harvey’s Beach 29 Plum Bank Road, Old Saybrook

Gather your friends and family and enjoy free Friday night live music on the beach. Bring snacks or visit an

left Gracie Day will be playing at the Old Saybrook Town Green on August 9. photo by sara mcingvale

right See Twisted Pine at Stonington’s Concerts on the Green on August 18. photo by bl ake hannahson

McCook’s Point Park Bandshell, Niantic. photo courtesy of mccook’s point park

and scenery

on-site food truck during most shows. The summer series closes with Acoustic Marshpit on August 18.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, WATERFORD

Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., Waterford Beach Park 317 Great Neck Road, Waterford

Picturesque Waterford Beach Park hosts this free summer music series through August with shows including Fusion on August 16 and the Tim Fioravanti Jazz Orchestra on August 23.

STONINGTON VINEYARDS SUMMER NIGHT MUSIC SERIES

Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m., Stonington Vineyards 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington

What’s better than live music paired with a glass of wine? The series supports local charities. August shows include 2 Cat Zoo on the 18th. Tickets are $10 per person in advance (buy them online at stoningtonvineyards.com) or $12 (cash only) at the door, and 25 percent of ticket sales goes to a local charity each week. Bring snacks, lawn chairs or blankets but outside alcohol is prohibited. The vineyard starts accepting cars on site for the concert after 5 p.m.

Concerts on the Green, Stonington. photo courtesy of lagrua center

Stonington Vineyards Summer Night Music Series. photo courtesy of stonington vineyards

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top right Summer Cabaret at Eastern Point Beach. photo courtesy of groton recreation department

middle right See Tim Fioravanti Jazz Orchestra at Waterford Beach on August 23. photo by sean d elliot

bottom right Dr G and the Believers will play at McCook’s Point Main Beach in Niantic on August 23. photo by denise garofalo

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN, STONINGTON

One Friday a month through September, 6 to 7 p.m. Stonington Commons Green adjacent to La Grua Center at 32 Water Street, Stonington

Supported by the Stonington Village Improvement Association, the free Concerts on the Green series hosts Twisted Pine on August 18 and the Yeissonn Villamar Quartet on September 22. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics and their own chairs. The Stonington Harbor Yacht Club provides a wine bar. To see more information about Concerts on the Green, visit lagruacenter.org/calendar.

MCCOOK’S POINT PARK & BEACH CONCERT SERIES, NIANTIC

Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., McCook’s Point Main Beach 8 Atlantic Street, Niantic

Bring a beach chair or blanket, snacks and (nonalcoholic) drinks, and enjoy the sounds while taking in the view of Niantic Bay. The Wednesday night concert series on the beach features some great acts including Azalea Drive on August 9, Five Bean Row on August 16, Dr. G and the Believers on August 23, and Luke and Mike on August 30.

Fridays, 7 to 9 p.m. (unless noted), McCook’s Bandshell 8 Atlantic Street, Niantic

Shows at the Bandshell include American Honey on August 11, Eric Lichter with opener Sondra Levine (from 7 to 10 p.m.) on August 18, DizzyFish on August 25 and Time and Changes Jazz Orchestra (from 6 to 7:15 p.m.) on September 1.

SUMMER CABARET AT EASTERN POINT BEACH, GROTON

Sundays, 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Zbierski House 3 Beach Pond Road, Groton

The Summer Cabaret is a monthly concert series held at the seaside Zbierski House at Eastern Point Beach,

overlooking the Thames River and Long Island Sound. The final free Summer Cabaret show featuring Andre & Eddie at Zbierski House is scheduled for Sunday, August 20. Also, check the city of Groton website at cityofgroton.recdesk.com for rain dates in August from the summer concert series in Washington Park, which ran through the end of July.

Morgan Rizzo is a recent graduate of Salve Regina University with a double major in English communications and creative writing and publishing with a marketing minor. She loves watching the sunset, capturing photos for social media and spending time with her family in Westerly, Rhode Island.

American Honey will play at McCook’s Point Bandshell in Niantic on August 11.

photo by Matthew allen photography

Getoutand

explore

NLOCAL COMPANIES MAKE IT EASY TO SPEND A FEW HOURS OR MORE ON THE REGION’S WATERWAYS

By Jenn Mcculloch

ow that summer is in full effect, what better way is there to enjoy it than by spending a day on the water? You don’t need to be a boat-owner to take full advantage of the beauty that the Connecticut shoreline and its rivers have to offer.

Luckily in southeastern Connecticut, you don’t have to look far to find a boat rental. From canoes and single or tandem kayaks to stand-up paddleboards, these businesses give your family fun, affordable options to earn your sea legs. You can paddle on your own or take a group tour, board a sunset cruise and even enroll in a paddleboard yoga class.

Here are some of the area’s watercraft rental locations to check out before summer’s end (some are open through the fall, weather permitting!).

Niantic Adventure Company. photo by gabriel de la cruz

NIANTIC ADVENTURE COMPANY

Delivery service; 860-460-8748; nianticadventurecompany.com

Rentals available: Single sit-on-top kayaks, double sit-on-top kayaks and paddleboards.

Rental rates: Rates range from $50 for half-day rentals of single kayaks or paddleboards, or $70 for tandem kayaks, to $360 for weekly rentals. Delivery is included in the village of Niantic. Call for rates outside of that area.

What makes your business stand out?

“We are both local residents with extensive knowledge of the shoreline in our area,” said Carter Briggs, who owns the business with Sarah Cunningham. “Our

business provides local delivery and pickup services for a hassle-free experience. We offer full-service rentals to your desired location with great customer service, quality kayaks and paddleboards, life jackets, paddles, loading/unloading, on-site payment options and local tips and suggestions.”

What will guests love about this experience?

“We make it really easy and convenient for our customers to get out on the water when and where they desire,” said Briggs. “We are downtown Niantic locals who live, breathe and experience the shoreline in this area, year round.”

Niantic Adventure Company. photo by gabriel de la cruz

Captain Carter Briggs of Niantic Adventure Company. photo by gabriel de la cruz

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THREE BELLES OUTFITTERS

119 Oswegatchie Hills Road, Niantic; 860-691-3001; threebellesoutfitters.com

Rentals available: Pedal and paddle single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards, sailing kayaks, fishing kayaks. Rentals are for ages 6 and older and ages 6 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult, with the exception of camp and partner events (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Parks & Rec). All events are listed online.

Rental rates: Onsite rentals range from $25 for one hour to $225 for eight hours. Offsite rentals range from $50 for a four-hour rental to $600 for a weekly rental. Offsite rentals within 15 miles available for delivery and pickup free of charge. All rentals include life jacket, paddle, whistle and basic instruction. Fishing kayak rentals include a fish-finder, battery and light pole.

What makes your business stand out?

“We offer more than just rentals. We have many programs including a kids paddle camp, paddleboard yoga,

adult learn to paddleboard classes, glow paddles (night time paddles with underwater lights) and demos before buying,” said Lauren Frey, manager of Three Belles Outfitters. “We are located on a secluded cove in Niantic with access to the Niantic River for miles of exploration. We have a full-service galley for lunch or breakfast before or after your trip on our 1,500-square-foot patio. We have a large rental fleet and can accommodate groups up to 50 people. We are also a full-service paddle shop and our rental fleet consists of the brands we sell. Want to try that kayak or paddleboard before you buy it? We offer free demos. We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase.”

What will guests love about this experience?

“We have a variety of options available and our flexibility to work with clients to provide them with a bestin-class experience. A family of four can get on the

water for as little as $60,” said Frey. “Our glow paddles offer you the chance to experience the river at night and experience the wildlife that exists all around you. Our staff is passionate about being on the water and we want

to share that with our clients. Our goal is that every client leaves with an appreciation of our motto ‘because life is better on the water’ and will come back to experience that feeling again.”

SALMON RIVER KAYAK RENTAL

Machimoodus State Park / Sunrise Resort; Echo Farm Road, East Haddam; 860-301-1105; salmonriverkayaks.com

Rentals available: Tandem kayaks, single kayaks, canoes and paddleboards through the fall, depending on water temperature and weather.

Rental rates: Rates begin at $35 for a two-hour minimum rental, which includes life vests and paddles. Coolers, dry bags and phone bags may be rented separately and all reservations are made on the website. Delivery is also available within 10 miles for $30.

What makes your business stand out?

“This is our second season being open,” said James Yuille, who owns the business with Robert Haesche. “The Echo Farm boat launch has a beach area, porta-potty, picnic tables and hiking trails. It’s a really fun place to meet the locals or enjoy the day outside.”

What will guests love about this experience?

“The Salmon River is a mellow moving river you can enjoy by yourself or with the youngsters,” said Yuille. “It is great for fishing or bird-watching. The eagles mate, lay eggs and nest this time of year, and blue herons and turtles are frequent sights.”

photos courtesy of salmon river kayak rental

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MYSTIC BOAT ADVENTURES

Noank Shipyard, 145 Pearl Street, Noank; 877-551-5905; mysticboatadventures.com

Rentals available: Guided boat tour of the Mystic River and Fishers Island Sound in Craig Cats, which are two-seater pontoon boats with 30-horsepower motors. Mystic Boat Adventures is open for its seventh year through September 30 and may be booked online. Gift certificates are available.

Rental rates: One-hour tour for $110 per person, which includes instruction and safety handling of the boats, and an open-water tour. The three-hour tour is $210 per person, which includes the instruction and safety handling of the boats and travels up the Mystic River, under the drawbridge and around the historic Mystic Seaport as well in the open water. Life jackets and two bottles of water are provided on both tours.

What makes your business stand out?

“Our business is a unique bucket-list experience because you get to drive your own boat, which makes it a personal experience,” said Rob Roche, owner of Mystic Boat Adventures. “They have a lot of laughs, they love putting the throttle down and going fast, and the best part is doing donuts and figure eights. We are the only company within 900 miles north of South Carolina that offers this type of boat tour.”

What will guests love about this experience?

“Our customers love this adventure because it is a great bonding experience,” said Roche. “They enjoy learning about the history of the area and the spectacular views. Our three-hour tour can put you in three different states—Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York waters—and these are our most popular tours.”

BLACK HALL OUTFITTERS

132 Shore Road, Old Lyme; 372 Boston Post Road, Westbrook; 860-434-9680; blackhalloutfitters.com

Rentals available: Single kayaks, fishing kayaks, tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Black Hall Outfitters also offers group paddle outings, sunset paddle outings and eco-paddle tours.

Rental rates: Rentals range from $25 to $100 depending on the equipment type, number of hours, and whether a tour guide is desired.

What makes your business stand out?

“Black Hall Outfitters Old Lyme is located directly on the Connecticut River canoe and kayak trail, within the 500-acre Great Island wildlife management estuary, which is considered one of the country’s top paddle sport destinations,” said Audra Chmiel, HR and event director for Black Hall Outfitters. “Black Hall Outfitters Westbrook is located directly on the 600-acre Stewart McKinney wildlife preserve and the Menuketesuck River kayak trail, which provides open spaces, natural beauty and miles of exploration for paddlers to enjoy.”

What will guests love about this experience?

“Guests will love paddling in protected, calm, pristine waterways and Black Hall Outfitters’ goal of providing our guests with the best day of their summer,” said Chmiel.

outfitters Jenn McCulloch spent 15 years working as a sports editor and writer before taking a role as the events & marketing manager with The Hometown Foundation, a Cheshire nonprofit. She writes from Branford, where she lives with her family and three dogs.

photos courtesy of

black hall

to cover story

By EllE Rahilly

On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc hit the switch on his turntable at a party in the South Bronx and created a sound that would revolutionize the world.

While entertaining at his sister’s back-toschool bash, the Jamaican-American deejay extended an instrumental beat to let people dance longer and began rapping over the music. Five years later, while teasing a friend who’d just enlisted in the Army, emcee Keef Cowboy of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five coined the term “hip-hop” while scat-singing in the cadence of marching troops.

Hip-hop crews developed in Hartford in the late 1970s as youth became inspired to emulate what they learned from the Bronx-based styles. This small scene wasn’t fully recognized by a larger audience here until August 1983, when Peace Train, a Hartford nonprofit, produced a breakdancing contest in Bushnell Park, where an estimated 15,000 spectators watched 40 crews compete.

Throughout the 1980s, hip-hop continued to make waves in Connecticut with artists like The Skinny Boys out of Bridgeport and Stezo, a New Haven native who would become a trailblazer by introducing one of the most quintessential breakbeats used in hip-hop. Underground artists surfaced throughout the 1990s, including Apathy, a renowned local rapper from Willimantic who helped put Connecticut hip-hop on the map.

Across the country, the healing power of hip-hop helped transform the violence of the streets into playful dance and rap battles, and the culture became a hub for education and activism. The genre offered a beacon of hope for urban America.

Early on, the Universal Zulu Nation arose as an international hip-hop awareness organization promoting love, peace and unity for all races, religions and civilizations. It provided a stage for young people to express themselves through hip-hop, creating a sense of community and belonging, and became a platform to share stories, struggles and aspirations. It was also a place to

thanks for everything

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE GENRE’S CONTRIBUTION TO CONNECTICUT’S CULTURE

BREAKBEAT: A repeated sample of a drumbeat, usually forming a fast syncopated rhythm, used as a basis for hip-hop and dance music.

below left Mike Mitchell, left, owner of 92.9 WDUP, with the late rapper Fred the Godson. photo courtesy of Mike Mitchell

below right A signed copy of Nas’ album Illmatic XX hangs on the wall of Apathy’s recording studio in New London. photo by barb dunn

below £OR€!GN

£!$H,

opposite

page Apathy’s New London recording studio is a veritable shrine to hip-hop, featuring memorabilia and other knicknacks from his career and hiphop’s history. photos by barb dunn

experiment with new styles of poetry, dancing and visual arts to celebrate culture and heritage. Young people were able to shed light on what was happening in their neighborhoods so the rest of America could no longer ignore it.

“It’s important to understand you have decades of systemic oppression that put people in a certain place and made them live a certain way. When an artist expresses that through their music, it’s almost a fantastic analysis of their reality,” says Apathy, referring to the Notorious B.I.G.’s gritty depiction of the Brooklyn streets that raised him. “You can’t fault them for that.”

As its influence spread throughout America, different regions adapted their own unique styles of hip-hop. Out west, N.W.A paved the way for groups like Cypress Hill, Odd Future and Black Hippy. In the San Francisco Bay area, artists

HYPHY: A style of up-tempo hip-hop music originating in northern California and associated with a frenetic style of dancing. It is Oakland slang for “hyperactive.”

like Mac Dre and Keak da Sneak introduced the “hyphy” movement to the world. In the Midwest, Kanye West ushered in the subgenre of melodic rap and Indiana’s Freddie Gibbs emerged as one of the most accredited underground rappers nationwide. Throughout the South, a network was formed with pioneers like UGK, 2 Live Crew, Outkast and Three 6 Mafia at the helm. Back

BOOM-BAP: A style prominent in East Coast hip-hop mostly during its golden age (from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s). The term “boom-bap” is an onomatopoeia that represents the sounds used for the bass drum and snare drum, respectively.

right Mike Mitchell has visitors sign this 92.9 WDUP banner in the radio station.

photo by barb dunn

left, with her manager and other artists from Maszv Entertainment. photo courtesy of meena vaswani

CYPHER:

An informal gathering of rappers, beatboxers and/ or breakdancers in a circle, extemporaneously making music together.

in New York, early hip-hop collectives like the Diggin’ in the Crates Crew, A Tribe Called Quest and the Wu-Tang Clan set the tone for iconic successors like the Lox, the Diplomats and ASAP Mob.

LOCAL INFLUENCES

Apathy developed a love for hip-hop at an early age through the influence of his surroundings and the sound of seminal emcees like Melle Mel, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh.

“My uncle was a B-boy. He bought the Def Jam 45s of Beastie Boys and Run-DMC,” he recalls. As a kid, the Connecticut emcee started rapping about things he saw around the house, stayed up late with his father taping hip-hop on the radio, and was heavily tuned into shows like Yo!

MTV Raps

He was fortunate to be raised on hip-hop during the mid-’80s to the mid-’90s, a time he describes as the pro-Black era, heralded by artists like Run-DMC, who taught Black history and culture to America through their music.

“My respect for Black culture went through the roof just by virtue of being immersed in that era of hip-hop,” he says. “Coming up as a white hip-hop artist in that era gave me a phenomenal anchor and place to start.”

Apathy studied the intricate flow patterns and lyricism of bohemian artists like Souls of Mischief, Organized Konfusion and Jeru the Damaja. He developed his own distinct “underground boom-bap East Coast hip-hop” sound and traveled

to New York City in a beat-up Buick Century for all-night rap cyphers, just to drive back in time for his eight-hour shift at Mohegan Sun the next morning.

“Hip-hop is my religion,” says Apathy, who was born Chad Aaron Bromley in 1979. “I’m devout. It’s how I’ve based everything in my life and it’s everything I’ve cared about. Hip-hop is emotional to me on a level I can’t explain.”

At the start of his career, Apathy collaborated with Demigodz, a Montville hip-hop collective ahead of its time with four-track cassette records and state-of-the-art recording equipment. With the addition of Apathy, Demigodz became one of the biggest underground hip-hop groups of all time. It wasn’t long before they gained recognition from acclaimed artists around the world.

“We had no idea that our idols, who we worship like gods, were buying our records,” recounts Apathy. “DJ Premier played one of my records on New York’s Hot 97 one night and I almost fainted.”

The rapper would go on to collaborate with DJ Premier on hits like “Stop What Ya Doin’” and his 2018 album The Widow’s Son, which also featured legends Pete Rock and Pharoahe Monch. Apathy teamed up with another one of his idols, O.C., for his 2017 album Perestroika . He brought some of the most renowned hip-hop artists to southeastern Connecticut, with most of the production taking place in New London. Apathy’s most recent album, Where the River Meets the Sea, features heavy-hitter Styles P, as well as Connecticut’s own Chris Webby and ANoyd.

Hip-hop also inspired New London native Mike Mitchell to found 92.9 FM WDUP, “New London’s Home For Timeless Hip Hop and R&B,” out of his living room in 2014.

“I’ve always had a love for radio, but I felt like there was a void,” says Mitchell. “There was no station playing hip-hop from its golden era in the ‘90s.” The community’s response to 92.9 was overwhelming, and Mitchell has now moved the station to the heart of downtown New London.

below Mike Mitchell, a member of the Recording Academy, attended the 2022 Grammy Awards. photo courtesy of mike mitchell

right A photo of Apathy with DJ Premier, one of his biggest hip-hop idols. The duo collaborated on projects like Apathy’s 2018 album The Widow’s Son photo by barb dunn

92.9 features hip-hop throughout the decades. Local up-and-coming artists slide into the rotation alongside the likes of Black Moon, KRS-One and Mobb Deep.

“I want 92.9 to feel like a hub for the town,” says Mitchell. “There’s a lot of talented people out here, and we’ll play everybody’s record at least once. But I also want it to be something to aspire to.” He confides in a tight circle of family and friends when curating music for the station.

Since launching nearly 10 years ago, the airwaves of 92.9 have been graced by shout-outs from highly praised artists like Pusha T, Vado and Snoop Dogg in addition to New York battle rappers Murda Mook and Fred the Godson.

Live on Friday nights, 92.9 showcases local talent. The show is hosted by Shaniece Garcia, another New London native with her finger on the pulse of the local hip-hop scene.

“Friday night is prime time on FM radio. Everybody’s tuned in,” says Mitchell. “We use our live show as a platform to highlight local artists, businesses and events. That time slot has been one of our greatest ways of giving back to the community.”

Without a doubt, New London has produced some incredible talent. “I’ve married the New London area more than anywhere else I’ve lived. I’m in love with the people, the artists and the emcees here,” says Apathy.

Franc Grams, Suave-Ski, Jus Cuz, Hayze and Kappa Gamma are some of the artists who have contributed to the local music scene while bringing celebrated performers to the area.

In 2017, Franc Grams and Jus Cuz joined Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock onstage for a show at New London’s Garde Arts Center. Franc Grams has also teamed up with the likes of Dave East and Nipsey Hussle—further solidifying New London’s contribution to hip-hop. These artists have inspired a new generation of local talent on the rise. Franc Grams recently collaborated with £OR€!GN £!$H (pronounced “Foreign Fish”), a female hip-hop artist whose stage name is a nod to her

above Apathy, center, with Erick Sermon, left, and Parrish “PMD” Smith of New York hip-hop duo EPMD. photo courtesy of apathy

Tenets of hip-hop

Emceeing, deejaying, breakdancing, graffiti and knowledge are the five core tenets of hip-hop.

Emceeing: The act of singing or rhythmically rhyming while a deejay plays beats. Also known as MCing or rapping. Emcee is short for master of ceremonies.

Deejaying: When an artist uses turntables and mixing techniques to create music, beats and breakbeats. An emcee accompanies this music with rhymes and vocals. Also known as DJing. Deejay is short for disc jockey, a term that dates back to the ‘40s.

Breakdancing: An especially energetic and acrobatic form of dance that often uses elaborate choreography, footwork and movements. The break in breakdancing refers to the breaks and breakbeats in music. Also known as breaking, B-boying and B-girling.

Graffiti: The act of writing, drawing or painting symbols, markings, pictures or other works of art on walls or buildings. Also known as tagging or writing.

Knowledge: The fifth element that brings together the other four elements of hip-hop. It refers to the knowledge of how to rap, deejay, breakdance or make graffiti, as well as other knowledge a person needs to be a part of hip-hop culture—including knowledge of self, knowledge of the world and knowledge of social issues.

source: dictionary.com/e/five-elements-of-hip-hop/

Indian-American heritage and New London roots, for the first track of her 2023 debut album, Mixed Emotions. “I want to show each of my emotions differently throughout the songs. Each track is going to show a different side of me,” says the 25-year-old emcee.

£OR€!GN £!$H started making music in 2019, with frequent performances at New London venues like 33 Golden Street and Nowhere Café. This year, she participated in She Got Bars—a New Haven event that spotlights female poets and songwriters.

Hip-hop brought New London emcees £OR€!GN £!$H and F.A.M.E. together, personally and professionally, eight years ago.

After writing for years, F.A.M.E. encouraged his fiancée to hop in the booth. “I love music because it’s a branch of culture that expresses each individual as their own. It speaks to many different love languages, from hip-hop to rap to R&B to soul to rock to funk,” says £OR€!GN £!$H. The rapper is part of Maszv Entertainment, a local group that manages other rising talent like Proph3tZ (pronounced “Prophet-Z”) and F.A.M.E.

THE IMPACT

Over the past 50 years, hip-hop has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that’s connected people all over the world through the power of storytelling and collaboration. Like so many other places, Connecticut has utilized hip-hop as a tool for positive social change. Events like “A Hip Hop Expression of Black History” in Bridgeport, hosted by nonprofit Connecticut Against Violence and featuring special guests like legendary emcee Rakim, help to maintain hip-hop’s unique ability to bring people together.

The lasting legacy of hip-hop has been celebrated countless times throughout its history: It’s in Whitney Houston crooning the melodic tune of Snoop Dogg’s “Lay Low” while accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2001 BET Awards. It’s in honoring the late Tupac Shakur with a gold star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June. It’s in Nas finally receiving his flowers with his first Grammy in 2021 for King’s Disease . It’s in Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid in Full—a harbinger of the golden age of hip-hop—landing on Rolling Stone’s roundup of the greatest albums of all time.

“There was a time when people were stomping on hip-hop CDs and protesting,” says Mitchell. “Hip-hop is American culture now.

Everybody speaks its language. We’ve come a long way.”

But perhaps one of hip-hop’s greatest legacies is the impact it has had on smaller local communities like southeastern Connecticut. The genre is so deeply embedded in the culture that, for many locals, it’s all they’ve known. It’s been their connection to the nation and the world, and has spurred some of the greatest talent and creativity southeastern Connecticut has produced.

The impact can be seen in all kinds of places, like a 5-year-old girl, now grown, who, listening to Reasonable Doubt blasting from her older brother’s room, fell hard and fast for the sound of Jay-Z’s flow marrying the beat. As she grew, that young girl experienced one of the greatest educations of her life, through her brother, thanks to hip-hop. That girl was me.

Elle Rahilly has a degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts, where she also studied Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. After spending eight years working in fashion and finance in New York City, Elle is thrilled to be back in her native New London. She is an ardent lover of animals, travel and haute couture. This article is dedicated to her late brother Drew.

opposite top Mike Mitchell, second from right, with members of 92.9 WDUP’s allvolunteer staff, displaying the certificate recognizing the station as the first Blackowned radio station in New London. photo courtesy of mike mitchell

opposite bottom A poster advertising one of Apathy’s shows in Las Vegas adorns the walls of his recording studio. photo by barb dunn

left The equipment at 92.9 WDUP allows Mike Mitchell flexibility with his schedule. He broadcasts shows and podcasts from the studio but can also manage the station remotely. photo by barb dunn

below Apathy flips to an article about himself in an issue of XXL

Magazine photo by barb dunn

arts & entertainment

area attraction

MYSTIC AQUARIUM

55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org

second Place

Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford runner-uP

Olde Mistick Village, Mystic

art gallery

FLORENCE GRISWOLD MUSEUM

96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme 860-434-5542 florencegriswoldmuseum.org

second Place

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London runner-uP

Hygienic Art, New London

live music venue

MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville 888-226-7711; mohegansun.com

second Place

The Garde Arts Center, New London runner-uP

The Knickerbocker Cafe, Westerly, RI

live theater or entertainment

THE GARDE ARTS CENTER

325 State Street, New London 860-444-7373; gardearts.org

second Place

Mystic Luxury Cinemas, Mystic runner-uP

Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam

best

live music venue regional gambling & casino

Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun is one of the largest and most spectacular entertainment and gaming destinations in the United States. Guests can enjoy two world-class hotel towers, more than 40 dining offerings, including TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, incredible shopping and awardwinning entertainment at Mohegan Sun Arena. Visit Mohegan Sun online to plan your visit! 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville; mohegansun.com; 888-226-7711

best

live theater or entertainment

The Garde Arts Center

The Garde Arts Center strives to engage, enrich, entertain, educate and inspire the region of greater New London County. Southeastern Connecticut’s nonprofit home for the performing arts, cinema and education, the Garde Arts Center was founded in 1985 to save, restore and operate the historic Garde Theater and Building, built in the heart of downtown New London in 1926, as a regional cultural gathering place and economic catalyst. 325 State Street, New London; 860-444-7373; gardearts.org

local Band or Musician

RED LIGHT

242 Squaw Rock Road, Moosup 860-710-3987; redlightband.com

second Place

Nick Bosse

runner-uP Wild Nights

local Podcast or Podcast host

B3 BASEBALL

282 Franklin Street, Norwich b3-baseball.com

second Place

The Guy Who Knows A Guy, Stonington

runner-uP Quirky HR, Norwich

local Podcast or Podcast host

B3 Baseball

Step up to the plate and join the thrilling journey of B3 Baseball, the podcast that has taken the baseball world by storm. With hosts Scott “Scottso” Freyer, Chris “Not Yet” Nott, and Joey “Stats” Fenton leading the charge, this show has experienced remarkable growth over the past two years. B3 Baseball is the go-to destination for in-depth game analysis, captivating player interviews and lively discussions. Catch it on all major streaming platforms and be part of the action! 282 Franklin Street, Norwich; b3-baseball.com

local radio host

SHELLY MARTINEZ, 97.7

WCTY

40 Cuprak Road, Norwich 860-887-3511; wcty.com/shelly-martinez

second Place

B3 Sports w/ Scott “Scottso” Freyer and Chris “Not Yet” Nott, Norwich runner-uP

Lee Elci, 94.9 News Now, Ledyard

MuseuM

MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM

75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org

second Place

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Ledyard runner-uP

Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme

Painting or crafting studio

BOARD & BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO

80 Stonington Road, Suite A-2A, Mystic 860-325-1650

boardandbrush.com/mystic

second Place

Pinspiration, runner-uP

Get Fired Up,

regional ga casino

MOHEGAN SUN

1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville 888-226-7711; mohegansun.com

second Place

Foxwoods Resort Casino,

food & dining

appetizers

FLANDERS FISH MARKET & RESTAURANT

22 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme 860-739-8866; flandersfish.com

second place

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, Niantic runner-up

Uncle Kranky’s Cafe, Jewett City

asian cuisine

PINK BASIL

27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic 860-245-4470 pinkbasilct.com

second place

The Spice Club, Niantic runner-up

Jasmine Thai, New London

bakery

FLANDERS DONUT & BAKE SHOP

327 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com

second place

Sift Bake Shop, Mystic runner-up

La Stella Pasta & Pastry, Taftville

barbecue

DOG WATCH MYSTIC

20 Stonington Road, Mystic 860-245-4911

dogwatchcafe.com/mystic

second place

Chester’s Barbecue, Groton runner-up

Noble Smokehouse, Mystic

best

casual dining dessert menu mexican cuisine

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine

La Llorona

Progressive Mexican Cuisine is a familyowned business that offers its customers a cozy and warm atmosphere, where they can enjoy a little piece of Mexico directly on their plate. La Llorona prides itself in offering very authentic and traditional Mexican dishes, but at the same time adding a little twist to make this food even more interesting and pleasant to the palates of its customers. 13 Hope Street, Niantic; 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com

best

food truck seafood

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock, an award-winning restaurant in New London opened in 1996, is located serendipitously on the docks of the whaling city. It’s been voted by the community as the best seafood and is known for its famous hot or cold lobster roll and now offers its mobile Captain Scott’s Lobster Truck!. 80 Hamilton Street, New London; 860-439-1741; captscottsnl.com

Best-keP t secret

NANA’S BYREK

316 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com

second Pl ace

Uncle Kranky’s Cafe, Jewett City runner-uP

Sweet Hill Farm, Gales Ferry

Breakfast

THE SHACK RESTAURANTS

441 Long Hill Road, Groton 860-442-6660

324 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-8898

131 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-442-6660

shackrestaurants.com

second Pl ace

Sunnyside Diner, Gales Ferry runner-uP

Somewhere in Time Cafe, Mystic

Brewery or BrewPuB

THESE GUYS BREWING COMPANY

78 Franklin Street, Norwich 860-949-8550; theseguysbrewing.com

second Pl ace

Tox Brewing Company, New London runner-uP

Outer Light Brewing Company, Groton

Brunch

THE SHACK RESTAURANTS

441 Long Hill Road, Groton 860-442-6660

324 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-8898

131 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-442-6660

shackrestaurants.com

second Pl ace

Sunnyside Diner, Gales Ferry runner-uP

Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant, East Lyme

best

asian cuisine

thai cuisine • sushi

Pink Basil

Specializing in fine, authentic Asian cuisine, Pink Basil is your destination for time-honored dishes and an enchanting ambiance. The casual, yet lovely and elegant space features a patio and wonderful service. The award-winning menu offers everything from the freshest sushi to an exciting array of Thai, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese fare—dishes from classic to delightfully imaginative, and decadent authentic Asian desserts. Perfect for date nights, business lunches, family meals out, special occasions and just because. 27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic; 860-245-4470; pinkbasilct.com

Hot Rod Cafe

Hot Rod Cafe is a fun, eclectic place for all people that enjoy wings, beer and a great atmosphere. Enjoy wings and beers on the beautiful deck overlooking the Thames River. Hot Rod Cafe is downtown New London’s premier place to enjoy great food, awesome service and fun people. 114 Bank Street, New London; 860-447-2320; hotrodscafenewlondon.com

Burger

TRIPLE B - BEST BURGERS AND BREWS

1649 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-381-5663; triplebct.com

second Pl ace

Uncle Kranky’s Cafe, Jewett City runner-uP

Friar Tuck’s Tavern, Mystic

casual dining

LA LLORONA PROGRESSIVE MEXICAN CUISINE

13 Hope Street, Niantic 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com

second Pl ace

Steak Loft Restaurant, Mystic runner-uP

The Shack Restaurants, Multiple locations

caterer

GOURMET GALLEY CATERING

138 Norwich-Westerly, Road North Stonington 860-415-9589; gourmet-galley.com

second Pl ace Nana’s Byrek, Waterford runner-uP

Whisk Together Catering, New London

chef

OLIVIA FORMICA, FLANDERS FISH MARKET & RESTAURANT

22 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme 860-739-8866; flandersfish.com

second Pl ace

Luigi Sferrazza, Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza risto, Waterford runner-uP

Killian Brozyna, uncLe KranK y ’s c aFe, Je wett City

coffee

MUDDY WATERS CAFE

40 Bank Street, New London 860-444-2232

muddywaterscafenl.com

second Pl ace

Absolute Bearing Coffee Company, Mystic

runner-uP

CREAM Coffee Shop, Norwich

deli, sandwich & grinder

PASTA FRESCA & PIADINA

2 Lincoln Avenue, Mystic

860-572-1245; pastafrescamystic.com

second Pl ace

Hartford Giant Grinder, Niantic

runner-uP

Nana’s Byrek, Waterford

dessert Menu

LA LLORONA PROGRESSIVE MEXICAN CUISINE

13 Hope Street, Niantic 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com

second Pl ace

Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Mystic

runner-uP

Mel’s Downtown Creamery, Pawcatuck

diner

SUNNYSIDE DINER

1661 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-381-5360; sunnysidedinerct.com

second Pl ace

Jake’s Restaurant, North Stonington runner-uP

Norm’s Diner, Groton

doughnuts

FLANDERS DONUT & BAKE SHOP

327 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com

second Pl ace

Dixie Donuts, Norwich runner-uP

Deviant Donuts, Mystic

best

Bakery • doughnuts • sweets & candy

Flanders Donut & Bake Shop

Family-owned and operated Flanders Donut & Bake Shop was established in East Lyme in 1972. The delightful variety of light and fluffy donuts, pastries, muffins and more is baked fresh daily! Highquality ingredients, the integrity of recipes handed down through generations, and the warm and friendly staff have made this a special sweet spot for more than 50 years. 327 Flanders Road, East Lyme; 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com

Rico Chow

David Santiago and Gerardo DeJesus—along with Santiago’s wife, Angelys Vazquez—opened Rico Chow at Hodges Square in 2021. There, they offer a unique and delicious fusion of Hispanic and Asian cuisine in a friendly, relaxed environment. 403 Williams Street, New London; 860-442-2469; rico-chow.square.site

latin cuisine

fine dining

TONY D’S RESTAURANT

92 Huntington Street, New London 860-443-9900; tonydsnl.com

second Pl ace

Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria, North Stonington

runner-uP

L a Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, Niantic

food truck

CAPTAIN SCOTT’S LOBSTER TRUCK

80 Hamilton Street, New London 860-439-1741; captscottsnl.com

second Pl ace

Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto, Waterford

runner-uP

Greekin’ Out, Bozrah

Nana’s Byrek thanks southeastern Connecticut for all the support over the past five years. It’s been an honor for Nana’s to serve and be a part of the community. Stop by and find out why Nana’s Byrek was voted the “Best Kept Secret” in The Day ’s 2023 Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Awards! 316 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com

gourMet to-go

PASTA VITA

225 Elm Street, Old Saybrook 860-395-1452; pastavita.com

second Pl ace

Mystic Market, Mystic

runner-uP

Ivy’s Simply Homemade, Waterford

haPPy hour

HOT ROD CAFE

114 Bank Street, New London 860-447-2320 hotrodscafenewlondon.com

second Pl ace

Harp & Dragon, Norwich

runner-uP

Steak Loft Restaurant, Mystic

ice creaM & frozen yogurt

BUTTONWOOD FARM ICE CREAM

473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold 860-376-4081 buttonwoodfarmicecream.com

second Pl ace

Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream, Salem

runner-uP

Mel’s Downtown Creamery, Pawcatuck

indian cuisine

MIRCH MASALA CUISINE OF INDIA

156 Kings Highway, Groton 860-445-8043; mirchmasalaus.com

second Pl ace

The Spice Palette Indian Cuisine, New London

runner-uP

Cinnamon Grill, New London

italian cuisine

PAUL’S PASTA SHOP

223 Thames Street, Groton 860-445-5276; paulspastashop.com

second Pl ace

Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria, North Stonington

runner-uP

Tony D’s Restaurant, New London

kids’ Menu

THE SHACK RESTAURANTS

441 Long Hill Road, Groton 860-442-6660

324 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-8898

131 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-442-6660

shackrestaurants.com

second Pl ace

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, Niantic

runner-uP

Flanders Donut & Bake Shop, East Lyme

deli, sandwich & grinder

Pasta Fresca & Piadina

Pasta Fresca & Piadina features a delicious menu of Italian deli meats, cheeses and amazing overstuffed grinders. Enjoy salami, ham, capicola, pepperoni and more on crunchy New York-style Italian breads, served hot or cold. Ask Pasta Fresca & Piadina about catering for your next event. 2 Lincoln Avenue, Mystic; 860-572-1245; pastafrescamystic.com

late-night dining

GROTON TOWNHOUSE

RESTAURANT

355 CT-12, Groton 860-449-0355

grotontownhouserestaurant.com

second Pl ace

Uncle Kranky’s Cafe, Jewett City runner-uP Tuskers, New London

latin cuisine

RICO CHOW

403 Williams Street, New London

860-442-2469; rico-chow.square.site

second Pl ace

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, Niantic runner-uP

Puerto Lima, Gales Ferry

Mediterranean cuisine

CAFFE NV

57 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-444-8111; nvbakeryandmarket.com

second Pl ace

Nana’s Byrek, Waterford runner-uP

Pick Pockets Deli, Groton

Mexican cuisine LA LLORONA PROGRESSIVE MEXICAN CUISINE

13 Hope Street, Niantic 860-850-4291; lalloronact.com

second Pl ace

Rio Salado, Mystic runner-uP

Ortega’s Mexican Restaurant, Groton

outdoor or waterfront dining

DOG WATCH CAFE

194 Water Street, Stonington 860-415-4510; dogwatchcafe.com

second place

On The Waterfront, New London runner-up

La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine, Niantic

pizza

FIRESIDE BRICK OVEN

1661 CT-12, Gales Ferry

860-381-5575; firesidebrickoven.com

second place

Nana’s Byrek, Waterford runner-up

Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza Risto, Waterford

seafood

CAPTAIN SCOTT’S LOBSTER DOCK

80 Hamilton Street, New London 860-439-1741; www.captscottsnl.com

second place

Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant, East Lyme runner-up

The Mariner, Mystic

server or bartender

best appetizers

• chef (olivia formica)

Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant

Celebrating 40 years as Connecticut’s seafood lovers’ paradise, Flanders Fish Market offers a wide array of the freshest-anywhere seafood—from lobster, clams, oysters and shrimp to a full range of fine, fresh fish whole or skillfully filleted. The restaurant’s comfortable, warm and lovely atmosphere, along with exceptional service and the awardwinning menu of signature seafood dishes and more are perfect for any special occasion. The market offers a variety of delicious take-home seafood meal selections and catering services. 22 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme; 860-739-8866; flandersfish.com

KAYDANCE ARPIN, SUNNYSIDE DINER

1661 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-381-5360; sunnysidedinerct.com

second place

Lori Miller, Hot Rod Cafe, New London runner-up

Chelsea Cushing, t He SHaCk ReS tauR ant S

sports bar or lounge

STEAK LOFT RESTAURANT

27 Coogan Boulevard #24, Mystic 860-536-2661; steakloftct.com

second place

Friar Tuck’s Tavern, Mystic runner-up

Longshots Sports Cafe, Uncasville

sushi

JOHNNY’S PEKING TOKYO

12 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic 860-572-9991; johnnysushibar.com

second place

Jasmine Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar, New London runner-up

Pink Basil, Mystic

sweets & candy

FLANDERS DONUT & BAKE SHOP

327 Flanders Road, East Lyme 860-739-6320; flandersbakery.com

second place

Munson’s Chocolates, Mystic runner-up

Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy & Ice Cream, Niantic

thai cuisine

JASMINE THAI RESTAURANT

AND SUSHI BAR

470 Bank Street, New London

860-442-9991; jasminethainl.com

second Pl ace

The Spice Club, Niantic runner-uP

Pink Basil, Mystic

vegetarian & vegan cuisine

NANA’S BYREK

316 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-437-3030; nanasbyrek.com

second Pl ace

S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, Mystic runner-uP

Uncle Kranky’s Cafe, Jewett City

winery/vineyard

JONATHAN EDWARDS WINERY

74 Chester Maine Road, North Stonington 860-215-3725; jedwardswinery.com

second Pl ace

Stonington Vineyards, Stonington runner-uP

Preston Ridge Vineyard, Preston

wings

HOT ROD CAFE

114 Bank Street, New London 860-447-2320; hotrodscafenewlondon.com

second Pl ace

Uncle Kranky’s Cafe, Jewett City runner-uP

Smokey O’Grady’s, East Lyme

great outdoors

caMPground

HIDDEN ACRES FAMILY CAMPGROUND

47 River Road, Preston 860-887-9633; hiddenacrescamp.com

second Pl ace

Odetah Camping Resort, Bozrah runner-uP

Acorn Acres Campground, Bozrah

charter fishing coMPany

BLACK HAWK SPORT FISHING

11 Main Street, Niantic 860-448-3662

blackhawksportfishing.com

second Pl ace

Hel-Cat II Fishing Parties, Groton runner-uP

Sunbeam Fleet - Captain John’s Sport Fishing Center, Waterford

christMas tree farM

YETTER ROAD

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

94 Yetter Road, Mystic 860-536-3359

facebook.com/YetterRoadTreeFarm

second Pl ace

Geer Tree Farm, Griswold runner-uP

Maple Lane Farms, Preston

festival & fair

SAILFEST

5 Waterfront Park, New London 860-444-1879; sailfest.org

second Pl ace

Mystic Irish Parade, Mystic runner-uP

North Stonington Agricultural Fair, North Stonington

charter fishing coMPany

Black Hawk Sport Fishing

From porgies and sea bass to bluefish and cod—count on Black Hawk Fishing to get you to all the right spots for countless unique catches! Their charter boat is beautifully outfitted for party-boat fishing, sport fishing and experiences on the water with family and friends to remember. Black Hawk also offers specialty boat trips in addition to its regularly scheduled boat rides. Book your next adventure on the water with Black Hawk, the ultimate catch in charter boat fishing. 11 Main Street, Niantic; 860-448-3662; blackhawksportfishing.com

golf course

SHENNECOSSETT GOLF COURSE

93 Plant Street, Groton 860-448-1867

facebook.com/shennygolf

second Pl ace

River Ridge Golf Course, Griswold runner-uP

Great Neck Country Club, Waterford

Marina or Boatyard

CROCKER’S BOATYARD

56 Howard Street, New London 860-443-6304

crockersboatyardinc.com

second Pl ace

Gales Ferry Marina, Gales Ferry runner-uP

Mystic Shipyard, Mystic

Pick-your-own

HOLMBERG

ORCHARDS

1990 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-464-7305

holmbergorchards.com

second Pl ace

Scott’s Yankee Farmer, East Lyme runner-uP

Wicked Tulips, Preston

suMMer caMP

MYSTIC AQUARIUM

55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic 860-572-5955; mysticaquarium.org

second Pl ace

New London County 4-H Camp, North Franklin

runner-uP

Denison Pequotsepos Summer Nature Camp, Mystic

best festival & fair

Sailfest

Sailfest is southeastern Connecticut’s premier summertime event— complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides and over 200 vendors throughout the streets of historic downtown New London. There is plenty to see, buy and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food! Visit neffproductions.com to learn more about Sailfest and other local events! 5 Waterfront Park, New London; 860-444-1879; sailfest.org

health & wellness

alternative medical practice

ADVANCED BACK AND NECK CARE CENTER

565 Long Hill Road, Groton 860-448-2225

advancedbackandneck.com

second place

Back and Body Chiropractic, Dayville runner-up

Acupuncture Healing Arts Center, Gales Ferry

alternative medical practitioner

SARAH PRESTON, BACK AND BODY CHIROPRACTIC

24 Putnam Pike #3, Dayville 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com

second place

Dr. Huan Zhang, AdvAnced BAck And neck cAre center , Groton runner-up

Marie Healy, Acupuncture He Aling Arts cen ter , Gales Ferry

assisted living facility

STONERIDGE

186 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic 860-572-5600; stoneridgelcs.com

second place

Academy Point at Mystic, Mystic runner-up

Crescent Point at Niantic, Niantic

chiropractor (individual)

DR. ALEXANDRA ROBIN, BACK AND BODY CHIROPRACTIC

24 Putnam Pike #3, Dayville 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com

second place

Dr. Joseph Mascaro, AdvAnced BAck And neck cAre center , Groton runner-up

Dr. Michael Thomas, AdvAnced BAck And neck cAre center , Groton

best home care services

(non-medical)

Sound Community Services

Sound Community Services provides support and services for individuals with behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. Accessing care is now easier than ever! Sound Community Services believes in the endless possibilities that can be harnessed simply by access to hope—hope in recovery, hope in progress and hope in the future. At Sound, the staff members dedicate their days to providing a culture of compassion and human connection that fosters hope through support, education and opportunity. 21 Montauk Avenue, New London; 860-439-6400; soundcommunityservices.org

assisted living facility

StoneRidge

Senior living in Mystic doesn’t get better than this. Located just two miles from the riverfront, StoneRidge is a senior living community of doers and thinkers, artists and educators, lifelong learners and dedicated volunteers. 186 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic; 860-572-5600; stoneridgelcs.com

chiroPr actor (Pr actice)

ADVANCED BACK AND NECK CARE CENTER

565 Long Hill Road, Groton 860-448-2225

advancedbackandneck.com

second Pl ace

Back and Body Chiropractic, Dayville runner-uP

East West Chiropractic, Groton

dance instructor

LANA COHEN DAVISON, MONTVILLE PARKS & RECREATION

310 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville

860-848-3030

townofmontville.org/department-services/ parks-and-recreation

second Pl ace

Nikki Nadeau, Miss niKKi’s 5,6,7,8 dance!, Niantic runner-uP

Becca Schaa, aeriaL arts Fitness, Jewett City

dance studio or school

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIOS MYSTIC

Mystic Packer Building, 12 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic 860-245-0037; fredastaire.com/mystic

second Pl ace

Aerial Arts Fitness, Jewett City runner-uP

Miss Lana’s Dancers, MontviLLe ParKs & recreation, Uncasville

oPhthalMology (Pr actice)

Shoreline Eye Group

Shoreline Eye Group is committed to providing you and your loved ones with the highest level of personalized, quality eye care and service. Its team of dedicated eye care professionals includes ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians. The Shoreline Eye Group eye doctors specialize in cataract surgery, the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases, same-day emergency eye care, comprehensive eye care and contact lens fittings. 741 Broad Street, Waterford; 860-442-5663; shorelineeyegroup.com

oB/gyn (Pr actice)

Women’s Health CT Shoreline OB/GYN

No matter your age or what stage you’re at in life, Shoreline OB/GYN is ready to provide you with the OB/GYN care and compassionate support you need, the way you want it to be. Its expert physicians and clinicians are

committed to addressing any unique needs you may have and work collaboratively to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. Call today and set up an appointment to come in and meet with one of its physicians or clinicians. 4 Shaws Cove #204, New London; 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com

dentist (individual)

DR. JASON CAMPBELL, WATERFORD DENTAL HEALTH

177 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-447-2235 waterforddentalhealth.com

second Pl ace

Dr. Christopher West, Mystic dentaL grouP, Mystic runner-uP

Dr. James Watts, Mystic runner-uP

Dr. Kenneth Nogacek, WaterF ord dentaL HeaLt H, Waterford

Integrated Dermatology of Groton’s expert staff is trained to handle both adult and pediatric cases. It maintains state-ofthe-art services and

equipment addressing most medical and cosmetic treatment concerns. 481 Gold Star Highway Suite 201, Groton; 860-445-8020; integrateddermatologyofgroton.com

dentist (practice)

WATERFORD DENTAL HEALTH

177 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-447-2235

waterforddentalhealth.com

second place

Coastal Connecticut Dentistry, Waterford runner-up

Mystic Dental Group, Mystic

dermatologist (individual)

LUANNE HESPELER, MPAS, PA-C, INTEGRATED DERMATOLOGY OF GROTON

481 Gold Star Highway Suite 201, Groton 860-445-8020

integrateddermatologyofgroton.com

second place

Dr. John West, Seaport Dermatology, Mystic runner-up

Dr. Mary Ann D. Bentz, Dermatology aSSo ciateS of Southea S t ern connecticut, Waterford

dermatologist (practice)

INTEGRATED DERMATOLOGY OF GROTON

481 Gold Star Highway Suite 201, Groton 860-445-8020

integrateddermatologyofgroton.com

second place

Seaport Dermatology, Mystic runner-up

Advanced Dermatology, Norwich

orthodontist (practice)

Orthodontic Associates of Southeastern Connecticut

Dr. O’Leary, Dr. Hack and the entire team at Orthodontic Associates are truly thrilled and honored to be “Best of the Best” this year. Since 1958, the practice has been providing the best possible treatment in an environment that is caring and fun. It embraces the most modern technologies and works hard to continuously improve its techniques. Orthodontic Associates thanks its many patients and families for voting. 196 Parkway South, Suite 305, Waterford; 860-443-1827; oasect.com

mental health professional

Alaina King, PsyD, LPC

“We can do hard things.” Sit with Dr. Alaina King and these five words can be seen over her shoulder. “These words honor the strength of my clients and the passion of my practice focused on leadership consulting, raising mental health awareness and supporting clients’ resilience in healing complex trauma,” explains Dr. King. “I am honored to be recognized for this work and grateful to help leaders and members of our community restore lives.” 761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; dralainaking@gmail.com

doctor/general practitioner (individual)

DR. PAUL DEUTSCH

86 New London Turnpike, Norwich 860-889-6967; pauldeutschmd.net

second place

Dr. Jonathan R. Piposar, OrthOpedic partners, Niantic runner-up

Dr. Elizabeth Allard, nOrtheast Medical GrOup, Waterford

ear, nose and throat

DR. FRANK DELLACONO, EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES OF SECT

201 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-442-0407; entofsect.com

second place

Dr. Richard Vincent, e ar, nOse & t hrOat a s sO ciates Of sect, Wa terford

runner-up

Dr. David Boisoneau, e ar, nOse & t hrOat a s sO ciates Of sect, Wa terford

gym/fitness center

ADVANTAGE PERSONAL TRAINING

2906 Gold Star Highway, Mystic 860-245-0388 advantagepersonaltraining.com

second place

CycleBar, Waterford runner-up

Crowned Fit, Groton

home care services (medical)

LEDYARD REGIONAL VNA

741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard 860-464-8464

ledyardct.org/165/ Ledyard-Regional-VNA

second place

Masonicare at Mystic, Mystic runner-up

Care at Home, New London

best

alternative medical practice chiropractor (practice)

Advanced Back and Neck Care Center

Advanced Back and Neck Care Center is a multidisciplinary office with expert staff to help people in the community achieve their health goals naturally. The practice utilizes a hands-on approach coupled with state-of-the-art technology to address the cause of pain, not just the symptom. Advanced Back & Neck strives to continue improving its services to better care for the community, and thanks its dedicated patients for voting them “Best of the Best” for nine years in a row. 565 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-448-2225; advancedbackandneck.com

hoMe c are services (nonMedical)

SOUND COMMUNITY SERVICES

21 Montauk Avenue, New London 860-439-6400 soundcommunityservices.org

second Pl ace

Seniors Helping Seniors, Mystic runner-uP

Care at Home, New London

hosPital LAWRENCE + MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

365 Montauk Avenue, New London 860-442-0711; lmhospital.org

second Pl ace

Backus Hospital, Norwich runner-uP

Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven

Martial arts studio YAMASHITA

INTERNATIONAL KARATE MYSTIC DOJO

3175 Gold Star Highway B, Mystic 860-572-0430; mysticdojo.com

second Pl ace

Champions Karate, Colchester runner-uP

G abrieles Martial Arts, Waterford

Medical sPecialist

DR. STEVEN WEI, ORTHOPEDIC PARTNERS

11 Industrial Park Road, Niantic 860-889-7345 orthopartners.com/steven-yin-wei-md

second Pl ace

Dr. Jenny Temnogorod, sHoreLine e y e grouP, Waterford runner-uP

Dr. Nicole Arcand, ort HoPedic Partners, North Franklin

Pediatrician

(individual)

Dr. Foong-Yi Lin

For over two generations, Dr. Foong-Yi Lin has been committed to providing quality health care to children and their families. She is grateful for the opportunity to care for her patients and watch them grow up and move onto the next phase of their lives. It brings her great satisfaction knowing she contributes to a healthy community.

Gales Ferry Pediatrics, 1527 CT-12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248; northeastmedicalgroup.org/locations/gales-ferry-1527-route-12.aspx

best dentist (individual)

Dr. Jason Campbell

Dr. Campbell is Invisalign certified and has completed orthodontic training with the United States Dental Institute, which is a well-respected and comprehensive orthodontic training program designed specifically for general dentists. Waterford Dental Health; 177 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-447-2235; waterforddentalhealth.com

best

Physical theraPy (Pr actice)

Independence Physical Therapy

From sports and orthopedic injuries to back and pelvic pain, including women’s health issues, Independence Physical Therapy has an experienced and compassionate staff to help you get back to your active lifestyle and daily activities. 2440 Gold Star Highway Suite 201, Mystic; 860-536-1001; independencephysicaltherapy.com

Mental health

Professional

ALAINA KING, PSYD, LPC

761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook

second Pl ace

Jessica Wolber, LCSW, Groton runner-uP

Janine Geida, LMFT, East Lyme runner-uP

L auren St. Amour, LCSW, Mystic

oB/gyn (individual)

DR. MICHAEL LAVALLEE JR., WOMEN’S HEALTH CONNECTICUT SHORELINE OB/GYN

4 Shaws Cove, #204, New London 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com

second Pl ace

Dr. Francis Mayeda, Mayeda gynecoLo gy, New London runner-uP

Dr. Melissa J. Welch, Norwich

oB/gyn (Pr actice)

WOMEN’S HEALTH CONNECTICUT SHORELINE OB/GYN

4 Shaws Cove, #204, New London 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com

second Pl ace

Mayeda Gynecology, New London runner-uP

OBGYN Services, Norwich

oPhthalMologist (individual)

DR. KEVIN B. CRANMER, SEE-CARE

12 Case Street, Suite 215, Norwich 860-373-4148; see-care.com

second Pl ace

Dr. Nauman Chaudhry, re tina grouP oF ne W engL and, Waterford runner-uP

Dr. Lior Haim, sHoreLine e y e grouP, Waterford

best oP

toMetrist

(Pr actice) King Family Eye Care

At King Family Eye Care, there is a straightforward vision when it comes to your vision care. They go beyond a simple eye examination, taking pride in exceptional, personalized care and taking the necessary time to ensure a comfortable experience for each patient. Thank you for your support in naming them among the best of the best. 761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-388-9300; kingfamilyeyecare.com

doctor/general Pr actitioner (individual)

Dr. Paul Deutsch

Dr. Paul Deutsch thanks the community for voting him the best general practitioner. He also has a degree in pharmacy. Kristen Church-Reed APRN works with him as a provider. His office is board certified and located at 86 New London Turnpike in Norwich (Exit 13 Route 395, Exit 29 Route 2/32). In addition to primary care, the office provides inpatient hospital treatment. Dr. Paul Deutsch performs medical exams for DOT/CDL drivers. 86 New London Turnpike, Norwich; 860-889-6967; pauldeutschmd.net

ophthalmology (practice)

SHORELINE EYE GROUP

741 Broad Street, Waterford 860-442-5663

shorelineeyegroup.com

second place

Southeast Connecticut Eye Care, Norwich runner-up

Norwich Ophthalmology Group, Norwich

optometrist (individual)

DR. MATTHEW KING, KING FAMILY EYE CARE

761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook 860-388-9300

kingfamilyeyecare.com

second place

Dr. Paul Hyder, SEE-CARE, Norwich runner-up

Dr. Keith Lemire, ShoRElinE EyE GRoup, Old Saybrook

optometrist (practice)

KING FAMILY EYE CARE

761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook 860-388-9300 kingfamilyeyecare.com

second place

Shoreline Eye Group, Waterford runner-up

Southeast Connecticut Eye Care, Norwich

orthodontist (individual)

DR. JAMES M. O’LEARY, ORTHODONTIC ASSOCIATES OF SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT

196 Parkway South, Suite 305, Waterford 860-443-1827; oasect.com

second place

Dr. Jeff Kozlowski, Kozlow SKi oRt hodontiC S, New London runner-up

Dr. Gregory Hack, Waterford

best skilled nursing facility Fairview Retirement Community

Fairview Retirement Community is a 55+ life plan community providing a continuum of health-care services for residents. Fairview offers many opportunities for both social interaction and independent living, in a unique and flexible manner. Residents can enjoy maintenance-free living in a stand-alone home or apartment with campus views of the Thames River. Fairview also has a 5-star rated health-care center which is a 100-bed skilled nursing care facility consisting of post-acute, longterm, memory care and outpatient rehab services. 235 Lestertown Road, Groton; 860-445-7478; fairviewct.org

best ob/gyn (individual)

Dr. Michael Lavallee

Dr. Lavallee graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and received his doctor of osteopathy degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Connecticut Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program.

During his residency, he received The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, Outstanding Resident Role Model. Dr. Lavallee enjoys all areas of OBGYN and has interests in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery. Women’s Health Connecticut Shoreline OB/GYN, 4 Shaws Cove, #204, New London; 860-447-2377; womenshealthct.com

orthodontist (practice)

ORTHODONTIC ASSOCIATES OF SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT

196 Parkway South, Suite 305, Waterford 860-443-1827; oasect.com

second place

Kozlowski Orthodontics, New London

runner-up

Family Orthodontic Services, Norwich

best optometrist

(individual)

Dr. Matthew King

Since 2004, Dr. Matthew King has been honored to provide quality optometry services to southeastern Connecticut residents. Over time, the King family has become part of their patients’ families. It has always been Dr. King’s goal to provide knowledgeable and compassionate care for all your vision needs. He is always happy to welcome new patients, and is very grateful for all the trust and support in ranking him among the best of the best. King Family Eye Care; 761 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-388-9300; kingfamilyeyecare.com

pediatrician (individual)

DR. FOONG-YI LIN, GALES FERRY PEDIATRICS

1527 CT-12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248 northeastmedicalgroup.org/locations/ gales-ferry-1527-route-12.aspx

second place

Dr. Charles R. Esposito, Gales Ferry Pediatrics, Old Saybrook runner-up

Dr. Fred Santoro, East Lyme

pediatrician (practice)

GALES FERRY PEDIATRICS

1527 CT-12, Gales Ferry; 860-464-7248 northeastmedicalgroup.org/locations/ gales-ferry-1527-route-12.aspx

second place

Dr. Fred Santoro, East Lyme runner-up

Lafayette Pediatrics, Norwich

personal trainer (individual)

NINA LUQUE

second place

Lauren Nadwairski, tiGer s t renGt h PerF ormance, Baltic runner-up

Zach Beckwith, Path 2 selF Wellness, Norwich

best gym/fitness center Advantage Personal Training

Calvin McCoy and Greg Drab have always loved fitness and athletics. They started working out in middle school and loved how it made them feel physically and mentally better. Fitness became such a passion for them that they pursued careers in exercise science. Calvin and Greg both got their master’s degrees in Exercise Science at UConn and made the decision to bring their passion and education to their community as teachers in a gym setting. 2906 Gold Star Highway, Mystic; 860-245-0388; advantagepersonaltraining.com

best weight loss center

Incredible Weight Loss Center

The Incredible Weight Loss Center has helped hundreds of clients achieve their ideal weight loss goals with delicious meals. The practice is located in Groton and focuses its efforts throughout New London County and its surroundings. They provide in-person services and focus on rapid, healthy weight loss, balanced nutrition, healthy living and ongoing weight loss maintenance. 565 Long Hill Road, Groton; 860-941-7304; facebook.com/IncredibleWeightLossCenter

pharmacy

ELECTRIC BOAT FAMILY PHARMACY

32 Chicago Avenue, Groton 888-578-3457

gdeb.com/qp/employee_resources/EBFP

second place

Naval Submarine Base, Groton runner-up

Simply Pharmacy, Waterford

physical therapist (individual)

HEATHER GEYER PT, DPT, INDEPENDENCE PHYSICAL THERAPY

2440 Gold Star Highway Suite 201, Mystic 860-536-1001 independencephysicaltherapy.com

second place

Colleen Davis, GOAT Physic Al T her APy And Wellness, Gales Ferry runner-up

Travis Lombardi, PT, MSPT, Bes T he AlT h

Physic Al T her APy, Groton

best

ophthalmologist (individual)

Dr. Kevin B. Cranmer

Dr. Kevin B. Cranmer practices comprehensive ophthalmology, treating a variety of eye diseases from cataracts to glaucoma. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School. After an internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center, he completed a residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top eye hospitals in the country. He has been selected as a “Top Doctor” by Connecticut Magazine six times. See-Care, 12 Case Street Suite 215, Norwich; 860-373-4148; see-care.com

physical therapy (practice)

INDEPENDENCE PHYSICAL THERAPY

2440 Gold Star Highway Suite 201, Mystic 860-536-1001 independencephysicaltherapy.com

second place

GOAT Physical Therapy and Wellness, Gales Ferry runner-up

Best Health Physical Therapy, Groton

skilled nursing facility

FAIRVIEW

235 Lestertown Road, Groton

860-445-7478; fairviewct.org second place

Avalon, Stonington runner-up

Pendleton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Mystic

weight loss center

INCREDIBLE WEIGHT LOSS CENTER

565 Long Hill Road, Groton 860-941-7304

facebook.com/IncredibleWeightLossCenter

second place

Thin’s In, Waterford runner-up

Tiger Strength Performance, Baltic

yoga or pilates studio

PURE BARRE

903 Hartford Turnpike Suite 27, Waterford 860-442-1123; purebarre.com

second place

A Peace-Space Yoga & Wellness Center, Taftville runner-up

Zen and Now, Niantic

home & garden

apartment community

STONERIDGE

186 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic 860-572-5600; stoneridgelcs.com

second place

Groton Estates, Groton runner-up

Groton Townhouse Apartments, Groton

builder or contractor

THOMAS GARBATI BUILDERS

179 Butlertown Road, Waterford 860-443-1232; garbatibuilders.com

second place

Nutmeg Building & Remodeling, LLC, Ledyard runner-up

Kappy Construction & Home Improvement, Norwich

decor & housewares

MARVEL HOME DECORATING

283 Boston Post Rd Suite A, East Lyme 860-451-8437

marvelhomedecorating.com

second place

Jonnycake Center of Westerly, Westerly, RI runner-up

Azalea, Niantic

electrician

D B ELECTRIC INC

810 Noank Ledyard Road, Mystic 860-536-2354; dbelectricinc.com

second place

Macrino Electric, Waterford runner-up

Hespeler Electrical Contracting, Ledyard

fireplace & accessories

PRESTON TRADING POST

651 CT-165, Preston 860-886-1484; prestontrading.com

second place

Armstrong Chimney & Stoves, LLC, Jewett City runner-up

Family Hearth & Patio, New London

fireplace & accessories

Preston Trading Post

For 49 years, Preston Trading Post has been serving the hearth and home needs of southeastern New Englanders. Preston Trading Post is driven by its passion for

top performing products at the lowest possible prices. The caring and very knowledgeable staff are here to assist you! 651 CT-165, Preston; 860-886-1484; prestontrading.com

flooring company

ROUTE 85 FLOORING

1404 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale

860-444-8772; rt85flooring.com

second place

Cluff Carpet One Floor & Home, Waterford runner-up

The Floor Covering Shop, Norwich

furniture

GORINS FURNITURE & MATTRESS

49 New London Turnpike, Norwich 860-887-2579; gorinsfurniture.com

second place

Leader Store, Norwich runner-up

Jonnycake Center of Westerly, Westerly, RI

garden center & nursery

PLANTS BY THE POOL

22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington 860-912-2776; plantsbythepool.com

second place

Holdridge’s Home & Garden, Ledyard runner-up

Burnett’s Country Gardens, Salem

gas & oil

ANDERSEN OIL COMPANY

4 Colby Drive, #1539, Ledyard 860-464-7628

andersenoilcompany.com

second place

McGuire’s Oil, LLC, Preston runner-up

Densmore Oil Company, Stonington

heating & cooling

RICH’S HEATING

New London; 860-443-4328

facebook.com/p/ Richs-Heating-100-054-327996449

second place

Andersen Oil Company, Ledyard runner-up

J&J Plumbing and Heating, Waterford

gas & oil

Andersen Oil Company

Family-owned and operated for over 35 years, you can count on Andersen Oil Company to save your time with regular heating oil deliveries. For your protection, Andersen Oil Company is fully licensed,

bonded and insured. 4 Colby Drive, #1539, Ledyard; 860-464-7628; andersenoilcompany.com

home inspection company

TIGER HOME & BUILDING INSPECTION

190 Westbrook Road, Essex 800-328-4677; tigerinspect.com

second place

Anchor Home Inspection, Oakdale runner-up

Sound Home Inspection, Mystic

interior & exterior painting

EAST COAST PRO PAINTING

48 North Road, Groton 860-912-8779; eastcoastpropainting.com

second place

All Star Painting, Norwich runner-up

Advanced Group, Mystic

interior designer or decorator

MARVEL HOME DECORATING

283 Boston Post Road, Suite A, East Lyme 860-451-8437

marvelhomedecorating.com

second place

Rita Lyons Designs, Waterford runner-up

Jan Blonder, Design essence, Old Saybrook

Keith Turner

Keith Turner of Homestead Funding Corp. lives and works in the New London area. As someone who has been in the mortgage industry for two decades, Turner is confident in his ability to guide his borrowers seamlessly through the mortgage process. Turner’s strength is his ability to walk his clients through each step of the mortgage process, so they feel comfortable.

Homestead Funding Corp., 8 Union Street, New London; 860-444-0650; homesteadfunding.com/loan-originators/keith-turner

landscaping services

SPICER’S LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPE DESIGN

20 Mattern Road, Preston 860-917-4873; spicerslawncare.com

second place

Serluca Dumpster and Land Service, Waterford runner-up

Peak Landscaping and Snow Removal, Mystic

mortgage company

KEITH TURNER, HOMESTEAD FUNDING CORP

8 Union Street, New London; 860-444-0650

homesteadfunding.com/loan-originators/ keith-turner

second place

Tori Satti, Gateway MortG aGe ServiceS, Wa terford runner-up

Chelsea Groton Bank, Groton

Having been in business since 1989, Thomas Garbati Builders, LLC is well known and well respected. Residential roofs, windows, siding, decks, new construction, garages or complete renovations—no job is too big or too small. Thomas Garbati Builders does whatever it takes to make sure its customers are happy with the job before it’s done. 179 Butlertown Road, Waterford; 860-443-1232; garbatibuilders.com

Pest control

CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE CONTROL

Salem; 860-941-6866

connecticutwildlifecontrol.com

second Pl ace

Griggs & Browne, Waterford

runner-uP

Waltham Pest Services, New London

PluMBing coMPany

NIANTIC PLUMBING & APPLIANCE

40 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic 860-739-5032

second Pl ace

Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing, Waterford

runner-uP

J&J Plumbing and Heating,

roofing, windows & siding

THOMAS GARBATI BUILDERS

179 Butlertown Road, Waterford 860-443-1232; garbatibuilders.com

second Pl ace

JFK Roofing, Plainfield runner-uP

Yost Home Improvements, Waterford

tree service

DUNN’S TREE SERVICE

412-10 Maple Avenue, Uncasville 860-848-0713; facebook.com/montvillect

second Pl ace

Swing Bridge Tree, East Haddam

runner-uP

Satti’s Family Trees, Groton

&lifestyle beauty

BarBershoP or BarBer

THE CAVE BARBERSHOP

50 Plaza Court, Groton 860-446-2980 thecavebarbershopct.com

second Pl ace

Adrian Vega Hair Co., New London runner-uP

I Got You Next Barbershop, Groton

Brows

LE SPA

23 Clara Drive, Mystic 860-800-9192; lespamystic.com

second Pl ace

Brows by Pamela, New London runner-uP

Vanessa Villena Beauty Co., Gales Ferry

facial cosMetics or surgery

LUANNE HESPELER, MPAS, PA-C , INTEGRATED DERMATOLOGY OF GROTON

481 Gold Star Highway, Suite 201, Groton

860-445-8020 integrateddermatologyofgroton.com

second Pl ace Le Spa, Mystic runner-uP

Dr. Jenny Temnogorod, sHoreLine e y e grouP, Waterford

That Look Salon

That Look Salon offers a comprehensive array of cutting-edge, topquality beauty services and products—from advanced hair design and color to a full range of esthetician and nail services. Get the best look for weddings and special events, maintain your current style without fail or update your look with the perfect makeover custom tailored for you. With more than 40 years in business, they aim to continue bringing you that best look for many more! 166 Boston Post Road, East Lyme; 860-739-3459; thatlooksalon.com

hair salon or hairdresser

THAT LOOK SALON

166 Boston Post Road, East Lyme

860-739-3459; thatlooksalon.com

second Pl ace

Mirror Image, Gales Ferry runner-uP

Vesta Salon, Waterford

lashes

STEPHIE’S BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

1602 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-629-8522 facebook.com/Stephiesbeautyboutique

second Pl ace

The Lash Craft, Central Village runner-uP

KickAsh Studio, Norwich

MakeuP artist

AMANDA FLICKNER, SPLIT PERSONALITY

88 Litton Avenue, Groton

second Pl ace

Beauty by Mineko, Stonington runner-uP

Vanessa Villena Beauty Co., Gales Ferry

Massage theraPist

SARAH PRESTON, BACK & BODY CHIROPRACTIC

24 Putnam Pike #3, Dayville 860-412-9016; backandbodyct.com

second Pl ace

Noelle Hooper Hartmann, advanced BacK and necK c are cen ter , Groton runner-uP

Ontavia Dull, advanced BacK and necK c are center , Groton

best

Annie McGuire

Annie McGuire, also known as Nailed It Mystic, is an independent nail specialist at Mystic River Hair and Nails Salon. Annie provides one-on-one service for manicures, pedicures and beautiful custom nail art designs, while also staying on top of the latest trends, products and technologies in the field. She strives to help her clients look their absolute best! Nailed

It Mystic, Mystic River Hair and Nails Salon, 7 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic; 860-857-7803; naileditmystic.com

nail salon or nail sPecialist

ANNIE MCGUIRE, NAILED IT MYSTIC, MYSTIC RIVER HAIR AND NAILS SALON

7 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic 860-857-7803

naileditmystic.com

second Pl ace

Vesta Salon, Waterford runner-uP

Cozy Nail Spa, Mystic

sPa or facials

STEPHIE’S BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

1602 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-629-8522

facebook.com/ Stephiesbeautyboutique

second Pl ace

FACEit we WAXit & MORE, Groton

runner-uP Le Spa, Mystic

tattoos & Piercing

DANIELLE MEDRANO, MIDNIGHT ANGEL STUDIO

1313 Gold Star Highway, Groton 860-941-8680

midnightangelstudio.com

second Pl ace

Flat’s Tattooing Inc., Groton runner-uP

Tommy Slocum, red sKies coLLective, Groton

pets

animal rescue

MONA’S HOUSE - A PLACE FOR HOMELESS PETS

704 Gungywamp Road, Groton facebook.com/ MonasHouseforHomelessPets

second place

All Paws on Deck Rescue, Griswold runner-up

Connecticut Humane Society, Quaker Hill

boarding

FUN. PLAY. BARK.

270 Rogers Road, Groton 860-910-1882; funplaybark.com

second place

Rhodes Collar, Stonington runner-up

All Bright Canines, Oakdale

day care or pet sitting

AMBER’S PAMPERED PETS

Uncasville

860-885-8512; amberspets.com

second place

Rhodes Collar, Stonington runner-up

Fun. Play. Bark., Groton

pet grooming

DOGGY STYLEZ MOBILE GROOMING

860-705-8115 doggystylezmobile.net

second place

Grimm’s Furry Tails, Ledyard runner-up

My Fetching Hound, Mystic

best

boarding

Fun. Play. Bark.

Elena Cecil created her business, The Animal Experts, LLC, in 2013 where she provided a customized dog boarding service based on the concept of kennelfree boarding at her home in Bozrah. In 2014, she expanded her service to offer dog day care. Building upon her success, Elena and her husband, Marcus, added more services at a second location which is known as Fun. Play.

Bark in Groton! 270 Rogers Road, Groton; 860-910-1882; funplaybark.com

best pet training

Rhodes Collar

Rhodes Collar founder Gleanna Doyle-Burkhalter’s mission is to create an accessible, convenient, world-class dog training organization of unparalleled standards, within which any dog “issue” can be resolved. For the past 30 years, Gleanna has specialized in training dogs and cats for film, television and events. Her passion is families and their pets. She loves making it easier for families to bring their dogs into all types of situations to be truly compatible with all family members! 769 Stonington Road, Stonington; 860-213-0260; rhodescollar.com

Pet suPPlies & accessories

MYSTIC PET SHOP

28 E Main Street, Mystic 860-572-4424

mysticpetshop.com

second Pl ace Fleming’s Feed, Stonington runner-uP

My Pet’s World, Gales Ferry

Pet training

RHODES COLLAR

769 Stonington Road, Stonington 860-213-0260 rhodescollar.com

second Pl ace

Coastal K9 Training and Behavior, Salem runner-uP

My Dog’s Place, Stonington

veterinary services

FOUR PAWS VETERINARY SERVICES

151 Cow Hill Road, Mystic 860-536-4204; fpvs.net

second Pl ace

Stonington Veterinary Hospital, Stonington runner-uP

Norwichtown Veterinary Hospital, Norwich

services

accounting firm/tax preparer

AUSTIN & MACIONE CPAS, LLC

393 Gold Star Highway, Groton 860-381-5650 austinmacionecpas.com

second place

Jay Small, CPA, Bozrah runner-up

Ed Lorah and Associates, Waterford

attorney

JASON BURDICK, MESSIER, MASSAD, BURDICK & ASSOC., LLC

107 State Street, New London 860-443-7014 massadins.com/partners/lawyers/ messier_massad_burdick_associates_llc

second place

Khorey Peterson, The Law Office Of KhOrey L. Pe T ersOn, Old Lyme runner-up

Dave Pazzaglia, PazzagLia Law, Niantic

auto repair

CIC AUTOMOTIVE & SALES 1592 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-464-7236

facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100-057-380802264

second place

Sireci’s Automotive, Waterford runner-up

Stilly’s Automotive, Lisbon

best cleaning service Queen Bee Cleaning, LLC

Queen Bee Cleaning, LLC is a femalerun company serving southeastern Connecticut. It is fully insured and bonded, supports its workers and believes in paying a living wage. Queen Bee’s team handles carpet cleaning, move-in and moveout cleaning, Airbnb & VRBO vacation rental cleaning, and home organization services. They are pet friendly. When you choose Queen Bee Cleaning, you are supporting a small, local business and you will see the clean difference in your home! 235 Ross Road, Danielson; 860-300-0397; queenbeecleaningct.com

Lou’s Computers

Lou’s Computers began in 2001 as a work-from-home IT service and support provider for the community and surrounding local businesses. In 2009, it transformed into Lou’s Computers, LLC, a retail sales and service center. Since then, Lou’s Computers has grown its personal customer base including local and regional businesses. 45 Williams Avenue, Mystic; 860-415-4663; louscomputers.com

Bank

CHELSEA GROTON BANK

904 Poquonnock Road, Groton 800-816-2472; chelseagroton.com

second Pl ace

Eastern CT Savings Bank, Norwich runner-uP

Liberty Bank, Groton

car wash/detailing

SUBMARINE CAR WASH

591 CT-12, Groton 860-449-9992

submarinecarwash.com

second Pl ace

Breakwater Marine Services, New London

runner-uP

Rapid Car Wash, New London

child care/day care

PRECIOUS MEMORIES

PLACE

168 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic 860-415-9744

preciousmemoriesplace.com

second Pl ace

Precious Memories Preschool of Sandy Hollow, Mystic runner-uP

Carelot Children’s Center, East Lyme

cleaning service

QUEEN BEE CLEANING

235 Ross Road, Danielson 860-300-0397

queenbeecleaningct.com

second Pl ace

Jac’s Cleaning Service, LLC, Gales Ferry

runner-uP

H&P Cleaning Services, LLC, Providence, RI

best

taxi or liMousine service

Joshua’s Worldwide

Headquartered in Connecticut, Joshua’s Limousine is the industryleading, trendsetting ground transportation company for all your travel needs. Joshua’s offers exclusive attention and service to

you and your clients. It has connections across six continents and is known for the best service in the industry. With 40 years of combined experience, Joshua’s Limousine can meet any request, anywhere in the world. 172 Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry; 860-464-0336; joshuasworldwide.com

clothing alterations & tailoring

THE FITTING ROOM

155 E. Main Street, Jewett City; 860-376-5566 fittingroomct.com

second Pl ace

Lauren Rush Alterations, Waterford

runner-uP

Alterations by Elizabeth, Groton

coMPuter and electronics rePair

LOU’S COMPUTERS

45 Williams Avenue, Mystic 860-415-4663; louscomputers.com

second Pl ace

Wireless Zone Repair Zone, Groton runner-uP

Captain Computer, Gales Ferry

credit union

COREPLUS CREDIT UNION

202 Salem Turnpike, Norwich 860-886-0576; coreplus.org

second Pl ace

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, Waterford runner-uP

Navy Federal Credit Union, Groton

dry cleaner

BARRY’S CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS

565 Colman Street, New London 860-447-8220; barryscleanerssect.com

second Pl ace

Westgate Dry Cleaners, Norwich runner-uP

Pier Cleaners, Westerly, RI

financial advisor

JOHNPAUL MORALES, MORGAN STANLEY

5 Fort Rachel Place, Mystic; 860-572-2599

advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-sartori-morales-group

second Pl ace

Thomas Dittmeier, LincoLn FinanciaL securities corP oration, Waterford runner-uP

David Cikatz, edWard Jones, Waterford

funeral services

BYLES-MACDOUGALL FUNERAL SERVICE

99 Huntington Street, New London 860-444-0753; byles.com

second Pl ace

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes, New London

runner-uP

Woyasz & Son Funeral Service, Norwich

hotel, inn, Bed & Breakfast

THE WHALER’S INN

20 E Main Street, Mystic 860-536-1506; whalersinnmystic.com

second Pl ace

Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Groton runner-uP Mohegan Sun, Uncasville

insurance agent/agency

BOUVIER INSURANCE

1020 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford 800-357-2000; binsurance.com

second Pl ace

Massad Insurance Agency, New London runner-uP

Betsy Ballard, t He BaLL ard agency, Centerbrook

law firM

MESSIER, MASSAD, BURDICK & ASSOCIATES

107 State Street, New London 860-443-7014

massadins.com/partners/lawyers/ messier_massad_burdick_associates_llc

second Pl ace

The Law Office of Khorey L. Peterson, Old Lyme

runner-uP

Waller Smith & Palmer PC, New London

PhotograPher or videograPher

LAYNE ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

153 Middle Road, Preston 860-710-5928

layneannphotography.com

second Pl ace

Sara’s Photography, Niantic runner-uP

Full of Whimsy Photography, Norwich

Preschool/Pre-k

PRECIOUS MEMORIES PLACE

168 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic 860-415-9744

preciousmemoriesplace.com

second Pl ace

Friendship School, Waterford

runner-uP

Precious Memories Preschool of Sandy Hollow, Mystic

real estate agency

LUQUE REALTY LLC

34 Menghi Street, New London 860-912-4245; luquerealty.com

second Pl ace

PMI East Lyme, Niantic runner-uP

RE/MAX Legends, Waterford

best

dry cleaner

Barry’s Cleaners & Launderers

Since 1952, Barry’s Cleaners & Launderers has dedicated itself to providing customers with a complete range of laundering, drycleaning, tailoring and alteration services. Their capabilities include laundry and dry-cleaning for everyday items, fine garment cleaning, stain removal and treatment, and cleaning for tablecloths, bedding and drapery. Let Barry’s help you prolong the life of your garments by preserving their color, form and feel. Convenient locations include New London, Niantic and East Lyme. 565 Colman Street, New London; 860-447-8220; barryscleanerssect.com

best Bank Chelsea Groton Bank

Chelsea Groton Bank helps individuals, families and businesses succeed in big ways and small by putting more effort into everything it does. Chelsea Groton focuses on bringing together the best in digital, remote and in-person capabilities—an approach designed around the lives of its customers so they can manage finances when, where and how they want. Chelsea Groton proudly puts time, energy and money into local communities to make them stronger. Because when it does, everyone succeeds! 904 Poquonnock Road, Groton; 800-816-2472; chelseagroton.com

real estate agent

CARLOS LUQUE, LUQUE REALTY LLC

34 Menghi Street, New London 860-912-4245; luquerealty.com

second Pl ace

Scott Pellerin, coLdWeLL BanKer , East Lyme

runner-uP

Tyler Hespeler, BerKsHire Hat HaWay HoMe services, Mystic

self-storage

CROSS ROAD & EAST LYME RENT-A-SPACE

175 Cross Road, Waterford 860-444-1912; rent-a-space.com

second Pl ace

Wes Stor Mini Storage, Pawcatuck runner-uP

Terra Firma Self Storage, Gales Ferry

taxi or liMousine service

JOSHUA’S WORLDWIDE

172 Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry 860-464-0336; joshuasworldwide.com

second Pl ace

Ambassador Limousine, Hartford runner-uP

Curtin Transportation Group, Waterford

travel agent/agency

GRAND HORIZONS WORLDWIDE TRAVEL

147 Phillips Road, Lisbon 860-376-8074; grandhorizonstravel.com

second Pl ace

AAA of Waterford, Waterford

runner-uP

Susan Hull, HMs t r aveL , Lisbon

shopping

antiques

JONNYCAKE CENTER OF WESTERLY

23 Industrial Drive, Westerly, RI 401-377-8069; jonnycake.org

second place

Past to Present, Niantic runner-up

2 Sisters Trading Post, Salem

appliances

KEITH’S APPLIANCES

320 W Thames Street, Norwich 860-889-2093; keithsappliances.com

second place

Shore Appliance & TV, Groton runner-up

Jerry’s Appliance, Norwich

auto dealership (new)

VALENTI FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS

72 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic 888-699-3309; bobvalenti.com

second place

The M.J. Sullivan Automotive Corner, New London

runner-up

Secor Subaru, New London

auto dealership (pre-owned)

KIA OF GROTON

421 CT-12, Groton 860-215-3431; kiaofgroton.com

second place

Valenti Family of Dealerships, Mystic runner-up

The M.J. Sullivan Automotive Corner, New London

best

auto dealership (new)

Valenti Family of Dealerships

Valenti Automotive Group is your premier retailer of new and used vehicles. In the business of serving the community for nearly a century, this family of dealerships includes new Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, Ford, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and many luxury-brand vehicles, as well as one of the largest selections of quality, extensively service-checked and approved pre-owned vehicles. Its certified sales staff and top-trained technicians are here to make your auto shopping experience fun, easy and financially advantageous. 72 Jerry Browne Road, Mystic; 888-699-3309; bobvalenti.com

best

boutique

Grace

Grace is a cozy, coastal boutique featuring free-spirited fashion apparel, gorgeous

accessories, beautiful home items and gift ideas, and the most adorable baby merchandise imaginable. The shop offers many popular clothing brands such as Free People and Z Supply. Grace is the muststop-shop for the ultimate, special gift for any occasion. Find many unique items and set the bar for individual flair and style this summer and every season. 46 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic; 860-739-4333; shopatgrace.com

Bath & Body Products

MAIN STREET SOAP

EMPORIUM

22 E Main Street, Mystic 860-389-0155; mainstsoap.com

second Pl ace

Kettlepot Soap, Ledyard runner-uP

Becca Rose, Mystic

Bicycles

MYSTIC CYCLE CENTRE

25 Stonington Road, Mystic 860-572-7433; mysticcyclecentre.com

second Pl ace

Wayfarer Bicycle, New London runner-uP

Niantic Bay Bicycles, Niantic

Books

THE BOOK BARN

41 W Main Street, Niantic 860-739-5715; bookbarnniantic.com

second Pl ace

Bank Square Books, Mystic runner-uP

Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop, Mystic

best

Picture fraMing

Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery

Custom picture framing in a range of styles and budgets, a large readymade custom frame selection, a gallery featuring local artists and artisanal gifts—there’s something for everyone at Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery, a fixture of downtown New London since 1979. 140 Bank Street, New London; 860-442-6355; studio33gallery.com

crafts & scraPBooking

DRIFTWOOD YARNS

1 Fort Hill Road, Groton 860-415-8118; driftwoodyarns.com

second Pl ace

KnittyGrittyYarnGirl Yarn Shop, Niantic runner-uP

Pinspiration, East Lyme

Boutique GRACE

46 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic 860-739-4333; shopatgrace.com

second Pl ace

Loving Life Boutique, Pawcatuck runner-uP

Valomie Boutique, Stonington

consignMents or thrift s tore

2GALS RESALE THERAPY

749 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard 860-381-5151; facebook.com/2galsresaletherapy

second Pl ace

Jonnycake Center of Westerly, Westerly, RI runner-uP

Pennywise Consignment Shop, Mystic

best auto dealership (pre-owned)

Kia of Groton

Kia of Groton offers next-level automotive buying experiences, awardwinning service, a plentiful and diverse selection of new and preowned Kia vehicles, as well as many great finds in other pre-owned automotive brands and flexible financing. The friendly, certified sales, service and parts staff is always delighted to see you in person. Easily accessible to residents throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island thanks to its proximity to I-95. Online purchase and leasing options are also available for your convenience. 421 CT-12, Groton; 860-215-3431; kiaofgroton.com

eyewear

SHADES OF MYSTIC

3 Water Street, Unit 101, Mystic 860-572-0081

facebook.com/shadesofmystic

second place

Shoreline Eye Group, Waterford runner-up

The Eyeglass Lass, Mystic

feed & grain

FLEMING’S FEED

786 Stonington Road, Stonington 860-535-3181; flemingsfeed.com

second place

Hyde’s Home & Farm, Norwich runner-up

Wild Birds Unlimited, Niantic

flowers

FISHER FLORIST

87 Broad Street, New London 860-442-9456; fisherfloristcorp.com

second place

McKenna’s Flower Shop, Norwich runner-up

Hoelck’s Florist, Waterford

footwear

KELLEY’S PACE

27 Coogan Boulevard #15c, Mystic 860-536-8175

kelleyspacemystic.com

second place

Sound Runner Old Saybrook, Old Saybrook runner-up

Bestemors, Mystic

THE ROAD CHURCH

First Congregational Church of Stonington Serving The Community for 350 Years

Worship Services 10 am Every Sunday At The Historic Road Meetinghouse 903 Pequot Trail, Stonington, CT 06378

gifts & souvenirs

FRANKLIN’S GENERAL STORE

27 Coogan Boulevard #4c, Mystic 860-536-1038

franklinsgeneralstore.com

second Pl ace

The Cloak and Wand, Mystic runner-uP

The Shop at the Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme

grocery store

MCQUADE’S MARKETPLACE

14 Clara Drive, Mystic 860-536-2054; mcquadesmarket.com

second Pl ace

Fiddleheads Food Co-op, New London runner-uP

Shop Rite, New London

hardware & hoMe iMProveMent

JOHNSON’S HARDWARE RENTAL AND REPAIR

40 Fort Hill Road, Groton 860-448-1760; johnsonsrental.com

second Pl ace

Holdridge’s Home & Garden, Ledyard runner-uP

Montville True Value Hardware, Montville

hearing aid retailer

COUNTY HEARING AND BALANCE

167 Parkway N, Waterford 860-598-4008

countyhearingandbalance.com

second Pl ace

Ascent Hearing Center, Groton runner-uP

Thames Hearing Services, East Lyme

Mallove’s Jewelers

For over 100 years, Mallove’s Jewelers has remained southeastern Connecticut’s most respected jeweler. It is committed to its historic legacy of trust. Through generations of old to generations of new, Mallove’s is honored to be part of the stories of so many beautiful families and looks forward to sharing in all your special moments to come. 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford; 860-442-4391; mallovejewelers.com

best organic/health and wellness sPecialty food store

Fiddleheads Food Cooperative

Fiddleheads Food

Cooperative is a fullservice grocery store specializing in local, organic and natural products. Open to all, Fiddleheads is New London’s only downtown grocery store. It’s owned by over 3,000 households throughout southeastern Connecticut working together to create a locally focused, sustainable and health-driven food system. Stop in for products from over 90 local Connecticut farms and businesses offering everything from Brussels sprouts to beer. 13 Broad Street, New London; 860-701-9123; fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com

Jewelry

MALLOVE’S JEWELERS

262 Boston Post Road, Waterford 860-442-4391; mallovejewelers.com

second Pl ace

Grader Jewelers, Groton runner-uP

Simply Majestic, Stonington

Music or instruMents

STEWART’S MUSIC

171 Main Street, Niantic 860-739-4141; stewartsmusicct.com

second Pl ace

Ron’s Guitars, Groton runner-uP

Caruso Piano Gallery, New London

organic/health and wellness

FIDDLEHEADS

FOOD CO-OP

13 Broad Street, New London 860-701-9123

fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com

second Pl ace

Natural Food Store, Niantic runner-uP

The Green Market, Lisbon

Picture fraMing

STUDIO 33 ART & FRAME GALLERY

140 Bank Street, New London 860-442-6355 studio33gallery.com

second Pl ace

Framers of the Lost Art, Mystic runner-uP

ABC PhotoLab, Mystic

Johnson’s Hardware Rental and Repair has been family-owned and operated since 1921. Johnson’s specializes in great customer service and has a knowledgeable staff. Whether it’s plumbing, paint, lawn and garden or small engine repair, “if you don’t start here, you’ll end here!” 40 Fort Hill Road, Groton; 860-448-1760; johnsonsrental.com

Produce & farM stand

HOLMBERG ORCHARDS

1990 CT-12, Gales Ferry 860-464-7305

holmbergorchards.com

second Pl ace

Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm, Mystic

runner-uP

Campbell’s Farm Stand, Griswold

sPecialty food store

FIDDLEHEADS

FOOD CO-OP

13 Broad Street, New London 860-701-9123

fiddleheadsfood.weebly.com

second Pl ace

Westerly Packing, Westerly, RI runner-uP

Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant, East Lyme

sPorting goods

KELLEY’S PACE

27 Coogan Boulevard #15c, Mystic 860-536-8175

kelleyspacemystic.com

second Pl ace

Adventure Mystic, Mystic runner-uP

Ideal Skate Shop, Norwich

wine & sPirits

GRAND WINE & SPIRITS

255 CT-12, Groton 860-445-1044 grandwineandspirits.com

second Pl ace

Shoreline Super Liquors, Waterford

runner-uP

J C Spirit Shop, Jewett City

best wireless and

electronics

Verizon Wireless Zone of Groton & New London

Wireless Zone believes communities need more than just a wireless retailer, and employees want more than just a job. It is committed to making a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of its employees, customers and communities. 351 N Frontage Road, Suite B11, New London; 860-439-1000; facebook.com/wirelesszonenl

Bridal or forMal wear

LOVE ME FOREVER BRIDAL

15 Merchants Avenue, Taftville 860-889-3535 loveme4everbridal.com

second Pl ace

Melissa Ashley Brides, Westerly, RI

runner-uP

Mishale Bridal & Tux, Niantic

Pl anning, consultant & services

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO MYSTIC

Mystic Packer Building 12 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic 860-245-0037

fredastaire.com/mystic

second Pl ace

DWP Events, deBr a WHite Pa Bozrah

runner-uP

L auren Rush Alterations, Waterford

wedding venue/ Banquet hall

SWEET HILL FARM

39 Military Highway, Gales Ferry 860-865-5764; sweethillfarmct.com

second Pl ace

Wright’s Mill Farm, Canterbury

runner-uP

The Sunlight Building of Norwich, Norwich

Me Forever Bridal

Love Me Forever Bridal specializes in bridal, formalwear and tuxes and provides one-on-one service to help customers find their perfect attire for their wedding or other special events. The shop carries the latest formal wear styles and listens to each customer’s needs and vision,

Drs. Joseph and Daniel Mascaro

ADVANCED BACK AND NECK CARE CENTER

By EllE Rahilly

photos couRtEsy of

advancEd Back and nEck caRE cEntER

The power of touch and a sense of family are at the heart of Advanced Back and Neck Care Center in Groton. When Dr. Joseph Mascaro, D.C., opened the doors to his practice nearly 40 years ago, he wanted to introduce an alternative form of health care to southeastern Connecticut founded on the philosophy of natural healing.

“Chiropractic means to treat or heal by hand. So, one of the unique things about what we do is that we touch people—and touch is very powerful,” says Dr. Joe. That personal touch has allowed Advanced Back and Neck to foster a familial bond with each patient who walks through its doors. Today, you’ll find the practice buzzing with a bevy of patients being tended to by a friendly crew on any given day.

Dr. Joe’s belief in the power of touch reached more than just his patients. Dr. Daniel Mascaro, D.C. was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps upon witnessing the healing power of chiropractic at a young age. “It’s amazing what somebody can do with just their hands, their heart and their presence. The gratitude that can be shown back is a special kind of exchange,” says Dr. Dan, who returned to southeastern Connecticut to join his father’s practice in 2020.

Since opening its doors in 1986, Advanced Back and Neck has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility with

TDM: When did you first consider pursuing a career in chiropractic?

JM: I always knew I wanted to do something in health care. My grandfather encouraged me to look into chiropractic, and I liked the philosophy of natural healing. During my clinical rotations in chiropractic school, I saw things that were pretty miraculous and realized it was something I love.

DM: One of my earliest memories was watching my father take care of somebody when I was 5 years old. They hugged him and said, “Thank you so much. That made such a difference in my life.” That was the first inspirational moment for me. I knew it was something I wanted to do when I heard the former president of Life University,

special equipment, ever-adapting modalities of treatment and a diverse group of chiropractic physicians boasting more than 100 years of collective experience. The practice has earned a reputation for working closely with patients to improve their quality of life as efficiently and naturally as possible. “We like to give people choices with respect to what they’re looking for with care,” says Dr. Joe.

TDM spoke with the Mascaros about Advanced Back and Neck being recognized in The Day’s Best of the Best Readers’ Choice Awards for its ninth year in a row and what lies ahead for the practice.

where I received my doctor of chiropractic degree, talk about a lasting purpose—which is to do, to give, to love and to serve out of a sense of abundance. I take that with me every day to the office.

TDM: What is your main objective when it comes to treating patients?

DM: I put helping the patient achieve whatever result is important to them first. It’s always important to understand where they’re coming from. There are times when we may suggest alternative solutions to help them see better results quicker. My mission is to improve our patients’ quality of life and be a facilitator of their healing process.

Dr. Daniel Mascaro, left, with his father, Dr. Joseph Mascaro, outside Advanced Back and Neck Care Center.

JM: My philosophy is natural care first. We try to make our treatments universal with respect to a person’s needs rather than chiropractic only. That’s why we have different modalities. If natural care and lifestyle modification doesn’t work, then you explore alternative options. Everyone that comes in as a patient, we want them to feel like family.

TDM: Can you share a rewarding experience or element of your work?

DM: For me, it’s any time I can help to save a patient from unnecessary medications, injections or surgeries. There can be side effects with any of those forms of treatment. I like helping people heal naturally if they’re able to.

JM: One of my first experiences in clinic was with an aunt of mine who had severe sciatica. She was in and out of the hospital for a while. She was initially opposed to receiving chiropractic care, but we convinced her to come to the clinic. After performing an examination, we did a balancing treatment in which the person lies on wedges and uses their own body weight to set their body in position. She started crying and said it was the first time she hadn’t felt pain in six months.

TDM: How did your practice adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic?

JM: Our staff didn’t want to stop working. We shut down for a week and took the necessary measures to comply with safety regulations. Part of that was acquiring more space. Little by little, people started trickling back in. Our patients missed being in the office. We made sure they felt comfortable and safe when they returned.

DM: I joined the practice in May 2020. To me, it was perfect timing. I was able to help build the newly acquired space from the ground up into what it is now. It took off quickly from there.

JM: Dr. Dan has put a lot of effort into making improvements in our practice. He’s a big reason why we’ve been able to grow and flourish. Our capacity also increased with the new space. The pandemic raised society’s awareness about maintaining good health and a strong immune system. Since then, we’ve been busier than ever.

TDM: What were you doing before, Dr. Dan?

DM: I was recruited out of school to work at a clinic in New Jersey that specializes in helping patients with headaches. What attracted me is that they wanted to be the

premier headache clinic in the world. That’s how intensively they trained and how high the bar was set. I thought that would be a good place for me to learn.

TDM: Dr. Joe, what inspired you to open a practice in southeastern Connecticut?

JM: It’s a great area for small businesses. We’re right on the shoreline between Boston and New York City. I grew up in New York City. There, you’re kind of like a number. Here, there is a sense of community. Everybody sort of knows each other. Part of my mission when I moved here was to educate people about chiropractic as a natural form of health care that has the ability to significantly improve your overall health and quality of life. Once we opened our doors, we got busy quickly. I never expected that to happen.

TDM: What does being recognized as “Best of the Best” by the community mean to you?

JM: It’s definitely a team effort. Our entire staff is very proud of the fact that our patients think enough of our work to recognize us. We probably have the best crew right now that we’ve ever had. Everyone here really cares about our patients. It’s a culture.

TDM: Are you involved in the community as a practice?

JM: We like to support local schools through fundraisers and community initiatives. We’ve volunteered as chiropractors for Mohegan Sun’s sports teams. I’ve helped out at Connecticut College when its athletic department was short-staffed.

DM: We also try to raise awareness in the community through public speaking and education.

I’m always willing to come to different workplaces and talk with teams about different health-related topics like ergonomics, arthritis or weight loss.

JM: We did a significant amount of that as an office for many years. I used to conduct lectures at the public library. Dr. Michael Thomas from our office has done a lot as well. We’d do spinal screenings. We’d go out into the community and talk with people about posture. It’s been very rewarding.

TDM: Is there anything exciting on the horizon for the practice?

JM: We continue to add new modalities as we go based on the latest developments in research and technology. We’ve implemented state-of-the-art equipment over the past few years that has been very popular among our patients and beneficial to their healing. Advanced is in our name.

DM: We’re always looking into the best treatment techniques, approaches and modalities. Our practice is in part modeled around the human body’s three phases of healing. We believe a patient’s body has a powerful ability to heal. We visualize them in a better place once they go through those stages of healing. Anything new that we consider adding into the practice is something that we’re going to first put through the filter of seeing if it fits our values and philosophy as a natural health-care center.

Elle Rahilly has a degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts, where she also studied Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. After spending eight years working in fashion and finance in New York City, Elle is thrilled to be back in her native New London. She is an ardent lover of animals, travel and haute couture.

With the greatest of care: 9 straight

“Best of the Best” awards

We know that you have choices when it comes to medical care. So it means a lot to us that you've chosen Lawrence + Memorial Hospital as “Best Local Hospital” for nine consecutive years. We appreciate the confidence you continue to place in our staff and all the support that you’ve given throughout all the years leading up to this one. Now more than ever, it’s our honor to serve this amazing community–and to do so with the greatest of care.