Community, Connection, and Summer Vibrancy
Dear Readers,
July brings a unique warmth to our town, but this specific month carries an extraordinary, historic milestone: America’s 250th Birthday.
As celebrations echo from Hubbard Green to the banks of the Connecticut River, we reflect on the enduring spirit of independence and collaboration that has shaped Glastonbury since its early days, beautifully mirroring the very foundation of our nation.
This vibrant season also offers a wonderful opportunity to enrich our local professional relationships. Summer naturally strips away formality, making it the perfect time to leverage our community network. We can gather during the town's outdoor concert series, or better yet, host our own informal networking events. Creating a casual morning coffee meetup at a local café or a relaxed evening patio social allows us to connect on a deeply human level.
When we build trust over shared summer moments rather than rigid sales pitches, we cultivate resilient community bonds that strengthen our entire local economy.
Our dynamic Main Street merchants, South Glastonbury orchard growers, and local professionals are the true heartbeat of our town's economy. However, building a lasting legacy requires endurance, not perpetual exhaustion.
As we cross into the second half of the year, I urge our local business owners to step away from the daily grind for a bit. Take that well-deserved summer break with your family—whether it’s picking seasonal berries in the hills or enjoying a quiet sunset at Riverfront Park. Disconnecting to recharge is not a distraction from your goals; it is a vital investment that restores the energy and motivation needed for a highly successful second half.
Whether you’re traveling, hosting a backyard barbecue, or networking under the New England sun, I wish you a joyful, restorative, and inspiring month ahead.
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Srivathsa (Sri) Ramachandran srivathsa.ramachandran@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Eileen McNamara | eileen.mcnamara@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jayashree (Jaye) Subramanian jayashree.subramanian@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Dave Claro | dave.claro@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eva Gryczan, Christopher Algoo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Helmke, Vincent Wrenn, Brian Ambrose, Christopher Algoo, Diane Hoover, Barbara Theurkauf
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-6: Scenes from the recent Business After Hours event sponsored by Dime Bank in Manchester and featuring several regional chambers, including the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the CT River Valley Chamber and the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce.
business monthly
The Computer Company Achieves Elite Cybersecurity Certification
The Computer Company, an IT and cybersecurity provider, has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2. With a limited number of managed service providers nationwide with a Level 2 certification, this milestone reflects The Computer Company’s strong commitment to cybersecurity and compliance. As one of the few MSPs in Connecticut to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification, the company is positioned to help organizations strengthen their security posture and meet evolving federal compliance requirements. Visit computercompany.net
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Seniors Job Bank introduces Next Chapter Success
The Seniors Job Bank, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people over 50 with jobs and employers with experienced workers, has received the Leadership Greater Hartford’s 2026 Connections Polaris Award, recognizing individuals, organizations, or initiatives that exemplify the value of collaboration and partnership. “Receiving )(this) award is an incredible honor and a reflection of the dedication of our team, partners, and the employers,” said Robin Clare, Executive Director of the Seniors Job Bank. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org
Berkshire Hathaway Services Holds Grand Opening at New Location
The CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting for the new Glastonbury location of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties at 30 Welles Street in Glastonbury. With a strong presence throughout the Northeast and a team of knowledgeable local sales executives, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties is dedicated to helping individuals and families find a place to call home. Visit bhhsneproperties.com/office/glastonbury.
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Photography by John Helmke
Chamber Announces Apple Fest Music Lineup
The CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival entertainment lineup. "We’re excited to announce this year’s incredible lineup, featuring Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood, On The Trail, Michael Sanford Day & The Hard Feelings, Cinema Stare, Don Minott & The High Voltage Reggae Band, Charlie Diamond, and many more performing throughout the weekend." This year's festival is scheduled for Oct. 16-18. Visit crvappleharvestandmusicfestival.com.
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Glastonbury Rotary Takes part in Epic Day of Service
The Rotary Club of Glastonbury recently took part in the Rotary International Epic Day of Service. This event brings 2,500 Rotary clubs and 75,000 Rotarians, community volunteers and partners across the globe in a single day dedicated to making the world a better place. The Glastonbury Rotary Club members went out into the community ,making a difference and beautifying the Rotary Fields, the town welcome signs and Eastbury school courtyard. Visit glastonburyrotaryclub.org.
Construction Starts on New Addison Park Playground
Construction has starated on the new Addison Playground. The project will replace the current structure for kids ages 5–12. Areas not under construction will remain open, so residents can still enjoy parts of the playground during this time. Town parks officials expect the project to be complete this month. The improvements were made possible with financial support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Visit Glastonburyct.gov for more information.
Photography by Brian Ambrose
Fyzical Celebrates Anniversary
Celebrating one year of serving the West Hartford community, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers – West Hartford marks an exciting milestone of growth and impact. The team proudly welcomes new clinician Dr. Wesley Cheng, whose expertise strengthens orthopedic patient care. In addition, the continued expansion of the pelvic health program, led by Dr. Lauren Cummins, reflects a deep commitment to specialized, comprehensive treatment and meeting the evolving needs of patients. Visit fyzical.com/west-hartford-ct.
Children’s House of Montessori Hosts Open House
Join the Children’s House of Montessori, 2584 Main St., from 2-4 p.m. on July 18 for a free Open House. Tour their classrooms, meet the staff and "learn how we nurture confident, curious learners!" Now accepting applications for children born in 2023 for autumn start dates. Register for a lecture in advance if possible. Call 860-266-2617 or email info@chomfamily.org.
THE SPRAWLING ANTIQUES SHOW AND FLEA MARKET IS A POPULAR NEW ENGLAND TOURIST DESTINATION
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
EXPLORE
BRIMFIELD ANTIQUES
Every spring and summer the quiet town of Brimfield, Mass., transforms into one of the largest and most celebrated antiques destinations in the country.
The Brimfield Antique Show, held annually in May, July and September draws collectors, interior designers, dealers and treasure hunters from across the United States. Stretching for miles through dozens of show fields, the outdoor marketplace has become synonymous with New England antique shopping.
A set of antique chairs at Brimfield
The show started in 1959 as a small, private antiques sale. It has evolved into a massive six-day event featuring thousands of vendors selling everything from fine furniture and folk art to vintage clothing, jewelry, and architectural salvage.
Organizers estimate the show attracts more than a million visitors. Some longtime attendees compare the experience to a giant open-air museum mixed with a treasure hunt.
The carnival-like atmosphere is part of the appeal. On opening day, crowds begin arriving before dawn, many armed with coffee, tape measures and wagons as they search for one-of-a-kind finds before someone else claims them.
“It’s the Greek colosseum of flea markets,” one Reddit user wrote after attending the show, describing the scale and excitement of the event.
Different fields open on staggered schedules throughout the week, encouraging shoppers to return multiple days. Popular venues include May’s Antique Market, Sturtevant Antique Shows and New England Motel Antique Show, each offering its own mix of dealers and specialties.
The shows have also become a cultural destination for designers and decorators. Publications including Architectural Digest and Better Homes & Gardens have highlighted Brimfield as one of America’s premier vintage and antiques events, known for its eclectic inventory and colorful atmosphere.
Beyond shopping, the shows create a festival-like environment filled with food vendors, live music, roadside diners and conversations between collectors passionate about history and craftsmanship. Antique experts often share stories about the origins and provenance of pieces, turning shopping trips into impromptu history lessons.
This year’s summer shows are scheduled for July 14-19, with the fall edition planned for Sept. 8-13.
For many visitors, however, the real attraction is not a specific item, but the experience itself — the thrill of wandering through endless tents in search of forgotten treasures and unexpected discoveries.
In Brimfield, every object seems to come with a story, and every summer the town becomes a gathering place for people eager to uncover them. Visit brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com.
Vintage clothing vendors have become a popular staple at Brimfield.
Treasure hunting at the Brimfield Antiques Show.
Oddities abound at the Brimfield Antiques Show.
Local! EXPLORE
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M MCNAMARA
The annual Apple Harvest Festival is a popular event that draws visitors from near and far. Photo by Brian Ambrose
A scene from the annual Apple Harvest Festival.
From historic Main Street and scenic farms to its thriving local businesses and community events, Glastonbury embraces a simple but powerful message: explore your local community.
At the heart of that effort is a highly connected local business community, led in large part by the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce. The chamber plays a major role in promoting local businesses, organizing networking opportunities and creating community events that bring residents into the town center and commercial districts throughout the year.
Among its most popular events is the annual Apple Harvest & Music Festival, one of Glastonbury’s signature fall traditions. The multi-day event draws thousands of visitors with live music, food vendors, craft booths and family activities while showcasing local businesses and organizations.
The chamber also hosts an annual Riverfront Music Series at Riverfront Park in the field behind the Riverfront Community Center on Welles Street. These popular and free Wednesday evening concerts run throughout the summer and feature live bands. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic or they can buy food from participating food trucks on site.
The emphasis on connection the chamber promotes is also shared by the Glastonbury Historical Society, which plays an important role in preserving and promoting the town’s rich history through educational programs, exhibits, walking tours and special events.
Much of the town’s appeal comes from its balance of old and new, longtime institutions sit alongside newer cafés, boutiques and restaurants.
Farm stands, orchards and specialty shops continue attracting loyal customers, while newer businesses add fresh energy to the community.
Shopping in Glastonbury offers a mix of upscale retail centers, locally owned boutiques and convenient shopping plazas that draw visitors from across central Connecticut. Destinations like The Shops at Somerset Square feature national retailers, restaurants and outdoor-style shopping, while Griswold Shopping Center and The Shoppes at Fox Run provide everything from specialty foods to everyday services.
Downtown Glastonbury is also known for its charming independent shops, including boutiques like The Silver Dahlia and Gotta Have it Boutique, which add a personalized, small-town feel. The town’s
The historic Old Cider Mill in South Glastonbury hosts an annual fall festival. The CT River Ferry docks in South Glastonbury.
“Much of the town’s appeal comes from its balance of old and new, longtime institutions sit alongside newer cafés, boutiques and restaurants around town.”
combination of modern retail and locally owned businesses makes it one of Hartford County’s most popular shopping destinations.
South Glastonbury has become a regional dining hub with popular restaurants such as Cotton Hollow Kitchen, 2 Hopewell and Sayulita serving up fresh and distinctive culinary options.
The town’s agricultural heritage remains central to its identity. Orchards, vineyards, roadside farm markets and seasonal attractions continue drawing visitors throughout the year, particularly during the fall harvest season. Visitors go berry-picking in the summer and apple and pumpkin picking in fall at family-owned farms such as Belltown Hill Orchards, Rose’s Berry Farm, and Dondero Orchards.
Farmstands dot the landscape in South Glastonbury and provide more than just a myriad of local produce and plants for shoppers. Some, like the Killam & Bassette Farmstand host special events, such as free farm tastings and specialty pop-up markets, including one on Mother’s Day.
The Old Cider Mill on Main Street hosts a fall festival each year, featuring signature New England favorites such as fresh-pressed apple cider and apple fritters. Operated by Riverview Farms the Old Cider Mill is one of the oldest, continuously operating cider mills in the country.
Beyond shopping and dining, Glastonbury encourages residents to explore its outdoor and cultural attractions, including the historic Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry, Cotton Hollow Preserve, riverfront parks and miles of trails and conservation land.
Town leaders and business owners say the “Explore Local” theme is ultimately about strengthening community ties and encouraging people to invest in the places that make Glastonbury distinctive.
Thread by Thread Boutique in South Glastonbury.
Glastonbury Prepares For Nation’s 250th
THE TOWN'S FOUNDING PREDATES THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIANE HOOVER AND BARBARA THEURKAUF
The Glastonbury Historical Society hosts a Revolutionary Day event.
The historic Ward-Shipman House in South Glastonbury is maintained by the Historical Society of Glastonbury.
Founded in 1693, Glastonbury is one of Connecticut’s oldest communities, whose history stretches from Native American settlements and colonial farms to shipbuilding, industry and modern suburban life.
That deep historical foundation is now shaping the town’s role in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with local leaders and historians working to connect residents to both the nation’s founding and Glastonbury’s own evolving story.
At the center of that effort is the Historical Society of Glastonbury, whose extensive preservation work and year-round programming have helped generations of residents stay connected to the community’s past.
“The effort to preserve and enhance the appreciation of our past ranges from exhibits at the historical society museum, to reenactments and ‘living history’ events at the Welles-Shipman-Ward House property,” said Barbara Theurkauf, the historical society’s president.
Through museum exhibits, educational lectures, walking tours, genealogy programs, historic home preservation initiatives and seasonal community events, the organization has become one of the town’s most active stewards of local history.
HSG maintains three distinct properties here: The Welles-Shipman-Ward House, the Museum on the Green and the Welles-Chapman Tavern. Its programs draw residents of all ages, helping transform history from something confined to textbooks into a living part of everyday community life.
The historical society also recently published a local history book, “Our Sacred Honor,” on the town’s role in the Revolutionary War. The 91-page book attempts to reflect the experiences of individual Glastonbury men and women during the war for independence.
“Glastonbury took the patriot side from the beginning,” Barbara said. As early as 1774, the town
authorized a letter expressing opposition to what was described as British attempts “to enslave America.” Glastonbury subsequently contributed over 400 men to the patriot cause over six years of war.
The town was originally home to Indigenous peoples, including the Wangunk tribe. In 1636, settlers from nearby Wethersfield established “Naubuc Farms” here. The settlement later became known as Glassenbury before eventually adopting the modern spelling.
Glastonbury developed into an important agricultural and industrial center during the colonial era. It became known for shipbuilding, mills and river commerce. Local forests supplied timber for ships, while waterpower from Roaring Brook fueled mills and manufacturing operations that supported the growing regional economy.
The historic Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry remains one of the town’s most enduring symbols of that history. Operating continuously since 1655, it is recognized as the oldest continuously operating ferry service in the United States and still carries passengers across the Connecticut River between Rocky Hill and South Glastonbury today.
Glastonbury also played a role during the Revolutionary War era. Yale University temporarily relocated some students to the town amid concerns that British forces could attack New Haven. Among those students was Noah Webster, who later taught in one of Glastonbury’s one-room schoolhouses. Local industries, including the Stocking Powder Mill in South Glastonbury, also contributed materials to the American war effort.
The town later became known for progressive ideals as well. Members of the influential Smith family gained national attention for their abolitionist views and later supported the women’s suffrage movement, reflecting a long-standing civic spirit that continues to shape the community today.
CONTINUED >
“We hope everyone makes some noise and has fun. Ring a bell, clang a pot, hit a drum. It doesn’t matter, just do it together.”
“The effort to preserve and enhance the appreciation of our past ranges from exhibits at the historical society museum, to reenactments and ‘living history’ events at the Welles-Shipman-Ward House property.”
The Historical Society of Glastonbury hosts a Revolutionary Day event that includes teaching about local indigenous people who lived here.
Over the centuries, Glastonbury evolved from a farming and manufacturing center into one of Greater Hartford’s most desirable suburban communities. Yet town leaders and residents have worked deliberately to preserve connections to the past through orchards, farm stands, historic districts and preservation efforts led by organizations such as the Historical Society of Glastonbury.
That connection between history and community engagement is central to Glastonbury’s plans for America’s 250th anniversary. The town’s Parks and Recreation Department has assembled a large working group that includes the Historical Society, the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Glastonbury Rotary Club, the Town Center Initiative and other civic organizations to coordinate commemorative events throughout 2026.
The celebration will align with statewide “CT250” themes emphasizing history, civic engagement and inclusion. Planned programming includes educational events, cultural activities, historical exhibits and community-wide celebrations designed to encourage residents to explore both local and national history. Organizers are also developing a major signature event planned for September 2026.
Among the first announced activities is the “America 250 Fitness Challenge,” encouraging residents to log 250 miles during 2026 through walking, biking, swimming or other activities as a symbolic way to celebrate the nation’s anniversary.
For leaders at the Historical Society of Glastonbury, the anniversary represents an opportunity to deepen community connections, preserve local stories and help residents better understand how Glastonbury’s past continues to shape its future.
Barbara said the group is selling bells so that local residents can take part in the bell-ringing event on July 4.
“We hope everyone makes some noise and has fun. Ring a bell, clang a pot, hit a drum. It doesn’t matter, just do it together.”
LEARN MORE: To learn more about the local 250th celebrations and local history in general visit the Historical Society of Glastonbury's website, hsgct.org , or visit the Welles-Shipman-Ward House complex, located at 972 Main St., in South Glastonbury.
The historic WardShipman House in South Glastonbury is maintained by the Historical Society of Glastonbury.
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, one of the oldest in the country, operates on the Connecticut River in South Glastonbury.
The OldCider Mill in South Glastonbury .
Experts Espresso Corner
ARTICLE BY CHRISTOPHER ALGOO, EVA GRYCZAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE
HARTFORD REGION MARKET TRENDS
Hartford County’s real estate market continues to show remarkable strength despite higher mortgage rates and ongoing affordability pressures. Inventory remains historically low across many towns, keeping competition elevated and prices firm.
Communities like Glastonbury, West Hartford, and Avon continue to attract buyers seeking strong schools, lifestyle amenities, and proximity to major employment centers.
In Glastonbury alone, the year-to-date median single-family home price climbed 17.7 percent to $682,500, while homes averaged just 16 days on market, highlighting how quickly well-priced properties continue to move.
Across Hartford County, many homes are still selling above asking price, especially updated properties in desirable neighborhoods. As rates fluctuate, buyers are becoming more strategic, but demand has not disappeared. Sellers who price correctly and prepare homes properly are still achieving exceptional results.
In today’s market, preparation, pricing strategy, and expert negotiation remain critical to success.
Christopher Algoo | chrisabhhs@gmail.com
HIRING A HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Cameras are essential and they are legal in homes and care facilities. They protect both families and caregivers. If an agency resists that level of transparency, consider another option. Pricing should also be flexible. Care is not one-size-fits-all, and agencies should tailor services to individual needs rather than impose rigid rates. Families should also understand that 24-hour hourly care is a serious commitment requiring caregivers to remain awake overnight. Hourly caregivers should leave once their shifts end, not live in the home.
Continuity of care is equally important. Trust and quality depend on familiar, consistent caregivers who understand a client’s needs and routines. Without continuity, the quality of care can suffer.
Our loved ones deserve compassionate care that preserves dignity and independence without forcing them from their homes. Quality home care does not have to mean high costs or institutional living. Transparency, fair pricing, and continuity help families achieve safe, affordable care right at home.
Eva Gryczan | localhomecareglastonbury.com
yczan, owner, Local Home
ChristopherAlgoo,Realtor, Berkshire HathawayHomeServices
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
A Glastonbury Company Has a Novel Approach to Creating Sustainability For Our Myriad Gadgets
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN HELMKE
At a time when discarded electronics are piling up faster than ever, a Glastonbury entrepreneur is working to keep hazardous e-waste out of landfills and offering residents a surprisingly simple solution.
Glastonbury Electronics Recycling LLC, founded in 2018, provides free pickup and recycling services for unwanted computers, servers, and other electronic devices. The company operates out of Oak Street and serves both households and businesses across the region, focusing on convenience and environmental responsibility.
Owner Jason Felber is a computer support technician who spent more than a decade working in IT before pivoting toward sustainability. He launched Glastonbury Electronics Recycling with a straightforward idea: make it easier — and more appealing — for people to dispose of old technology properly.
The model works, he says, because while technology is changing rapidly there is still value in the parts of the devices we replace.
“There wasn’t much of an effort to recycle electronic waste until the mid 1990s, so not a lot of the e-waste that's been generated has been recycled.”
Recycled electronics, and particularly their circuit boards, contain small amounts of valuable metals, like gold, silver, copper and aluminum, that Jason says can be mined and resold.
“Anything that can’t be sold gets turned into scrap.”
Rather than sending discarded devices to the dump, Glastonbury Electronics Recycling disassembles, and sorts them. Usable components are refurbished or resold, while unusable materials are processed for metals and other resources.
Circuit boards are a significant source of electronics recycling.
This approach not only reduces landfill waste but also supports a secondary market for parts and refurbished machines.
The environmental stakes are high. Electronic waste contains toxic materials that can contaminate soil and water if improperly disposed of. Yet globally, only a fraction of e-waste is recycled, making local solutions like Jason’s increasingly important.
One of the company’s biggest draws is its no-cost model. Residents can drop off their used electronics (with the exception of TVs) at the company’s Oak Street location between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. Businesses can schedule free bulk pickups.
Jason also offers free and secure data destruction as part of the process.
His business venture, he says, goes beyond providing a consumer convenience. His long-term vision includes expanding into broader environmental work and exploring how emerging technologies — like artificial intelligence — could improve waste processing systems.
“Community recycling is so important and I believe everyone has to do their part.”
Glastonbury Electronics Recycling LLC
160 Oak St., Building 3
Phone: 860-430-8400
Online: recycleglastonbury.com
Jason Felber
Cameras waiting to be recycled
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THE LOCAL GIFT STORE IS AN EXPLORATION FOR THE SENSES EMMY
ARTICLE BY EILEEN M. MCNAMARA
Emmy Lou is known for her hand crafted custom wreaths
“WE LOVE THIS COMMUNITY AND WE LOVE WHAT WE DO HERE.”
For more than 40 years, shoppers strolling through Glastonbury Center have been drawn to a stately Colonial home at the corner of Main Street and Hebron Avenue, where seasonal wreaths, festive displays and colorful décor hint at the treasure-filled rooms waiting inside Emmy Lou’s Gift Shop.
Founded in 1985 by Emmy Lou DeBari, Emmy Lou’s is one of Glastonbury’s most recognizable small businesses — part boutique, part home décor studio and part community gathering place.
Located on the first floor of the historic Gideon Welles House, an 18th-century Colonial building owned by the town that once served as Glastonbury’s Senior Center. Inside, nearly every corner overflows with carefully curated gifts, seasonal decorations, jewelry, clothing, florals and home accents.
“It’s a perfect location,” Emmy Lou says of the shop’s longtime home in the center of town. “We’re right on the corner and right across from a park, so we get a lot of foot traffic. It’s worked out perfectly being in the center of town here.”
Emmy Lou’s warm, eclectic atmosphere has long been part of its appeal. Mantels are lined with candles and framed prints, tables are
filled with decorative pieces and gift items, and seasonal displays transform the shop throughout the year. In autumn, pumpkins and Halloween décor fill the rooms. Spring brings flowers and wreaths, while the holiday season turns Emmy Lou’s into a Christmas wonderland complete with decorated trees and a festive sleigh outside the front entrance.
That attention to detail reflects Emmy Lou’s creative approach to retail. Known locally for her custom floral arrangements and handcrafted wreaths,she has built a reputation for offering distinctive merchandise customers cannot easily find elsewhere.
“We have a little bit of everything, gifts for every occasion.”
Throughout the year, Emmy Lou’s “many, many” wholesale vendors visit the store so she can personally select merchandise for the coming year, carefully balancing affordability with originality. The result is an ever-changing inventory that keeps loyal customers returning season after season.
Many of those customers, she says, are like extended family who have shopped at Emmy Lou’s for decades.
“Our customers have been so loyal over the years, they’ve become more like family than customers.”
That loyalty has helped Emmy Lou’s weather changing retail trends and economic ups and downs. While many independent gift shops struggled during the rise of online shopping, Emmy Lou’s continued to thrive by emphasizing personal service, distinctive products and a welcoming atmosphere difficult to replicate online.
As Glastonbury has evolved over the decades, Emmy Lou’s has remained a constant — a small business rooted in creativity, community and personal connection.
“We love this community and we love what we do here.” Emmy Lou says. “And we’re not going anywhere.”
Emmy Lou’s 17 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury 860-633-9565
On Facebook: EmmyLousLtd
“IT’S A PERFECT LOCATION. WE’RE RIGHT ON THE CORNER AND RIGHT ACROSS FROM A PARK, SO WE GET A LOT OF FOOT TRAFFIC. IT’S WORKED OUT PERFECTLY BEING IN THE CENTER OF TOWN HERE.”
Make your next gathering truly magical at the stunning Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Reserve your date today! Contact Shantal Lapid at facilityrental@pequotmuseum.org.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
At Cummings & Lockwood, you receive sophisticated and carefully curated legal advice based on decades of experience and tailored to your specific goals, together with the personalized attention and elevated client experience you should expect from your professional advisors.
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Schedule an appointment: Rios.Team@oahctmd.com (860) 549-8295
Offices: Farmington, Glastonbury, South Windsor
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 2ND
Social Lounge Hosts Acoustic Sets
Social Lounge, Somerset Square | 5:30 PM
Musician Martin Piggot will take part in the Social Lounge's Acoustic Thursday Sets throughout the month. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and delicious house made drinks. Visit Socialloungect.com for more information and additional dates.
JULY 3RD
Falling in Stereo
Diamond Pub & Grill, 195 Hebron Ave. | 8:00 PM
Falling In Stereo is Connecticut’s newest 4-piece powerhouse band, blending seasoned musicianship with the dynamic energy of male and female lead vocals. Their versatile sound and built-in star power drive tight performances packed with pop, rock, and country hits — a contagious vibe that gets the crowd up and the energy rolling. Visit bandsintown.com for information.
JULY 4TH
Hartford Bonanza
Bushnell Park, 1 Jewell St., Hartford | 12:00 PM
Hartford Bonanza — the capital city's Independence Day festival featuring the region's biggest fireworks display — is a free celebration of community and culture through music, art, civic pride, food trucks, recreation, and creative connections. This year, it serves as our statewide celebration of American democracy with an epic program on two stages, in recognition of America 250. Visit ctvisit.com.
JULY 4TH
National Bell Festival Bell Ringing Event
Museum on the Green, 1944 Main St. | 2:00 PM
The National Bell Festival is organizing a nationwide bell ringing event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Bells across the country will be rung simultaneously. The Historical Society of Glastonbury is taking part and is selling bells at their museum and at the Parks and Recreation Department. Visit HSGCT.org for more information.
JULY 6TH
Tories, Spies, and Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut
Welles-Turner Memorial Library, 2407 Main St. | 6:30 PM
This lecture, part of the America 250 celebration, looks at how the question of loyalty played out before the war. You loyalty could mean loss of fortune, friends, and even life. The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History will share stories of Connecticut residents who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side. Visit WTMLib.info.
JULY 8TH
The Wild Party
Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford | 7:30 PM
The Wild Party plunges audiences into the roaring 1920s, where jazz, dance, and danger collide. Queenie and Burrs are a dysfunctional couple of vaudeville performers whose relationship teeters on the brink. In an attempt to salvage their relationship, they throw a lavish party in their Manhattan apartment with a parade of colorful and unpredictable guests. Visit Playhouseonpark.org for tickets.
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN GLASTONBURY.
JULY 8TH
Summer Music: Desperados
Riverfront Park, 300 Welles Ave. | 6:30 PM
Desperados, an Eagles Tribute band, will play July 8 as part of the town's Summer Music Series. The free concerts are held on the field behind Riverfront Community Center. Other concerts planned for this month include Legend, a Journey tribute band on July 15; The Stevie Nicks Experience on July 22 and the Town Band on July 29. Visit CRVchamber.org.
JULY 8TH
Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival
St. Joseph University, 1678 Asylum Ave. | 7:30 PM
Capital Classics Theatre Company presents its popular Greater Hartford Shakespeare festival beginning July 8 through Aug. 2. With growing demand, Capital Classics will stage ten rotating performances of each play, Wednesday through Sunday evenings for four weeks. General admission tickets are $25 online, in advance of the show, and $30 at the door. Visit Capitalclassics.org.
JULY 9TH
Live Music at Cotton Hollow Kitchen
Cotton Hollow Kitchen, 840 Main St., South Glastonbury | 6:30 PM
Catch rotating acoustic and jazz performances throughout the month at Cotton Hollow Kitchen in the restaurant's Bar Hollow lounge, including The Jodette Trio (July 9) and Jeff Wieselberg (July 23). Check availability at cottonhollowkitchen.com.
JULY 15TH
Watkinson School: Info Session Barbecues
Watkinson School, 180 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford | 6:00 PM
Join the staff at Watkinson School to learn more about its exceptional educational program. Our community is characterized by excellent results and happy, successful students. We invite you to come see for yourself on Wednesday July 15 or Aug. 5 for an Info Session Barbecue. Register by visiting watkinson.org.
JULY 17TH
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
Bushnell Park, 99 Trinity St., Hartford | 6:00 PM
The Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, New England’s largest free public jazz gathering, is back for 2026 with a full lineup of world class entertainment. This event is free and open to the public and runs from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit Hartford.com.
JULY 30TH
Muddy Makers: Summer Art Camp
Glastonbury Arts, 1396 Hebron Ave. | 8:00 AM
Muddy Makers, Session 1, is a summer art camp for children ages 7-10 at It runs July 27-30, from 8 a.m. till noon. Squish, roll, pinch, and create In this hands-on clay camp, students will explore fun hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab building. Campers will create imaginative projects including silly creatures, animal sculptures, and more. Contact info@glastonburyarts.org.
CHEVRON ON MICHAEL B. JORDAN