After years in corporate America I discovered City Lifestyle's magazines in 2019. It was a perfect match for me and it gave me a chance to give back to Glastonbury, where we raised our family and have long called home.
In January, 2020 we started selling advertising and the businesses were very receptive. I remember meeting with Dr Mantikas, Bob & Adam at Awning Place and Emmy Lou at Emmy Lou’s LTD, all Charter Members and still with us today. We had a May launch date, but in March Covid hit. Somehow, we managed to survive. Clients were so appreciative and they came back in full force when Covid subsided.
We asked some of them to share their stories of how they took a chance on a new venture during a pandemic.
Cotton Hollow Kitchen, Mark and Joanne Conley
Cotton Hollow Kitchen opened in October of 2019 and quickly became popular. Within months Covid hit, forcing us to close and ushering in a period of uncertainty and challenges for us.
The pandemic put us in limbo and the financial strain was immense. The fear of permanent closure loomed large. We reached out to the Glastonbury community for support. The response from people was nothing short of remarkable. Many stepped up in various ways to ensure Cotton Hollow Kitchen’s survival. Gift cards became a lifeline, with many customers buying them. One anonymous donor purchased $15,000 worth. Cash donations flowed in as well, showcasing the generosity of the community, which also supported us by ordering takeout.
The support was a testament to the strong bond between Cotton Hollow and its patrons. The restaurant also enjoyed a strong partnership with Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine over the past five years. Throughout the pandemic, we supported each other, with the magazine showcasing Cotton Hollow and providing ad placements and event announcements, providing much-needed visibility.
Dr. George Mantikas, DDS
The pandemic had a profound impact on our dental practice, presenting both challenges and opportunities. It forced us to temporarily close. We had to adapt quickly, shifting to emergency-only visits and virtual consultations, and staying connected with patients through phone calls and emails.
It also prompted us to rethink our approach to infection control. We implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and invested in additional protective equipment.
On a personal level, the experience underscored the importance of flexibility and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. It also highlighted the strength of our patient relationships and the community’s trust. We formed our relationship with Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine, and found a wonderful way to stay connected to our community!
The Awning Place, Adam Beaulieu
Luckily for us, the pandemic had little effect because as a home improvement contractor we were deemed essential and could remain open. That wasn’t just a good thing for us, but for our customers as well. So many people were trying to find ways to enjoy the outside that we were getting lots of calls for awning installations. It was our pleasure providing cool comfort for so many people working from home. Not only did we make their outdoor living space more enjoyable and comfortable, but also more energy efficient. We also found that it was a good time to try a new advertising partner in Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine. We thought the publication’s upscale look and feel was a good match for the high-quality products we wanted to showcase.
RBC Wealth Management, David Mozeleski
Looking back at the time of Covid and five years later - it was a time of confusion, a time of the unknown, a time of challenge, a time of working remotely and a high degree of confinement. The opportunity to talk with Gary and get familiar with Glastonbury Lifestyle magazine was a chance to escape that confinement feeling and be a part of something new and exciting for the Glastonbury community. Time certainly does fly and we are very happy to be celebrating this anniversary with Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine and all those who make the publication possible.
Watkinson School, Jenni French
In May of 2020, we were working remotely and Teri Schrader, our head of school, repeatedly said it felt like we were flying a plane at the same time we were trying to build it. While our classes were being held on Zoom, we were trying to plan a virtual graduation for our 2020 seniors, having daily meetings on the then-ever-evolving health norms, and working diligently to determine the best ways to support our international students who were so far from home. With all this going on, Watkinson’s full faculty was also collaborating to create a plan to get our kids back on campus in the fall. In the midst of this, I got an email from Gary saying that he was creating a magazine that will tell the stories of its clients in the manner they wish, genuinely and with authenticity. During a time when we all were so isolated, it felt like a lifeline. Watkinson has been a partner ever since.
Renbrook School, Barb Doyle
When Renbrook School closed in March of 2020, we never imagined our students wouldn't return in-person until late August. It was an incredibly challenging period for educators and administrators alike. Our primary focus was the well-being of our students, and we dedicated countless hours to creating a plan that would keep them engaged, connected, and learning in the face of such uncertainty. In April, we began the transition to online learning, with tailored protocols for each grade level. Throughout the summer, our administrators worked tirelessly to design a safe and structured return to school that would uphold our mission. We were fortunate to partner with Glastonbury Lifestyle, who provided us with a platform to share our commitment to placing students at the center of their learning, no matter the challenges we faced. Renbrook School continues to serve Glastonbury families with quality education that meets the needs of their children, educating and inspiring them to develop the character, knowledge, and creativity to lead in an increasingly global and inclusive world.
Savol Pools, Ken Camello
When the pandemic hit, we knew then that folks were going to be staying put and their backyard was going to be their oasis. We knew that anyone that had a pool was now going to be spending a lot more time in and around it! We were looking for a high-end image type of advertising vehicle for our market areas. Once we saw Gary’s mock up and what he was going to be starting and where it was going to be distributed, we knew we had our advertising taken care of. It was perfect timing for us and Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine. I look forward to reading every edition and they sit on my conference table in my office for others to read.
State Farm, Coe Bancroft
The pandemic of 2020 brought numerous disruptions and changes to our lives Isolating from friends, neighbors, and coworkers was often a stressful and lonely experience. As a State Farm Agent, I wanted to support my customers’ and employees’ health and avoid spreading COVID-19 as best I could, so I had most of my Team initially working remotely. A good part of my State Farm Agency’s growth is attributable to the technology supporting both remote work and virtual meetings with customers. We have appreciated advertising in Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine to continue to get the word out that we continued to be open to helping people in our community with their insurance and financial services needs. More recently, the post-pandemic price shocks that all insurance companies are passing to their customers has brought many new people my way looking for more affordable insurance options for their personal and business needs.
JWM Architects, John McFarlane
Reflecting back on 2020, it’s hard to believe how much has changed in those five years. At JWM Architects, that time was filled with no small amount of uncertainty, yet also adaptation and determination. The pandemic forced us to rethink not only how we worked but also how we connected with our community. It was during that time that Glastonbury Lifestyle Magazine launched—a bold move during unpredictable times. We saw an opportunity to be part of something new, in a familiar media format that could help us forge new contacts when everything felt so distant.
Looking back, that time taught us the importance of adaptability and community relationships. We’re grateful for the role Glastonbury Lifestyle has played in fostering local connections, and we look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries together. Congratulations on five incredible years!
Emmy Lou's: Emmy Lou DeBari
When Gary came to my shop and told he was creating a new monthly town magazine I was skeptical. However, after he explained his objective and enthusiasm about the town I was excited. I committed and directly following Covid hit. Well, five years later I'm so glad I continue to be a part of this fine monthly publication. It has great local coverage, local stories and much more.