December 2023

Greetings Friends,

Only 25 days till Christmas. It’s hard to believe that 2023 is almost behind us. I can’t ever seem to get things in order for the holidays like I wish I could. Shopping is not among my favorite things to do, but I tough it out and do the best I can. My first grandchild was five months old last year at Christmas. She is my oldest son’s and his wife’s daughter. This year I also have a new grandson who will be 6 months old at Christmas. He is my son Brendan’s, who works here, and his wife’s little boy. This is what makes the holidays more exciting for me now. Try to spend as much time with your family as you can. There is nothing more important.

I think most of you know that in addition to selling over 60 species of lumber, plywood, and other woodworking supplies, we also manufacture custom woodworking projects that vary in size and complexity. Recently we’ve worked on two projects on Pratt St. in Hartford. If you haven’t been on Pratt St. lately, you should check it out. The street has beautiful brick pavers, is closed to vehicle traffic, and has been transformed into a winter wonderland. All the storefronts are occupied with an eclectic variety of cool shops, restaurants, businesses, and a new brewery.

One of the businesses we’ve been working for is Hartford Prints. It’s an awesome shop that sells a wide variety of gifts and cards, hats, t-shirts, candles, prints, and bags. They also have a selection of books, jewelry, toys, and arts and crafts supplies. Hartford Prints has great holiday gifts so stop in and support their business. They are at 42 ½ Pratt St.

Just down the street at 88 Pratt St. is Urban Lodge. Pratt St. is Urban Lodge’s second location which opened a few weeks ago. Their first location is in Manchester at 47 Purnell Place. On Pratt St., we were part of the team to build-out a fantastic space. These guys know how to brew beer and have designed great spaces for their customers to enjoy and relax in. It’s so nice that we have decided to have our company holiday party in their Pratt St. location. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re attending events downtown since it’s within walking distance to the theater, ballpark, and the XL Center.

Early next year we are involved in making wood components for the restoration of an old passenger train owned by the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, CT. We are also building and installing a large lecture hall and auditorium at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. We continue to do work in Stamford for Synchrony Bank and Franklin Templeton. In Hartford, we just completed building and installing a new reception desk at the Old State House, are doing work in the president’s office at Aetna, and are also involved in projects at Travelers, CBIA, and the YMCA. Elsewhere, we are working with Yale and Boston University, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Trumph. All these projects are in various stages and not all being produced at the same time. We are fortunate to be busy with work. We are always looking for skilled help.

Remember, the time is getting tight to build those gifts for the holidays. We are here to help you. You can always purchase a gift certificate for your special person. Chances are they may build something nice for you. 😉

Whether you celebrate or not, I wish you peace and a happy and safe holiday season, as well as a very healthy and prosperous 2024.

I hope to see you at the shop.

Sincerely,

David Harris,
President