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Greg and his wife, Kathleen, recently celebrated their 32-year anniversary.

“We dated 8 years before we got married, so that's 40 years together,” he said. “Our son, Matthew, is a state trooper. Our daughter, Melyssa, is a facial plastic surgeon; she's a head and neck surgeon right now at Georgetown University.” He smiles.

At the intersection of busy, busy East Main Street and Gravel Street, life bustles, always in motion, time going forward. There's Paddock Avenue across the way and the foot traffic of students from nearby Maloney High School and sports teams that ebbs and flows with the school year and games.

Sure and steady, Hancock Pharmacy has expanded, developed new business sectors, adapted to new technology, embraced independence and is a community asset, a good neighbor. No matter what the weather brings.

“When we have blizzard or powerful storm that knocks out power, we're up and running. About 5 years ago we upgraded our backup generator, and that now services the entire pharmacy – air conditioning, lighting, heat. Independent power continuity, no matter what,” he noted. “Five three-phase units on the roof, Generac; all goes on automatically – and we're also connected to the main gas line in Meriden, along East Main Street. Protected from outside and the elements – the one time we had to use it – only lost power about a half a day. We're at the ready. When you are supporting people's health and their needs, plus long-term care facilities – you need to be open.”

“When we had those two odd storms – back four, five years ago – we lost power. At the time we had a small generator to keep lights on, get the trucks out, but I said to myself – if it was too hot or too cold out there… Well, it made me realize we needed to invest in our infrastructure. Since then I don't worry about losing power anymore.”

At the Meriden pharmacy on Main Street and Gravel, there is a digital electronic sign with 16 megapixels of display power that can't be missed. It's a ticker-like display that is clearly visible to read for those enjoying meals at a bustling McDonald's nearby atop a hill more than a block away. It's a community bulletin board and a visual reminder of what the pharmacy offers – employees are featured there, too. And the founders.

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“Community events, local high schools and Little League teams; picture of a person to congratulate them for an award or life accomplishment.”

All right, say someone comes in – a knee, both knees, a hip – or are recovering from an accident – just walk in or call to ask those questions. Do you have anything that can help? Healing takes time and there are so many solutions – surgical/adaptive equipment, even for bathing. Putting socks on.

“Of the pharmacy, about 5,000 square feet is home health care – ancillary products such as grabbers and lifters – to lift chairs, anything that will assist in recovery,” he noted. “Home health care and adaptive equipment such as bathing supplies, for putting on lotions, tying shoes, socks. Pickers, elongated shoe horns, and yes, elevated toilets. Just call and ask or come in. We're here and we can help.”

Note:

When you call the pharmacy, a live (knowledgeable) person answers your call. Meriden, open Monday – Friday 6 a.m. – midnight; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; (203) 235-6323 or (800) 499-6323. Long Wharf (New Haven) location, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; (203) 787-9908.