A Trim ... and a Cone ...

Barber shops.

Ice cream parlors.

Does it get any more American than that?

And does the American Dream get any better than owning both?

Welcome to the world of Sandy Hess. In her words, it's a happy world, a "good" world. The barber shop at 243 Hartford Turnpike has been in her family - and Vernon - for about 60 years. When her dad, Bob Despres ran the place, it was simply known as Bob's with the trademark generic sign on the roof and the truck parked outside. It is now called the after Sandy took it over four years ago.

Fast-forward to last March. The ice cream shop next door was up for sale sale and it took her about the time it takes to fashion a crew cut to decide to buy it with her friend, Arlene Garrow.

"It was great timing," she said. "I have always wanted to own an ice cream shop, so it doesn't get any better than this."

Generally Sandy will run the barber shop and Arlene the Carvel store, but occasionally, she will run over threre, change smocks and pour a cone with soft serve.  

There is one complication - she has to keep her bulldog, Duke, away from any ice cream that may wander into the barber shop. He pretty much hangs out all day and knows how to work the room.   

"Life is good for me right now," Sandy said.