Grand Opening This Weekend! 🌼

Good morning, Tolland County!

Today is Tuesday 2/25, and that means it’s National Clam Chowder Day! Whether you prefer New England, Manhattan, or Rhode Island (my personal favorite) style, grab a cup or bowl (treat yourself and go with a bread boule) and warm up on this late February day.

If you know of somewhere that makes an exceptional bowl of chowder (actually made in-house and not out of a bag), shoot me an email and let me know where! If I see you there, I’ll treat you to a bowl!

Email Sponsored by Motta’s Bakery

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• A Brand New Business

• Alternative Way To Paint

• Helping The Community

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

Swarm Question

How would you feel about scoring exclusive discounts at local spots across the area? We’re thinking of offering a discount card that gets you deals at restaurants, shops, and more.

BRIEF BITES

• Update - Since the groundbreaking on January 6, significant progress of the has been made on the Mansfield Historical Society’s Spring Hill renovation, with site work advancing despite challenging weather. Key efforts include installing water control systems and reinforcing the 1842 Town Hall's foundation, with the removal of trees and chimneys setting the stage for further upgrades

• Best of CT - Two Tolland County towns (Tolland and Mansfield) made the cut when MoneyInc ranked the top 30 towns of CT to live in. Check out this full list here

• BBQ - Little Mark's, a beloved barbecue spot in Vernon, is planning a comeback at the former Frankie B's on Kelly Road. The team behind the Holiday Inn Express owns the property, and while the sign permit is in process, town officials say approval should be smooth. The original Little Mark's location is now home to Square Peg Pizza.

• Mushrooms - Collinswood Mushrooms in Tolland just scored a $4,450 grant to expand its mushroom-growing operation with climate control systems and shelving inside a 40-ft shipping container. The funding is part of Connecticut’s 2025 Farm Transition Grant, which awarded $527,000 to 29 projects statewide to support new and existing farms.

THE HIVE’S PICK

For this week’s pick, we’re looking at a brand new business opening in Stafford this Saturday, 3/1. Café de Flore is opening it’s doors at 72 Main St starting at 10am (Winter hours are Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-6pm), and is promising to bring a little bit of France to Tolland County.

The brainchild of Wildflowers Farm in Ellington, Café de Flore is a unique home and garden store that has everything you would want in a boutique garden store, and more. Handmade products, new and reclaimed furniture, organic teas, coffees and sweets, bath and body products, candles, vases, the list goes on and on.

That covers the home part, as for the garden side, they have house plants, cut flower arrangements, herbs, and seasonal perennials. They also sell organic seeds for starting your own plants, I’ll be picking up a few different flower varieties and some basil (they have lemon basil, how cool is that?) since it’s time to start prepping for this year’s garden.

If you want a little preview of what they’ll be offering in store, you can check out their website, but I highly suggest getting down there in person to browse around, as well as check out the fantastic window art by Tolland County’s own Lights and Darks (you might have seen her other window painting work on Main St, as well as her artwork in several businesses around the county).

Let’s show this new business some ToCo love, and help make this a new mainstay in Stafford Springs!

ToCo TRIVIA 🤔

Last week’s answer: Bolton (14.7 sq miles) with 31.6% of you getting the answer spot on!

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITIES 🐝

Painting Without A Brush 🎨

No, it’s not fingerpainting, so let’s get that out of the way (I could hear the disappointment from your inner child from here). Instead, this is something that seems like it could be even more fun to try out.

On Wednesday, 2/26, at 6:30pm, Douglas Library (22 Main St, Hebron) is setting up an art class with Amy from Studio 13 (a Coventry-based business), to create a beautiful tree, using only poured paint. That’s right, no brush required! You’ll get step-by-step instruction on creating this fun, unique work of art that you’ll be able to bring home.

Why not take advantage of a wonderful free program? If you’re interested, you can register for the class here. I’d be quick about it though, spots are limited!

Time To Give a Dam 🦫

Sometimes you gotta give something back to the community, right? Well, you might not have to, but it feels darn good when you do. This is one of those times. Manchester Land Trust (don’t get up in arms yet, the location is actually in Bolton) is asking for volunteers at Ripley Reservoir Dam (447 Lake St, Bolton…see, I told you!) to help clear vegetation from around the dam on Saturday 3/1, from 9am-2pm (no, you don’t have to come for the whole time, in fact any time at all is appreciated!).

Yes, this is dirty/hard work, but necessary because all woody vegetation needs to be at least 25 feet away from the length of the dam. If you are looking to get outside and lend a hand, the Land Trust will provide hand tools and work gloves to any volunteers (although, you’re encouraged to bring your own tools and PPE).

Don’t think you won’t be getting anything out of spending time helping, pizza and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers at noon. This is a great way to get out and meet some new people from the community, while helping out an awesome nonprofit. If you have any questions, contact Jeff Sullivan at (860) 578-0692. If the weather is looking iffy, make sure to check their Facebook page for updates.

Tolland County Rewind⏪

BEE LINE EVENTS

Tolland | Tarot Readings | 5-8pm $ - Take a trip to Tolland Red and White (46 Tolland Grn) for Tarot readings from True North Tarot. Email [email protected] for more info and to reserve a spot.

Vernon | Life Drawing | 6:30-9pm $ - Art Center East (709 Hartford Tpke) is holding an art class to draw a live nude model. Attendees are expected to be respectful, otherwise they will be asked to leave if behavior warrants it. Tickets

Hebron | All Levels Yoga | 9:15-10:15am $ - Wise Warrior Yoga is holding a yoga class at Gilead Church (672 Gilead St) suitable for all levels of experience. Call or text Jen for more details/to register at (860) 531-2217.

Stafford Springs | What’s The Buzz | 5-6:30pm - Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St) is teaming up with Happy Honey Bee Apothecary for a community discussion on common foods we eat and the additives that are commonly found in them. Also friendly reminder, you get 10% off items in the store using the code: TCBSPARKLES.

Storrs | Literary Club | 6-8pm - Head to Hops 44 (625 Middle Tpke) for a discussion on this month’s book. Contact Babcock Library for more information (860) 487-4420.

Stafford Springs | Tarot Card Learning Series | 5:30-7pm $ - Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St) is continuing their intro course to Tarot. Tickets

Coventry | Designer Bag Bingo | 7pm $ - First Congregational Church (1171 Main St) is holding a chance to win one of 10 designer bags. Proceeds will go toward Coventry Project Graduation. Tickets

Ellington | Motherhood Mini Sessions | 9:25am-Mar 6th $ - The Moms Club of Ellington/Vernon is holding mini-photoshoots with their board president Amanda Nicole Photography. A percentage of each session will go toward fundraising events for the community. Tickets

Storrs | Fun in the Kitchen | 3-5pm - Mansfield students grades 5-8 are invited for an afternoon of cooking (apple fritters) and fun. Space is limited, scan the QR code here to sign up.

Tolland | Surrender Yoga | 7-8pm $ - Shakeup Makeup (45 Industrial Park Road West) is holding a gentle, transformative yoga class. Bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket. Tickets

Vernon | Women’s Circle | 6-7:30pm $ - Sweet Lotus Yoga Studio (520 Hartford Tpke) is holding a women’s circle for conversation and possibly movement. Dress comfy and bring a notebook/journal to jot down thoughts. Tickets

Rockville | Animal Safari Puppet Show | 11-11:30am - Rockville Public Library (52 Union St) is holding a puppet show for little ones, featuring a retelling of the Lion and the Mouse from Aesop’s Fables.

Stafford Springs | Pendant Making Class | 1-3pm $ - Artisans at Middle River (60 Main St) and Quilibet are holding a workshop to teach you how to make your own shrinket necklace. Tickets

Stafford Springs | Polar Bear Paddy Plunge | 12-3pm $ - The plunge is back for a second year at Staffordville Lake Beach (98 Lyons Rd). There will be a beach bonfire, yummy treats, warm beverages, music, costumes, competition, and dip into the water. Everything benefits the Stafford Summer Rec Camp Program. Register

Storrs | Frag Farmer’s Market | 10am-5pm - Head to E.O. Smith (1235 Storrs Rd) for the biggest Frag single day show in the entire country! Over 100 vendors in one spot, come pick up the perfect piece of coral.

Tolland | Yoga and Self Massage for Back Pain | 2-3:30pm $ - Resonance Healing Arts (60 Hartford Tpke) is holding a session specializing in relieving chronic back pain. Tickets and more info.

Vernon | Decades Party | 7pm - Racks (500 Talcottville Rd) is holding a “decades party” to benefit kids with cancer. People are encouraged to dress in fashion from the decade of their birth. Adult Capri Suns and Lunchables will be served, and there will be raffles and giveaways. Donations welcome.

Vernon | Women’s Roller Skating | 7-10pm $ - This one is for the ladies. Ron A Roll (85 S Frontage Rd) is holding a skate designed for women navigating the challenges of menopause. Connect with others that are going through the same experience. Register

Somers | Winter Schooling Show | 8:30am $ - The New Shallowbrook Equestrian Center (247 Hall Hill Rd) is holding the 5th of their schooling series. Email [email protected] for more information.

Willington | MREC Rated Show Series | 8am - Magnolia Run Equestrian Center (34 Cemetery Rd) is holding a rated show series CHSA-CHJA-M&S-NEHC (I have no idea what any of this means). For More information contact MREC at [email protected]

Ellington | Acrylics on Canvas | 9:30-11:30am $ - Ellington Senior Center (40 Maple St) is holding a class on painting a cute little hedgehog on canvas. Register at the Senior Center.

Rockville | Free BBall Clinic | 6:30-9:30pm - The New England Sabers AAU team is holding a free basketball clinic at Rockville High School (70 Loveland Hill Rd).

LIVE MUSIC

2/27

⬢ Jorgensen - Storrs | Jazz at Lincoln Center | 7:30pm Tickets

2/28

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Nick Bosse and the Northern Roots | 8pm
⬢ Four Seasons By The Lake - Stafford Springs | Lickity Split | 7-11pm
⬢ Greenleaf Cafe - Hebron | Cliff and Casey | 8-11pm
⬢ JRego’s - Ellington | Jim Bailey | 7-10pm

3/1

⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Change-Up | 9pm
⬢ Joanna’s - Somers | Redhead | 6:30-9:30pm
⬢ The Hidden Still - Ellington | Peet Trio | 8-11pm
⬢ Jorgensen - Storrs | Goitse | 8pm Tickets
⬢ JRego’s - Ellington | Matt Vizzo | 7-10pm

3/2

⬢ Waldron’s Studio 88 - Mansfield | Duke York | 5pm

Hivelight: Tolland County Property

Looking for the ultimate rural retreat? This property is your dream oasis! Set on 22.5 acres of picturesque land, you’ll step into a custom-built home designed for luxurious country living. The grand entryway features a white oak floating staircase, setting the tone for the spacious, open areas perfect for gatherings and making memories.

The heart of the home is the central, eat-in kitchen with dual islands, stunning quarter-sawn oak cabinetry, and top-tier Viking refrigerators. With a double-sided fireplace, a wine chiller wet bar, and plenty of room for entertaining, this space is where you’ll want to be. The family room boasts vaulted ceilings and opens to a massive deck overlooking the resort-style backyard, complete with a 40k-gallon saltwater pool and a hot tub.

The first-floor primary suite offers a spa-like retreat with a walk-in shower, whirlpool tub, and radiant floors. Upstairs, find four oversized bedrooms and a loft, all with vaulted ceilings and purposeful design. Extras include a horse barn, mudroom, dual laundry sets, a 3-car garage, and modern comforts like central air, central vac, and a generator.

UCONN SPORTS

2/25 - Men’s Golf @ Dorado Beach Collegiate
2/25 - Women’s Swimming & Diving @ Big East Championship
2/25 - Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Boston U | 7pm

2/26 - Women’s Swimming & Diving @ Big East Championship
2/26 - Women’s Lacrosse @ Harvard | 6pm
2/26 - Men’s Basketball vs. Georgetown | 6:30pm

2/27 - Women’s Swimming & Diving @ Big East Championship
2/27 - Women’s Basketball vs. Creighton | 7pm

2/28 - Men’s and Women’s Track & Field @ Big East Championship
2/28 - Softball vs. Wisconsin @ South Carolina| 11am
2/28 - Women’s Tennis @ South Dakota | 12pm
2/28 - Softball vs. Bowling Green @ South Carolina | 1:30pm
2/28 - Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Northeastern | 7pm
2/28 - Baseball @ USC | 9:30pm

Well, that’s everything we got for this week! If you got something out of today’s newsletter, please share it with someone who has already started seeds.

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