Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

Good morning, Tolland County! Today is Thursday 12/5, and that means it’s National Repeal Day! Celebrate the day prohibition ended 91 years ago with a seasonal Hot Toddy, or my favorite, rum and eggnog (have to make sure to grate some nutmeg over the top). If you stay away from the sauce, you can celebrate Bathtub Party Day instead. How ever you want to interpret that is fine with me.

Buckle up for this one, Tolland County has a lot going on this weekend.

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• Storrs Winter Welcome❄️

• Cookies For Soldiers 🍪

• Grammy Winner’s Performance 🏆

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Attention Andover Residents: Now that the Community and Senior Center is finished, the town wants to hear your voice on the best ways it should be used. Complete a brief survey to voice your opinion.

• Massive Santa: Prepared to be wowed with a larger than life Santa displayed at the 600 block Tolland Stage Road.

• Big Winner: A lucky winner in Ellington won $25,000 from the scratch-off game CA$HWORD. The ticket was purchased at Big Y Express 137 in Somers so if you’re feeling lucky these days you might want to gamble a few dollars.

• Toy Drive: The Vernon Fire Department is once again spreading holiday cheer with its "Toys for Tikes" drive, collecting gifts to brighten the season for local children in need. Drop off a toy and join the firefighters in making this year unforgettable for countless young faces in our community!

• Burn Lift: Good news for Tolland residents: the open burning ban has been lifted, just in time for cozy bonfires and seasonal yard cleanups. Remember to stay safe and follow all local guidelines while enjoying the crisp winter air!

Storrs Winter Welcome

Kick this winter season off with a visit to downtown Storrs, where the Mansfield Downtown Partnership is holding its 12th annual Winter Welcome. Vote for your favorite entry into their Trim-A-Tree contest (and get a free gift just for casting a vote, while supplies last), visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, help Stuff-A-Cruiser, grab a seasonal treat, take advantage of some special deals at participating locations, of join in on one of the many (and I mean many) activities that will be available (You can check out a list here).

The festivities run from 4-6:30pm on Saturday 12/7, and cost absolutely nothing (unless you venture into a nearby business, then you’re on your own). If you haven’t been to the area in a while, what better time to come check out Downtown Storrs? I hope to see some of you there!

Cookies For Soldiers

If you want to help give some Stafford service members a taste of home this holiday season, the American Legion Aux Unit 26 (10 Monson Rd, Stafford Springs) is taking donations of cookies and holiday cards (who doesn’t love getting a little hand written note from a little kid?) on Sunday 12/8 from 10am-1pm.

If you know of any active military members from Stafford, please contact Taylor Paquin at (860) 930-5317 or send an email to [email protected]. While the recipients are going to be from Stafford, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a batch and drop some off even if you’re not from the area. Donations for postage are also graciously accepted. It’s the perfect time of year to give something back to those who have sacrificed so much for us.

Grammy Winner’s Performance

Connecticut’s own Grammy-winning Nicole Zuraitis is performing at The Packing House (156 River Rd, Willington) this Friday, 12/6 at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Nicole is an accomplished and well-lauded (I mean, the Grammy should be a hint) jazz vocalist, and will be performing a holiday-themed show.

If you’re into jazz singers, or just fantastic singing in general, this is the show to make it out to. The Packing House is a BYOB establishment, allowing you to bring both your own food and drink into the venue. If you’re interested in checking out the performance, you can buy your tickets for $30 here, and keep in mind you can save $5 if you buy them ahead of time instead of at the door ($35 cash).

BEE LINE EVENTS

12/6

Coventry | Booth & Dimock Memorial Library | 1:30-3pm - Book discussion of “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Rockville | Santa’s House | 5:45pm - We touched on it in our last newsletter, but this is the first evening of Santa’s House opening up. Santa’s House will be open on Saturdays (10am-2pm) and Sundays (4-7pm) until Christmas.

12/7

Andover | Holiday Breakfast | 8am - Andover Elementary (35 School Road) is holding its annual holiday breakfast for AES friends and families.

Bolton | Alpaca Visit | 10am - Cropley’s Garden Center (1262 Boston Tpke) is hosting a visit from Round Hill Alpacas. Get up close to a couple of fuzzy visitors, and browse some products made from their fleece.

Bolton | Santa Firehouse Breakfast | 8:30-11am - Come stuff your face with pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee at the Bolton Firehouse (168 Bolton Center Rd). Grab a picture with Santa and check out the firehouse. Adults/$8, Children/$5, Under 2/Free.

Bolton | Tree Lighting | 4-5pm - Join Bolton Parks and Rec (220 Bolton Center Rd) for their annual tree lighting.

Bolton | Winter Faire | 9am-2pm - It’s time for the annual Bolton Winter Faire (that’s how they spell it, not me trying to get fancy with it). Head to Bolton Center School (108 Notch Rd) for a day of holiday shopping and community spirit.

Columbia | Pancakes and Pajamas | 7:30-11:30am - Help support the 8th grade class of Horace W. Porter School (3 Schoolhouse Rd) by snacking on pancakes, sausage, bacon, homefries, juice, milk, and coffee (gluten-free is available upon request). Tickets are $10 each (free for kids under 2) and can be purchased at the door, or you can use the QR code here to get them ahead of time.

Coventry | Maple Brook Studio | 10-5pm - Artists’ Open Studios is now touring Northeastern CT, featuring incredible local talent. Aline Hoffman, owner of Maple Brook Studio ( will host a group show at her home, showcasing works by Debbie Hoffman, Marylin Makuch, Derri Owen, and herself. Visit the website or call 860-916-4232 for more details.

Coventry | PTO Craft Show | 9am-2pm - Check out the 48th (yes, 48th!) annual PTO Craft Show at Coventry High School (78 Ripley Hill Road) from 9am-2pm. 50+ crafters, a bake sale, luncheon, Take-a-Chance tables, Craft Classes and more. Adults are $3 or 2 for $5. Children are free.

Hebron | Festivus & Tree Lighting | 1pm - The Flour Girl (14 Main St) is holding a day filled with crafts, cookie decorating, games, and visits with Santa. Around 3:45pm, Santa is jumping onto a firetruck for the Hebron Tree Lighting at the Old Town Hall at 4pm. More festivities will follow.

Hebron | Saint Nicolas Fair | 9am-3pm - Get into the holiday spirit at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 30 Church St. Explore homemade jams, jellies, holiday treats, baked goods, unique crafts, jewelry, and festive greened centerpieces while shopping for treasures. Don’t miss Santa for photos and a delicious luncheon—your holiday fun starts here! Details: 860-228-3244 or StPetersHebron.com

Somers | Holiday Bazaar | 9am-2pm - At Somers Congregational Church (599 Main St.). Crafts, gift items, baked goods, and more. Luncheon will be available from 11:30am-1pm. Information: 860-763-4021 or [email protected].

Somers | Holiday Market | 12-4pm - Sonny’s Place (349 Main St) is holding a Holiday Market featuring local vendors, craft cocktails, and snacks.

Somers | Somers Cultural Commission | 7-8:30pm - The KC Sisters, hailed as "The Queens of Rhythm and Country," are a dynamic Connecticut-based foursome known for their unique blend of country, R&B, pop, and jazz. Featured on Nickelodeon's America's Most Musical Family, they captivate audiences nationwide with their rich harmonies and multi-instrumental talent.

Stafford Springs | Book Club on The Go | 2-5pm - Stop into the Stafford Cidery (68 Main St) for a pop-up shop for all things books. Grab a new tote, browse the best sellers, go on a Blind Date With a Book, or just grab a pint of something tasty.

Tolland | Stuff-A-Cruiser | 9am-4pm - Troop C is having its annual toy drive on the Tolland Green. Help make someone else’s holiday special by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or gift card (make sure it’s not a used one.

Union | Pancakes With Santa | 8:30-10:30am - Help support the Union Volunteer Fire Department with a tasty breakfast with the jolly man in the red suit. The breakfast will take place at the Union Town Hall Community Room (1043 Buckley Hwy). The cost to entry is $5/person and one unwrapped gift per family (it will go to a child in need). To reserve your spot, contact Erin Kate Grabel-Forziati by email: [email protected] or call/text (860) 798-3357.

Willington | Santa and Mrs. Claus Appearance | 8-10am - Stop by Flat Pennies Kitchen (12 Tolland Turnpike) to take pictures with the Claus’ while enjoying a delicious breakfast at a family-owned local restaurant.

12/8

Bolton | Santa Visit | 10am-2pm - Jolly Old St. Nick is making a stop at Cropley’s Garden Center (1262 Boston Tpke) for a photo-op. Grab some fresh popped popcorn, a cup of hot cocoa, and check out what they have for sale.

Coventry Village | 12-4PM - Christmas in the Village, an event that showcases merchants, crafts, holiday music, children’s books and Christmas tree festival. The annual tree lighting will start at 4:30 in front of the First Congregational Church (1171 Main St).

Live Music

12/7

⬢ JRego’s - Ellington | Tim Reardon | 7-10pm

THE HIVE’S PICKS

Ellington is celebrating it 20th Winterfest this year! Winterfest will kick off on Friday 12/6 and have its big finish the following day on 12/7. On the 6th, you can enjoy the dulcet tones of the Ellington Singers Holiday Concert and Sing-a-long at the Ellington Senior Center starting at 7pm. After that, you’re gonna want to get some rest, because Saturday has enough to keep you busy from morning until night.

Swing by the Ellington Farmer’s Market between 9am-12pm at Ellington High School to scope out the 30 “regular” vendors and the 10 local crafters that have been invited to display their wares. Pre-register for the Christmas Ornament Workshop from 10am-1pm at Hall Memorial Library (limited to kids 4-12, there are several time slots, so pick the best one that works for you here). If your morning/afternoon is already booked, St. Luke’s Youth Group is providing additional crafts from 5-7pm, no registration needed.

If you’re looking for more shopping, the Holiday Marketplace and Christmas Boutique at the Nellie McKnight Museum will be open from 9am-7pm (and again on Sunday 12/8 from 10am-2pm). In between shopping sessions, stop by to see the Gingerbread House Contest held at the Ellington Congregational Church at 2pm. They’ll also have a musical program beginning at 3:40pm followed by a family-style dinner from 4-6:30pm.

For those of you looking for the grand finale, the events on the Town Green will start at 4pm with the arrival of Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. This will be accompanied by the elementary school choir performing. The tree lighting ceremony will start at 4:45pm, followed by the Torchlight Parade at 5:15pm on Main St.

Man, that’s a lot of stuff. I’m exhausted just typing it. So, there’s no excuse to saying there’s nothing going on this weekend!

UCONN SPORTS

12/5 - Men and Women’s Track & Field vs UConn Husky Challenge | 10am

12/5 - Women’s Volleyball vs. Mercer University* | 3pm

12/6 - Men and Women’s Track & Field vs UConn Husky Challenge | 10am

12/6 - Men’s Ice Hockey @ New Hampshire | 6pm

12/7 - Men and Women’s Track & Field @ Boston University | TBA

12/7 - Women’s Swimming and Diving vs. U of Vermont | 10am

12/7 - Women’s Ice Hockey @ Maine | 7pm

12/7 - Women’s Basketball vs. Louisville** | 9pm

12/8 - Men’s Basketball @ Texas | 5pm

*National Invitational Volleyball Championship in Greenville, NC

**Women’s Champion’s Classic in Brooklyn, NY

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! If you got something out of it, please share it with someone that loves the snow. See you next week!

Tyler

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