Winter Festivities, Bingo, Crafts Galore

Good morning, Tolland County! Today is Thursday 12/12, and that means it’s National Ding-A-Ling Day! Yes, we agree that the name is ridiculous, but the sentiment behind it isn’t. It’s a day to reach out to someone you may have lost touch with over time. The holiday season can be a joyous time, but also be tough for some. Why not try to reach out to old what’s-their-name? You might make someone’s day and rekindle an old friendship at the same time!

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• Stafford Winterfest❄️

• High Stakes Bingo👜

• Mansfield Craft Fair🎡

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Family Crafts - Sorry for the late notice (we’re not perfect) but tonight 12/12 at Saxton B. Little Library (319 Rt 87, Columbia) from 3-7pm there is a family crafting event. Create a village made of snowy wooden houses. You can call the library at (860) 228-0350 to register for your spot.

• Top Restaurant - The CT Restaurant Association held its annual CRAZIES award that honor the top chefs, restaurants and caterers. Congrats to winner for Tolland County, Monet’s Table.

• Bolton Heroes - Fire Chief Bruce Dixon honored first responders and dispatch staff with life saving certificates and commemorative coins at an award ceremony that took place at the fire station on Monday. The volunteer firefighters saved two lives in one incident including one of their own on Oct. 9th, full story here.

• Tolland Finance - Jolita Lazauskas was named as the new director of finance and records for Tolland. Previously she had been the chief fiscal Officer for the CT Dept. of Administrative services.

• Columbia HVAC - Town of Columbia has asked for additional funds for HVAC system upgrading at Hoarce W. Porter School to alleviate recurring mold issues. Town referendum is being held 12/17 12-8pm at Yeoman’s Hall, you can find more information here. The town could lose the state grant if the vote doesn’t go through.

• Somers HVAC - Town of Somers is holding a referendum on 12/17 6-8pm at the Town Hall Auditorium to increase HVAC and electrical project allotment for Somers Elementary School that was approved by voters last fall. You can find more information here.

• New Boathouse - UCONN Board of Trustees approved the purchase and renovation of 44 Lake Street in Coventry to serve as the new boathouse for the women’s rowing program.

• Santa Visits Union - The Big Man In Red is going to be making a stop at the Union School Gazebo on Sunday 12/15. Bring the little ones to meet the legend, and stay for some free cocoa and snacks.

Stafford Winterfest

The biggest night of the holiday season (town event-wise) returns to Stafford on Saturday 12/14 (weather date will be on 12/15 if necessary). That’s right, Winterfest 2024 has finally arrived! Check out the rich history of Stafford by popping into the Stafford Museum (5 Spring St) from 3-7pm, I for one, had no idea about the history of the famous Mineral Springs water in the area (don’t try drinking it now).

If a history lesson isn’t on your to-do list for the day, how about checking out a live nativity scene with actors and animals (I’d advise against trying to pet them, that applies to both groups)? If that sounds up your alley, swing by the First United Methodist Church (8 Church St) around 3pm.

There will be wagon rides in Hyde Park from 3-4:45pm and 6-7pm looping around Highland Terrace and Hyde Park (a great way to see the light displays set up there). The Stafford High School Band and Chorus will be performing during the evening, a community bonfire, pop-up shops, and a Santa visit will all occur in the Haymarket Commons.

The main attraction, the Parade of Lights, will kick off at 5pm. Floats, decked-out vehicles, local businesses, and more will deliver a feast for the eyes from the corner of Olympic Annex/W Main St down to Town Hall.

All in all, it' sounds like it’s going to be a great time. For more details, check out the official webpage.

Bingo…A Purse is the Purse

First of all, I have to thank my wife for the title (thanks dear). Second, Bingo is a lot more fun than people give it credit. Arts Center East (709 Hartford Tpke, Vernon) is holding a nice, relaxing, game of Bingo tonight 12/12 from 5-7pm. Tell the kids they’re own their own for supper, you have a designer purse to win! While it would be nice if you won that purse, don’t fret if you don’t get it the first time. There will be 10 winners!

There will be light refreshments provided, but people are encouraged to bring their own snacks. Fair warning, alcohol is not permitted. The numbers will be called by the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce’s own Missy Smith (a valuable part of the community, if I do say so myself), and tickets are $35 each ($30 if you’re an ACE member).

If this sounds like a good time to you, you can grab your tickets here. I will say, winning one could help check off a box on the old holiday shopping list.

3rd Annual Mansfield Craft Fair

The Mansfield Community Center (10 S Eagleville Rd) is hosting the yearly craft fair on Saturday 12/14 from 9am-3pm. Described as, “a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community”, this event gives artisans from around the state an opportunity to show off what they’re capable of.

You’ll find unique handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind art pieces, and more. Even if you browse around and get inspired to start creating yourself, that’s a win! And I know how much shopping can take out of you, but UConn is literally right around the corner, with plenty of places to refuel.

But, I would suggest heading down the road a little bit and stopping into The Fresh Monkee (135C Storrs Rd) and mentioning the Tolland County Buzz for 10% off your order (unless you don’t like saving money, and in that case, I have a bridge I want to sell you).

BEE LINE EVENTS

Farmers Markets

12/14

Ellington | 9am-12pm - Held at Ellington High School (37 Maple St). 35 full-time vendors and 8 guest spots.

12/15

Coventry | 10am-12:30pm - Held at Coventry High School (78 Ripley Hill Rd). Over 30 vendors.

Tolland | 10am-1pm - The last of the Tolland Green Farmers Market for the year. Held at the Tolland Rec Center (104 Old Post Road).

Live Performances

$- Denotes an entry fee

12/14

Mansfield | The Nutcracker | Multiple Showtimes $ - Being held at Mansfield Middle School (205 Spring Hill Rd), this classic show is being put on by local youths from the community. Tickets can be purchased at the Mansfield Community Center (10 S Eagleville Rd). There are showtimes 12/14 - 2pm (preview show), 12/14 - 6pm, and 12/15 - 1pm. Children (3-17) and Seniors (62 and up)/$10, Adults/$15, Preview Show/$8 for everyone. Limited tickets will be available at the door.

Somers | Christmas Handbell Concert | 7pm - The Shoreline Ringers are spreading holiday cheer with their renditions of holiday classics. Swing by the Somers Congregational Church (599 Main St) if you want to join in this unique Christmas experience.

Somers | Cobblestone Road | 5-8pm - Feel like you’re missing a little country twang in your life? Head to Joanna’s Restaurant (145 Main St) to catch CSR with their new lead singer.

Somers | Holiday Open Mic | 1-3pm - Come prepared with a holiday tune to Piedmont Hall (604 Main St) and sing your heart out. Belt out your favorite music in a supportive atmosphere.

12/15

Columbia | Bell Choir Christmas Concert | 2pm - Head to the Columbia Congregational Church (325 Route 87) for their free annual Bell Choir Concert. The performance will be followed by crafts, cocoa, and candy canes.

Coventry | Jason J. Castonguay | 2pm - The Second Congregational Church of Coventry (1746 Boston Tpke) has invited talented, multi-instrumentalist Jason J. Castonguay for a “Let It Snow” concert. Blind since birth (oh, did I forget to mention that at the start?), Jason started studying classical piano at age 4 and has performed with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and New Britain Symphony Orchestra.

Misc.

12/13

Willington | It’s A Wonderful Life Showing | 7pm $ - The Packing House (156 River Rd) is holding a screening of the James Stewart holiday classic. It’s the perfect time to rewatch a favorite, or maybe watch it for the first time, even though you’ve acted like you’ve seen it. There is a $5 minimum donation suggested, and it’s a BYOB&F (Bring Your Own Beverage & Food) model. So, enjoy a glass of vino and a charcuterie board if you feel inclined.

12/14

Rockville | Holiday Cookie Sale | 10am-1pm - The Friends of Rockville Public Library are holding their annual cookie sale downstairs in the Rockville Public Library (52 Union St, Vernon). You can call ahead to make an order at (860)875-5892, or roll the dice and pick up a 2lb tray for $16 the day of.

Rockville | Read To A Therapy Dog | 10:30-11:30am - The Rockville Public Library (52 Union St) strikes again with probably the most adorable event of the year. All ages are welcome to come down on Saturday to read to a therapy dog (I’m tempted to go myself, and leave my kids at home).

Tolland | Mitten Sale | 11am-2pm - The Friends of Tolland Public Library (21 Tolland Grn) are holding their annual mitten sale in the adult reading area. The mittens are made from recycled 100% wool sweaters and lined with fleece. Sizes range from S-XL and all proceeds go to the library.

Willington | Winter Solstice Storytime and Craft | 10am - The Willington Public Library (7 Ruby Rd) is reading Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey Cross, followed by a birdseed outdoor ornament craft, and other solstice-themed activities.

12/15

Stafford Springs | Cookie Class | 2pm $ - Ever wondered how people make those incredible-looking cookies. You know, the ones where they look like something out of a catalog? Now’s your chance to learn how. The Stafford Cidery (68 Main St) is hosting a cookie decorating class with The Tasty Sprinkle. Be warned, it’s not cheap, but making something that looks that good shouldn’t be.

Shopping

Ellington | Nellie McKnight Museum Holiday Market | Multiple Times - This festive shopping experience takes place a the Nellie McKnight Museum (70 Main St), and is open Thursday 12/12 and Friday 12/13 from 2-6pm, Saturday 12/14 from 9am-2pm, and Sunday 12/15 from 10am-2pm.

Somers | Holiday Market | 12-4pm - The holiday market continues at Sonny’s Place (349 Main St), featuring dozens of local vendors.

THE HIVE’S PICKS

The Jorgensen Center (2132 Hillside Rd) is welcoming three-time (yeah, three) Grammy winning musical artist Samara Joy on Saturday 12/14. Being accompanied by the McLendon Family, Samara is bring her show “A Joyful Holiday” to the UConn campus.

Known for blending jazz, Motown, and gospel, this is an evening of music that is just plain, good for the soul. Why not treat yourself to a Holiday concert you’ll cherish for a long time. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are available here.

UCONN SPORTS

12/12

Women's Basketball @ Notre Dame | 7pm

Women's Volleyball @ St. John’s | 7:30pm

12/14

Men's Basketball vs Gonzaga | 8pm

12/15

Women's Basketball vs Georgetown | 1:30pm

Thanks for reading today’s Tolland County Buzz! If you enjoyed it, share it with someone who only talks on speakerphone. See you next week!

Tyler

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