Grammy Nominee Performance

Good morning, Tolland County! Today is Monday 2/10, and that means it’s National Football Hangover Day! Every year millions of people call out (or in, depending who you ask) “sick”, the day after the Super Bowl. Whether you’re taking some “me time” to get over your team losing, or if you need to recover after celebrating too hard, just know you’re not alone! Let’s take a look at what’s going on in Tolland County this week!

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• Artisan Market 🏛️

• Tolland County History

• Dinner and Laughs 🎭

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Property Sale - Big news for Storrs Center! The properties at 1, 9, & 11 Dog Lane, 1 & 8 Royce Circle, and 1220 Storrs Road have been sold for $40.25 million to 1266 Storrs Road LLC, owned by Delaware Life Insurance Company.

• Higher Ed. - The University of Connecticut's online Master's in Nursing program has achieved impressive rankings in the latest U.S. News & World Report review. It secured the No. 5 spot among the Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs and was ranked No. 1 for Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs for Veterans.

• Marketplace - Exciting news for Mansfield—the East Brook Marketplace is coming to the mall! It will showcase a variety of local vendors, offering their products in fun, monthly themed shows.

• Fish - The Connecticut Department of Public Health has relaxed the fish consumption advisory for parts of the Hockanum River, including Ellington and Vernon. While bass are still off-limits, residents can now safely enjoy other species like sunfish and trout, but with limits—one meal per month for sensitive groups.

Valentine’s Artisan Market 🏛️

Nothing helps get through a long week like a little retail therapy. On Wednesday 2/12, Tolland Red and White (46 Tolland Grn) is holding a February Artisan Market from 5-8pm. Whether you’re looking for something chocolatey for Valentine’s Day, curious about finding unique items, want to find a new book to read, or need some flowers for Friday, they’ve got you covered.

Help support local artisans and crafters, and come away with something one of a kind! This is the perfect chance to pick something up that’s heartfelt and can’t be purchased in a big box store!

From Forests to Frontlines: Tolland County's Bold March in the French and Indian War

Back in the mid-1700s, Tolland County wasn’t just a sleepy collection of farms—it was a hotbed of action during the French and Indian War. When things kicked off in 1756, the Tolland militia didn’t hesitate to jump into the fray. These guys weren’t professional soldiers, just everyday folks grabbing their muskets and heading out to defend British territory against the French and their Native American allies. This wasn’t some local skirmish either—it was part of the global Seven Years' War, and Tolland’s finest were smack in the middle of it.

One of the biggest moments? The 1756 expedition to Crown Point. This wasn’t just a leisurely stroll through the woods—these men trekked through miles of dense forests and rugged terrain, all while lugging supplies and bracing for possible ambushes. Crown Point, perched on Lake Champlain (New York), was a major French fort, and capturing it was key to controlling the region. The Tolland militia teamed up with other Connecticut volunteers to push north, and while it wasn’t always smooth sailing, their grit and determination were undeniable.

But here’s the kicker—this wasn’t the last time these guys would pick up arms. The French and Indian War gave the Tolland militia a crash course in military strategy and survival, skills that came in handy a couple of decades later during the American Revolution. So, while the French and Indian War might feel like ancient history, it was actually a critical chapter in shaping the fearless spirit of Tolland County—and, eventually, America’s fight for independence.

Valentine’s Dinner and Comedy Show 🎭

What better way to spend an evening historically filled with romance, than with a room full of other people? Just a little comedy there, to get you prepared for a night of food and fun. The American Legion (114 West St, Vernon) is holding a dinner and comedy show fundraiser this Friday 2/14 from 6-9pm.

The show consists of comedy (which I can guarantee will be better than the attempt above) and musical performances led by Mike Bova, who runs comedy/music tours to benefit veterans. This is a great chance to get fed, laugh, and support those who have served! You can buy your tickets here.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Ellington | Seniors Gardening | 10am - The Ellington Senior Center (40 Maple St) is holding a meeting about what should be grown in their 2025 garden.

Storrs | Speed Dating | 6:30-9pm $ - Single adults ages 18-25 are invited to Square Peg Pizzeria (9 Dog Lane) for an evening of speed dating. Tickets are available here.

Mansfield | Dark Sky Preservation | 6pm - One of the best parts of living in rural Connecticut, is being able to see the stars at night. Mansfield Public Library (54 Warrenville Rd) is teaching the basics of reducing light pollution.

Somers | Business Networking Luncheon | 12-2pm $ - For business owners in the area, North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce (NCCCC) is holding a networking event at Joanna’s (145 Main St). Tickets are available here.

Tolland | Veteran’s Coffee House | 10:30am-12pm - Tolland Senior Center (674 Tolland Rd) is inviting veterans to come down for a cup of coffee to meet other people that have served.

Hebron | Stamped Sea Glass Bracelets | 6:30pm $ - The Flour Girl (14 Main St) is teaming with Still Waters USA to help you make a stamped bracelet (with a phrase, word, or whatever you want), with a piece of sea glass attached. Tickets are here.

Somers | PTO Meeting | 5:30-6:30pm - Residents of Somers are encouraged to attend the PTO meeting in the media center of Somers Elementary School (4 Vision Blvd).

Vernon | Bingo! | 7-9pm - Head to the Rocking Horse (57 Hartford Tpke) for their weekly game of Bingo, along with trivia name that tune, and more!

Ellington | Healthy Relationships Presentation | 5:30-7pm - Ellington Youth Services are holding a presentation for children (12+) and parents (separate presentations) on creating healthy relationships at the Hall Memorial Library (93 Main St). This can be a great resource for people struggling to have a positive relationship with their child. Register here.

Ellington | Sound Healing | 6-7pm $ - Bathe in a cacophony of healing sounds at Voices of Enlightenment (19 Pinney St). Call or text Kathi to register at (413) 885-0038.

THE HIVE’S PICK

We are big proponents of the arts at the Tolland County Buzz, and that’s why our pick this week is a musical performance by two-time Grammy nominee Guy Davis. Davis will be performing at The Packing House (156 River Rd, Willington) on Saturday 2/15, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

Davis will be playing 6 & 12 string guitars, harmonica, 5 & 6 string banjos, and a didgeridoo (bet you didn’t see that coming). He’s most well-known for playing blues, although some would call it more “American roots” music that blends folk, rock, rap, spoken word, and more. Have no idea what that means? You can check out a performance of his on YouTube.

The Packing House is a BYOBAF (Bring Your Own Beverage & Food) facility, and that includes beer and wine (ID is required, other alcohol isn’t permitted)! If you’re interested in attending you can buy tickets here, and it’s cheaper to get them ahead of time rather than at the door.

UCONN SPORTS

2/11 - Men’s Basketball @ Creighton | 9pm

2/12 - Women’s Tennis vs. Quinnipiac | 1pm

2/12 - Women’s Lacrosse vs. Fairfield | 3pm

2/12 - Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Alaska Anchorage | 6pm

2/12 - Women’s Basketball vs. St. John’s | 7:30pm

That’s it for today’s newsletter! If you got something out of it, please share it with someone who plays guitar.

We’ll see you on Thursday!

Tyler

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