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Barnyards and Brushstrokes
Swapping Plants, Silky Smooth History, Plus 35 Events!
Tyler DiGiovanni
April 01, 2025
Good morning, Tolland County! Today is Tuesday 4/1 and while that means it’s that day, it also means it’s National Sourdough Day! We all know someone that got really into making sourdough goods (I’m not complaining or judging, especially if some finds its way to me!), so this is their day to shine. Whether it’s a classic loaf or sourdough Hawaiian rolls (yes, that’s a real thing), today is the perfect day to celebrate this gut-health helping bread.
In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:
More Than a Rescue Farm
Swapping Plants
35 Events
Let’s dive in!
-Tyler DiGiovanni
Wanna see a local furry friend featured in the newsletter?We’re thinking of adding a regular spotlight on a standout pet from Tolland County—could be a heroic hound, a grumpy cat, or even a llama with attitude. 🐾 Should we do it? |
BRIEF BITES
Grants - Connecticut is making its biggest investment yet in local waste solutions, awarding $15 million in grants through its new Materials Management Infrastructure (MMI) Grant Program. Coventry will receive $202,896, and Mansfield is getting $129,500 to boost their waste management systems.
Trout - Spring fishing season is officially on in Connecticut! The DEEP has already stocked 145,000 trout across state waters, with a whopping 500,000 planned by May. Grab your gear—those fish won’t catch themselves! Check out the stocking map here.
THE HIVE’S PICK
Image credit: Whispering Brook Farm & Art Studio
Alright, we need to talk about a place that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit: Whispering Brook Farm & Art Studio (114 Cedar Swamp Rd, Tolland). This place is a true hidden gem (I know that gets tossed around a good amount, but it 100% applies here).
I was lucky enough to head out there the other week, and before I left, I was already planning my return trip. I took a tour to meet the animals with Karen (the owner, who is a truly good person) and Faith (an absolute sweetheart), and got to say hi to some goats, pet a horse (I could’ve stayed there for hours), fed some pigs, and walked with some ducks/chickens. They offer experiences to actually go into some of the animal pens and hang out with them (there’s a mini cottage you can lounge with some pigs in, I mean how cool is that?).
So while that would be enough to love this place, they also specialize in nonverbal art and assisted animal therapy. That’s right, people with difficulties will find this to be the perfect place to come experience true joy. Karen has an extensive background in art (you can read all about it on her bio page on their website) and from our brief conversation, they do a lot of really neat stuff.
If art and rescue farm animals aren’t enough for you, they also have extensive walking trails as well (there were some mastodon remains found on the property, how cool is that!?). I’m thrilled that this place is on my radar now, and I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you!
ToCo TRIVIA 🤔
When did the Old Tolland County Jail close? |
Last week’s answer: 53.6% of got it right with Mansfield being the Tolland County town that experienced the Silk Craze. The village of Gurleyville, within Mansfield, played a central role in Connecticut’s silk industry boom.
BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY 🐝
Our friends at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St, Stafford) are holding a free plant swap on Sunday 4/6 from 2-4pm. This a great way to get rid of some of your extra cuttings, and then promptly add more back into your collection.
The cidery will have Neem oil on hand to make sure that no pests will be joining you back at your house. Another added bonus of this event, if you head to Café de Flore (72 Main St) after the event, you’ll get 20% off of their selection of pots (not too shabby!).
While the event is free, we do suggest buying a pint or some beverage (their ciders are phenomenal), so you can help support this amazing local business.
Threading Through Time:
How Mansfield Spun Its Way Into CT’s Silk Legacy
Before it was Husky Nation, Mansfield was home to another kind of thread—silk. In the early 1800s, local families started growing mulberry trees and raising silkworms in their homes, producing raw silk that quickly caught the attention of textile entrepreneurs. By the 1830s and 1840s, the silk business was in full swing, with small mills and home-based operations popping up all over town. At its peak, Connecticut was producing thousands of pounds of silk annually, and Mansfield played a quiet but crucial role in that boom.
One of the key areas of activity was Gurleyville, where a mix of small industry and natural resources powered the local economy. While the Gurleyville Gristmill—still standing today—isn’t a silk mill, it sits near the remains of other 19th-century industrial buildings that supported the area’s economic growth, including those tied to silk manufacturing. Figures like Edmund Golding, a prominent local silk manufacturer, helped put Mansfield on the map as part of Connecticut's larger sericulture experiment. While towns like Manchester had larger operations (hello, Cheney Brothers), Mansfield contributed meaningfully to the broader movement.
But by the early 1900s, Mansfield's silk story was unraveling. Cheaper imports and the rise of synthetic fabrics like rayon undercut local production, and many of the mills went silent. Today, the legacy lives on through preserved buildings like the Gurleyville Gristmill and historical markers scattered around town. The looms may be quiet, but Mansfield’s role in Connecticut’s silk chapter still hums just beneath the surface—for those who know where to look.
BEE LINE EVENTS
TUESDAY (4/1)
Somers | DIY Hand Sanitizer | 2:30-4pm - Teens from grades 6 and up are invited to drop into Somers Public Library (2 Vision Blvd) to make some hand sanitizer.
WEDNESDAY (4/2)
Mansfield | Virtual Author Talk | 7-8pm - Mansfield Public Library is inviting you to a virtual discussion with famous author Jodi Picoult. Register and more info
Storrs | Puppetry & Photography Forum | 7pm - Photographer Richard Termine will be speaking about his coverage of American puppet theater at the Ballard Institute of Puppetry (1 Royce Circle).
Tolland | Paint a Planter | 6-8pm $ - Create a beautiful piece of artwork to keep a plant baby in at Tolland Red & White (46 Tolland Grn). More details
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Bidwell Tavern - Coventry | Tino & Malone | 6:30-9:30pm
THURSDAY (4/3)
Bolton | Slightly Silent Book Club | 4:30-6pm - Spend some time reading quietly and discussing whatever book you’re reading with other bibliophiles at Charhause Cookie (299 Boston Tpke).
Stafford | Succulent Pot Trio | 6-7:30pm $ - Wood & Word Blooms is holding a sip & craft at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St). More deets
Storrs | Foodshare | 11:30am-12pm - For all of those in need, Mansfield Human Services is holding a foodshare for whoever may need it between the Senior Center and Housing Authority apartments (303 Maple Rd).
Vernon | Children’s Cooking Class | 4-5pm - This class at Rockville Public Library (52 Union St) is geared towards children in grades 3-5. If interested call (860) 875-5892 Ext. 2.
FRIDAY (4/4)
Columbia | Family Dance | 6-8pm $ - The Horace Porter PTO is holding a family dance for all Porter families at the school (2 Schoolhouse Ln). You can email [email protected] for more info.
Coventry | Contra Dance | 7:30-10:30pm $ - Take a drive to Patriots Park Lodge (172 Lake St) for a good old fashioned hootenanny. Music and dancing galore! More info
Somers | Bingo/Music | 6-8pm $ - Enjoy some tunes and play to win some prizes in Bingo at Worthington Winery & Vineyard (359 Mountain Rd).
Stafford | Setback Night | 6-8:30pm $ - Head to Stafford Cidery (68 Main St) for an evening of the incredibly fun card game, Setback. You might even win some money!
Vernon | Sketch Class | 6-9:30pm $ - Arts Center East (709 Hartford Tpke) is running a class to create an ink sketch of a quaint French bistro. Tix
SATURDAY (4/5)
Bolton | Fundraising Gala | 6:30pm $ - A Villa Louisa (60 Villa Louisa Rd) is holding a gala to raise awareness and funds for Outreach to Haiti. More details
Hebron | Celtic Tree Medicine | 9am-4pm $ - Sea in the Sky (304 W Main St) is holding the first of a three level course in Celtic Tree Medicine (formerly Celtic Reiki). If interested, email Melanie at [email protected] for everything you need to know.
Hebron | Raising Empathetic Children | 9:30-11:30am $ - St Peter’s Episcopal Church (30 Church St) is holding a special event to help people who deal with children understand and empathize with children that are different. More info
Somers | Food Drive | 9am-12pm - Somers Cub Scouts are holding a food drive (non-perishables) to help support Champ’s Place (community-based food pantry) at Geissler’s (95 South Rd).
Stafford Springs | Comedy Show | 9pm $ - Stillwater Grill (328 East St) is holding a night of laughs featuring Rick Allen and Tom Decillis. More info and tix
Stafford Springs | Vendor Spotlight | 10am-1pm - Café de Flore (72 Main St) is holding a vendor spotlight to feature a local business. Stop by and shop local!
Storrs | Farmers Market | 3-5pm - The Storrs Winter Farmers Market (54 Warrenville Rd) is holding their penultimate market of the season.
Tolland | Vernon Chorale | 7:30pm $ - Head to United Congregational Church of Tolland (45 Tolland Grn) for a concert from the talented Vernon Chorale. More info/tix
Tolland | Feng Shui Fresh Start | 10am-12pm $ - Join Angela from Loving Karma at Resonance Healing Arts (60 Hartford Tpke) for a lesson in using the Bagua Map to enhance every part of your life. Tix
Tolland | Sip and Stitch | 10am-1pm $ - Tolland Red & White (46 Tolland Grn) wants to help you learn how to hand knit your own blanket (could be a great gift!). More deets
Vernon | Ugadi 2025 | 1pm $ - Celebrate Ugadi with cultural performances, festive rituals, great food, and an all-around fun time at Vernon Center Middle School (777 Hartford Tpke). More info
Willington | Intro To Gravel Series | 10am-12pm - This a perfect way for cyclists to learn how to take their riding off the pavement. Get outside and enjoy a ride at The Bike Shop (14 Tolland Tpke). Details
Willington | Rescheduled Concert | 7:30-10pm $ - The Packing House (156 River Rd) is hosting the rescheduled concert from Grammy nominee Guy Davis. Tix/info
Willington | Round Pen Clinic | 10am $ - Magnolia Equestrian Center (34 Cemetery Rd) is holding a clinic on round pen work. Email [email protected] or text (413) 663-0214 to register.
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Rocking Horse - Vernon | Trailer Trash | 9pm
⬢ Ellington Baptist Church | The Needham’s | 6pm
TRIVIA
Stafford Cidery - Stafford | 6:30pm
SUNDAY (4/6)
Columbia | Easter Egg Hunt | 12pm - The Columbia Red Dept and Columbia Lions Club are holding a free Easter egg hunt at Columbia Rec Park (60 Hennequin Rd) at the upper pavilion.
Hebron | Free Easter Egg Hunt | 12pm - The Worship Center (99 Marjorie Cir) is holding a free Easter egg hunt for all, behind their church.
Stafford | Reiki Share | 2-4pm $ - Let the good vibes wash over you at Let’s Get Wired (64 Main St). Join in a communal experience Tix
Stafford | Automotive Swap Meet | 7am-3pm - Calling all gearheads! Acres of auto parts to check out at Stafford Motor Speedway (55 West St).
Tolland | Blood Pressure Screening | 11am-12:30pm - EHHD will be at UCC Tolland (45 Tolland Grn) for free blood pressure screenings.
Union | Buzz on Bees Presentation | 2pm -The Last Green Valley is partnering with Union Bee Company at Union Free Public Library (979 Buckley Highway) for a family-friendly presentation on these amazing creatures.
Willington | Horse Show | 8am $ - Magnolia Equestrian (34 Cemetery Rd) is holding a rated (CHSA, CHJA, M&S, NEHC) show.
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Heartstone Winery - Columbia | Bonnie Jacobson | 2-5pm
MONDAY (4/7)
Hebron | Knit Wits | 6-8pm - Did you know there is a knitting club that meets every Monday night at Douglas Library (22 Main St)? Well, now you do!
Well, that’s everything we got for this week! If you got something out of today’s newsletter, please share it with someone who loves animals!
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