Xmas Magic, Barn Finds, Vernon Holiday Kick-Off

Good morning, Tolland County! Today is Monday 12/2 and that means it’s Cyber Monday, so now you have an excuse that you have to do some online shopping. Just think of how much money you’ll save!

Fun fact: "Cyber Monday" was coined in 2005 by Ellen Davis and Scott Silverman of the National Retail Federation after noticing a trend—shoppers flocked to their high-speed work internet on Monday to snag deals after struggling with slow home connections over Thanksgiving weekend.

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

• Magic of Christmas 🪄

• Barntiques 🕰️

• Holiday Cheer and Freezin Your Rear 🎅 🧊

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Sicilian Food: Foodies, rejoice! Krispy Sicilian Foods is bringing its homemade delicacies to the heart of Mansfield, just steps from the Four Corners at 650 Middle Turnpike. Opening in less than two weeks, this grab-and-go gem will feature everything from sandwiches and soups to lasagna and pastries, crafted by local culinary expert Kristin Pinkston, who brings over 20 years of experience to the table.

• Dog Show: Monty, a Giant Schnauzer from Chaplin, Connecticut, has been a formidable presence in the dog show circuit. He won the Working Group title at the 2024 National Dog Show as well as the 2024 Kennel Club Dog Show for the second consecutive year, showcasing his strength and spirited nature. His handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin, describes Monty as a "stallion" of his breed, embodying both power and vitality.

• Bomb Threats: On Thanksgiving Day, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney's Vernon home was targeted by a bomb threat while he and his family were present. Local police, along with the U.S. Capitol Police and a bomb squad, responded promptly around 7 a.m., finding no evidence of explosives. This incident was part of a series of coordinated threats against multiple Connecticut Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris Murphy and Representatives Jim Himes, John Larson, Jahana Hayes, and Rosa DeLauro

• Shop Ellington: The annual "Shop Ellington" event is back, running from November 24 through December 10, 2023, to encourage local shopping and support Ellington businesses. Patrons can collect stickers from participating businesses to complete bingo cards, entering them into a raffle for gift cards. Get your bingo cards here.

• Festival of Trees: Bolton Congregational Church (228 Bolton Center Rd) is hosting its Festival of Trees event on Friday 12/6 from 6-8pm and Saturday 12/7 from 4-8pm. There will be live music, raffles, vendors, refreshments, and more. All winners for the raffles will be drawn on Saturday at 8pm.

• Grant Money: Vernon ROCKS Coalition has been awarded a $625,000 grant over five years from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to help combat drug abuse in the community. The funding will support the organization's prevention programs, focusing on educating youth and families to reduce substance abuse. This grant is a big win for Vernon as they work toward a healthier and safer future.

Magic of Christmas 🪄

Need to put the spirit back in “holiday spirit”? Willington Public Library (7 Ruby Road) is hosting Greg Dwyer, a master magician and mind reader. Dwyer is presenting a performance called “The Magic Behind the Holidays,” which will captivate and add a little wonder to your holiday season.

Not only will you get to be entertained with some Christmas magic, you’ll also get to learn about the traditions and mystical ancient rituals that were the basis of our modern-day Christmas celebrations. An evening with Dwyer will make any Grinch’s heart grow three sizes. Bring the kids, or just your inner child and have some fun (for free, I might add).

This bit of yuletide magic is taking place on Tuesday 12/3 at 6:30pm, holiday-themed refreshments will be provided by the library. Did I mention it’s free? And let’s be honest, you probably don’t have that much going on a Tuesday night anyway.

Barntiques 🕰️

Nothing says rural Connecticut like a good old fashioned barn sale. And that’s exactly what’s being delivered by She Shed Creations at 200 Hebron Rd in Andover on Friday 12/6 and Saturday 12/7, 10am-3pm both days. This is the 3rd year that this event is being held, and anyone looking for something vintage or rustic should block out some time to make it down.

You can expect to see homemade jams and jellies, soaps, lotions, candles, crocheted items, embroidery, up-cycled goods, and so much more. And don’t worry, none of the edibles available for purchase are considered vintage or antique. Go down and get some shopping down, or just get inspired by the creativity of the local vendors. Whatever you do, don’t forget to dress warm, it is a barn we’re talking about.

Holiday Cheer and Freezin Your Rear 🎅 🧊

Still not sold on what to do on Friday 12/6 yet? How about checking out the town of Vernon’s Winterfest at Downtown Rockville Central Park (14 Park Place) at 5:45pm? You can take part in the tree lighting, fire truck parade, snowflake lighting on Fox Hill Tower, a performance by the Rockville High School Marching Band, carol singing (extra fun if you’re name is Carol too), and the opening of Santa House. Pretty fun filled night, right?

If you can’t get enough Vernon action, you’re in luck, because on Saturday 12/7 Vernon Parks & Rec is holding its annual Arctic Splash at Valley Falls Park. Feel like getting frosty and taking a dip? You can register here for the event. It’ll cost $15 to participate and all proceeds will go to benefit the Send a Kid Scholarship fund, which will help send kids to summer camps that couldn’t otherwise afford it.

BEE LINE EVENTS

12/4

Ornament Making Workshop | Andover - Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to start decorating for Christmas (unless you’re like my family and everything has been up for two weeks already). Lisa Kurtz is going to walk you through how to make three different ornaments to display on your tree at the Andover Public Library (355 Route 6). Space is limited, so you’ll need to call (860)742-7428 to make sure there’s room for you.

12/5

Rockville FFA Holiday Sale | Vernon - Support Rockville’s FFA and take home a wreath, centerpiece, porch pot, or poinsettia, all grown or made by Rockville students. There also will be some additional vendors selling other handmade crafts. Bring cash or check to Rockville High School (70 Loveland Hill Rd) from 2:30-6:30pm to help support your local FFA.

Ellington Singers @ Ellington Senior Center | Ellington - The Ellington singers are kicking off Winterfest with a Holiday Concert and Sing-Along at the Senior Center (40 Maple St) at 7:00pm. All are welcome and there’s no admission fee.

Willington Tree Lighting | Willington - Willington Parks and Rec are hosting Willington’s annual tree lighting from 6-7pm at 40 Old Farms Rd.

THE HIVE’S PICK

The Hicks-Stearns Museum in Tolland (42 Tolland Green) is offering you a chance to step into the past and check out what Christmas looked like in the Victorian era. On Saturday 12/7, from 10am-4pm and Sunday 12/8, from 11am-2pm take a look at how our not so distant relatives celebrated the holiday. From sawdust pies to spiderwebs made of yarn, find out what interesting customs used to be commonplace in American homes.

For the weekend, the museum won’t be charging an admission fee, but donations are still accepted. You can also do a little shopping in their gift shop (cash and check only), if you’re feeling inclined. On Saturday, you can enjoy music from the Holiday Music Tremendous Trio from 11am-2pm and from the Tolland High School Chamber Choir from 3-3:45pm. On Sunday, the Vernon Chorale will perform from 1:30-2:30pm. Crafts for children will be available on both days.

UCONN SPORTS

12/3 - Women’s Basketball vs Holy Cross | 7pm

12/4 - Men’s Basketball vs Baylor | 6:30pm

12/4 - Men’s Ice Hockey @ Boston College | 7pm

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! If you got something out of it, share it with someone that eats their salad after their entree.

Talk soon,

Tyler

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