Good morning, Tolland County Swarm! Today is Tuesday 8/19, and that means it’s National Potato Day! Enjoy a spud in your preferred form (I’m a big fan of roasted potatoes - although French fries are hard to beat), and celebrate these delicious tubers. We’ve got some exciting news coming, so let’s get into it!

In Today’s Tolland County Buzz:

  • Conn-opoly Update

  • Your Next Friend’s Night

  • Buzz & Tell

  • 23 Events

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

🚨CONN-OPOLY UPDATE🚨

We’re tightening the screws on the final design after shuffling a few spaces. The fun twist? We’re dropping in the original names of famous Connecticut universities. Think “Collegiate School (Yale),” “Connecticut Agricultural College (UCONN),” and “Washington College (Trinity College).”

It’s history nerd candy and it looks 🔥 on the board. Take a glimpse below👇

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HIVE PICK

Last week my lovely wife and a few of her friends (who are also lovely) booked a workshop at the fantastic Wood & Word Blooms (21 Bread & Milk St, Coventry), which they absolutely loved. The instructor (Tara) was knowledgeable (and patient), the variety of materials was impressive, and now we have a beautiful, unique wreath (pictured above) hanging in our home.

Grab a few friends, a bottle of wine, some snacks, and have a fun, creative evening. I can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed! In case wreathes aren’t your thing, they have several options you can choose from, all incorporating the gorgeous hand-painted wooden flowers the owner Jen provides. Lucky for you, there are several classes coming up, including one this Saturday 8/23, from 6-7:30pm. You can check out the schedule here, for a full look at all the services they provide (ever think of a wedding bouquet that can theoretically last longer than you do?).

As a special bonus, if you book a studio workshop or flower order before Sept 30th, you can get $5 off using the code: TCBUZZ5. I highly suggest you take advantage, I know I will be!

TO CO TRIVIA🤔

BUZZ BULLETIN

Got news, a gig, or a gem to shout from the rooftops?
Whether it’s a grand opening, killer event, hiring help, or just a cool thing your neighbors should see - The Buzz Bulletin is your megaphone to locals.

Trash or Treasure: This Saturday (8/23) from 1-4pm in Coventry at the Strong Porter House Museum (2382 South St) is hosting auctioneer RJ Weston, who will appraise that old piece of whatever you have hanging out in your attic/closet/basement for $5. Maximum of three appraisals per person. Proceeds help support the Coventry Historical Society.

BUZZ & TELL

🐶 Adopt-a-pal: Meet Hally - a sweet, zoomie-powered heart-stealer ready for couch cuddles and weekend adventures.

🏡 Dream House of the week: Columbia Lake crown jewel: 300+ feet of direct frontage and the only private beach on the lake, plus a new barn/garage with a loft and full basement. Check it out!

🥾 Trail of the week: Risley Pond Loop (Vernon) — quick climb to a cliff overlook, then an easy shoreline stroll—max views, minimal time. Parking: Lake Street lot (near 366 Lake St, Vernon, CT); hop on the blue blazes from the kiosk.

🔭 Sky report: In the hour before sunrise, look east for dazzling Venus with Jupiter nearby; on Wed, Aug 20 a slim crescent Moon cozies up to Venus for an easy naked-eye sight. After dark, Saturn is up, and the Aug 23 new moon makes skies extra dark - perfect for Milky Way spotting.

BEE LINE EVENTS

TUESDAY (8/19)

Somers | Classic’s Cruise Night | 4:30-7:30pm - Get your classic car on at Joannas (145 Main St) with their weekly car show. Music, door prizes, and more.

LIVE MUSIC

Joannas - Somers | Karaoke | 7-10pm
Square Peg - Vernon | Kt Lay | 6:30-8:30pm

WEDNESDAY (8/20)

Bolton | Sunset Yoga | 6:30pm - Enjoy a scenic yoga class at Treat’s Organic Farm (87 Bolton Center Rd). Bring a yoga mat, no bathrooms available, rain date on 8/21. Donations accepted but not required.

Somers | Wonder & Wander | 9-11:30am $ - This is the last round of Wonder & Wander at The Story Barn (952 Main St) with Frida B. Herself and her furry friend Zilla. More details and register

LIVE MUSIC

Columbia Town Green - Columbia | Trumbull Highway | 6-8pm

TRIVIA

Bond 124 - Somers | 7-8:30pm

THURSDAY (8/21)

Columbia | Yoga in the Vines | 6pm $ - Get a yoga session in the middle of grapevines at Heartstone Winery (468 Rt 87). Text (860) 710-0054 for more details/reserve a spot.

Coventry | Drum Circle | 6:30pm - Join in with a drum circle at the historical Nathan Hale Homestead (2299 South St). Donations aren’t required, but are accepted. Register

Ellington | End of Summer Concert + Movie | 6pm - Ellington Rec has organized a night of music, community, and a movie at Market Park (72 Maple St). Bring a non-perishable to be entered into a bike raffle, the first 100 kids will get a free bike helmet, with the drawing happening right before the movie (Cars) at 8pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs!

Somers | Co-Ed Cornhole League | 6-8pm $ - Spend your late-summer Thursday nights with a cornhole league at Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain Rd). Space is limited, prizes for top two finishing teams. Register

Vernon | Candle Workshop | 6-8pm $ - Learn how to make botanical soy candles with Arts Center East (709 Hartford Tpke). you’ll leave with two custom-made candles and instructions on how to continue making your own candles at home. Sign Up

LIVE MUSIC

Bond 124 - Somers | Raya | 7:30-10:30pm

TRIVIA

Rocking Horse - Vernon | 7-9pm
Cassidy Hill - Coventry | 6:30pm

FRIDAY (8/22)

Ellington | Women’s Adult Camp | 12pm $ - SJ Riding Camp (130 Sandy Beach Rd) is offering a 21+ overnight camp for horse-loving women. Explore scenic trails, grab a lesson or two, or even go swimming with horses. More info

Somers | Summer Square Dance | 6-8pm $ - Swing your partner round and round at Worthington Vineyards (359 Mountain Rd) with an evening of square dancing on a covered bridge. Some experience required for the best possible evening. Rain or shine (dress appropriately). Tix

Willington | Music Docu-Series | 6:30pm - Learn all about the legendary Wrecking Crew - a group of studio musicians who played on some of the biggest hits in the ‘60s and ‘70s, at Willington Public Library (7 Ruby Rd). Refreshments will be served as well!

LIVE MUSIC

Sonny’s Place - Somers | Groover Cleveland | 8-11pm
Rocking Horse - Vernon | Cold Train | 8pm
Cassidy Hill - Coventry | Seat of Our Pants | 6-8pm

SATURDAY (8/23)

Ellington | Farmers Market | 9am-12pm - This week, the Ellington Farmers Market (72 Maple St) is celebrating the sweetest foods nature has to offer - from fruits to syrup, satisfy your sweet tooth this weekend.

Stafford | Farmers Market | 10am-12pm - Swing by the Sun Valley Beach Club (51 Old Springfield Rd) for your weekly Stafford Farmers Market.

Stafford Springs | Setback Night | 6-9pm $ - Grab some hard cider and enjoy an evening of cards at Stafford Cidery (68 Main St)

Storrs | Farmers Market | 3-5pm - Here’s your weekly reminder about the Storrs Farmers Market (4 S Eagleville Rd).

Tolland | Women New Moon Circle | 5-7pm $ - Set intentions for the next cycle and connect with other like-minded women at Resonance Healing Arts (60 Hartford Tpke). Tix

Vernon | Adventures & Ice Cream Social | 3:30-6:30pm - The Learning Experience (420 Talcottville Rd) is holding a free community event for your little ones. Interactive play zones, outdoor games, creative crafts, ice cream, tours, and more. Sign Up

Vernon | Yoga/Candle Making | 12-2pm $ - Make your own scented candle, followed up with a relaxing yoga session at Lighted Ambience Candle Co (630 Talcottville Rd). Register

LIVE MUSIC

Sonny’s Place - Somers | Feedback | 1-4pm
Sonny’s Place - Somers | Hazzard County | 8-11pm
Hilltop Restaurant - Willington | Soapstone | 7pm
The Hidden Still - Ellington | Brothers Donovan | 9pm
Rocking Horse - Vernon | TheLeftovers | 9pm

SUNDAY (8/24)

Coventry | Fiber and Potters Market | 10am-1pm - The Coventry Farmers Market (2299 South St) is focused on fiber arts and pottery this week. Find a treasure and support local!

Mansfield | Grist Mill Tour | 1-5pm - Take a trip down a historical treasure trove at the Gurleyville Grist Mill (Stone Rd), with guided tours provided by Joshua’s Trust.

Vernon | Hay Bale Bonanza | 10am-2pm - Strong Family Farm (274 West St) is giving you a chance to visit with goats, a Hay Bale Maze, kids games, crafts, story time, and more!

LIVE MUSIC

Four Seasons By The Lake - Stafford Springs | Drive Time | 2-6pm
Mill Pond Country Store - Stafford Springs | Ali Kat Acoustic | 2-4pm
Sonny’s Place - Somers | The Pop Rocks | 3-6pm
Rocking Horse - Vernon | Aquanett | 5-7pm
Rocking Horse - Vernon | The Atomic Dogs | 8-9:30pm

MONDAY (8/25)

Bolton | Farm Yoga | 6:30-7:30pm $ - Bolton Heritage Farm (266 Bolton Center Rd) is hosting a weekly yoga session in a beautiful location. $10 minimum donation, which goes directly towards preserving the farm.

Rockville | Geocaching 101 | 4:30-5:30pm - Learn about the modern-day treasure hunting at Rockville Public Library (52 Union St). From finding one to creating your own, they’ve got you covered. Register

SCRAMBLE ANSWER: HARRY A. GAMPEL PAVILION

That’s it for this week’s Tolland County Buzz. If you got something out of it, please share it with someone who loves flowers, but could kill a plastic plant!

See ya next week,

Tyler