‘Unionville Bars, Taverns & Spirits’

UNIONVILLE – Raise a glass and step back in time at the museum’s new exhibit, “Unionville Bars, Taverns & Spirits,” running through July 27. The museum is located at 15 School Street, Unionville and is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

The special exhibit highlights the nostalgic history of Unionville’s favorite gathering spots and watering holes, from past to present, showcasing historical artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia of the Unionville’s favorite past and present gathering spots. Learn about Prohibition, view a stunning collection of vintage 20th-century cocktail shakers and barware, and learn stories from the former Hotel Worthy, Unionville tavern and more.

The museum is also holding special presentations related to the exhibit:

• History Talk: Last Call: Unionville Bars, Taverns & Spirits - Sunday, June 1 – Dive into the details of the exhibit and learn more about local establishments, Prohibition, and related items from the collection. Exhibition Viewing (Noon-4 p.m.) Presentation with Question & Answer Session (1 and 3 p.m.)

• History Talk: Shaken Not Stirred – The Golden Age of Cocktails

Sunday, June 22 - Learn about the origins and influence of America’s favorite cocktails, shakers and the CT manufactures who made them. Exhibition Viewing (Noon-4 p.m.). Presentation with Question & Answer Session (1 and 3 pm)

Talks held next door at Old Methodist Church (23 School Street). Parking on street and Union School lot - Museum exhibit open 12 to 4 p.m. Limited seating for talks is on first come first serve basis. For more information visit the Museum’s website at unionvillemuseum.org or call 860-673-2231.

 

Connecticut Freedom Trail Dedication

AVON – The public is invited to the dedication of site #164 on the Connecticut Freedom Trail commemorating the life and service of Pvt. Leverett Holden, Avon resident and Civil War veteran of the 29th Connecticut Infantry Regiment, Colored. The dedication will take place on Monday, June 2, beginning at 6:30 pm at the East Avon Cemetery, 15 Simsbury Road, and continue with a program at 7 p.m. inside the historic sanctuary of The Avon Congregational Church, 6 West Main St. (The East Avon Cemetery is directly behind the Avon Congregational Church.)  The event is free and open to the public.

 

Friends of the Farmington Libraries June Book Sale

Just in time to stock up on books for summer reading and home libraries, the Friends of the Farmington Libraries are announcing a large book sale, to be held on Thursday, June 5 through Saturday June 7 at the main Farmington Library on 6 Monteith Drive.

The sale hours are: Thursday, June 5, Pre-Sale ($10 admission fee) from 10 am to 2 pm; Friday, June 6, from 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday, June 7, from 9 am to 2 pm, concluding with a bag sale ($10 per bag) from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

Featured will be a large selection of children’s and adult fiction, both paperback and hardcover. Non-fiction topics will include history, biography, classic literature, home décor, gardening, cooking, art, entertainment, sciences, mathematics, self-help, and religion. There will also be reference materials, textbooks, games, puzzles, and a “Specials” section with higher price books.

The Friends are thankful for the continued support from Farmington and other local communities and ask that you take this opportunity to continue that support.  Funds from the book sales support year-round programming for children and adults (such as the very popular Maker Fair), the renovation of spaces within the library, museum passes and funds for staff members to attend conferences.

 

Simsbury Lions Club seeks volunteers

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

New England Ballet Theatre

Presents La Sylphide

FARMINGTON – New England Ballet Theatre is thrilled to present the timeless classic La Sylphide on June 7 at 7 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. at the Hacker Theater at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington.

Tickets are now available for purchase on our website.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.neballettheatre.com/la-sylphide.

 

Strawberry Festival June 14

North Canton Community United Methodist Church’s 73rd Strawberry Festival is on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to strawberry shortcake, a tag sale, plant sale, silent auction, burger and hot dog booth, and a homemade baked good sale will held. An early entry to the tag sale is at 9 a.m. with a $10 early entry fee. The church is on Route 179, five miles north of Route 44. Doors open and shortcake will be ready from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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‘Kodachrome’ captures the Heart of Small-Town Life and Love

COLLINSVILLE – Farmington Valley Stage Company is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Adam Szymkowicz’s “Kodachrome,” a captivating new play that will run on June 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29, 2025. Set in the charming town of Colchester, Connecticut, this poignant play delves into the themes of love, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of farewells through the eyes of its unique narrator. Performances will take place at the Farmington Valley Stage Company, located in the Canton Town Hall Auditorium, 4 Market Street, Collinsville, CT. Tickets are available for purchase at www.FvStage.org

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Avon Free Public Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203. Registration required where noted.

•  (Virtual Event) Broadway on a Budget!. Friday, June 6, 2025 at 2 pm. Theater enthusiast Brian Stoll will discuss all things Broadway beginning with the history and importance of the Broadway Playbill as well as touch upon some of the reasons why audience members choose to collect these memorable theatre keepsakes. Lastly, Brian will share a variety of money-saving tips on how to see Broadway shows for under $60 a ticket!

• Connecticut Wineries with “The Nutmeg Nose” Thursday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m.- Take a virtual ride through Connecticut’s wine country and learn about our state’s 40+ wineries. Our wine guide is Michelle Griffis, an enthusiast of Connecticut’s wineries, nicknamed by friends as “The Nutmeg Nose.” Michelle will discuss the array of fantastic, award-winning wineries here in our state. She will also share dining options which include vineyards with on-site cafes, food trucks, and BYO picnic options.

 

At the Farmington Libraries

The following programs are offered by The Farmington Libraries. Except where noted, programs take place at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Dr. Register for programs at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Grad Cap Decorating - Graduating High School? Stop by the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive with your Graduation Cap on Monday, June 9 between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to decorate it with our supplies. No registration is required.

• Sensory Sensitive Summer Reading Celebration - This special summer reading celebration is designed for families of youth with sensory needs who are not as comfortable in the crowded and noisy environment associated with the traditional summer reading kick-off event. Join us on Monday, June 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive to enjoy some summer-themed crafts and sensory play activities. No registration needed to attend this event.

• Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration – Adventure Awaits at The Farmington Libraries Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 to - 7:30 p.m. Bring your dinner, a blanket, and/or some lawn chairs, and join us outside while DJ Red Supreme spins music and leads dances. Paki Taco and Craftbird food trucks will be selling food on site. We will have a special visit from Dillon, the furry green mascot for the Hartford Athletic. There will also be lawn games and tables with activities for all ages!  No registration is required. In the event of inclement weather, the party will be moved indoors.

• Garmany Music Series: Ranendra Das - On Saturday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith attend a concert performance specializing in Indian Classical and Western Classical music. Ranendra Das is an incredible performer with that truly connects with the audience. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Flicks & Family - Get out of the heat and join us for a special summer movie on Monday, June 30 at 2:30 p.m. at the Barney Library, 71 Main St. Feel free to bring a blanket or pillow to sit on, water to drink, and light snacks. See what’s showing at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

 

Tunxis Seniors Citizens meeting

The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, June 9, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we be entertained by an astounding and uplifting magician who gives people hope through the art of magic. David Reed-Brown of Enlighten Entertainment Magic, Magician, author Director and Instructor of McBride’s Magic & Mystery School, Las Vegas. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Solo Agers Connect Coffee Social

FARMINGTON – This monthly coffee social on the fourth Saturday of each month brings solo agers – those over 50 aging alone – together for coffee, conversation, and community. The next one is June 28. Held at 10 am at Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington, CT. RSVP appreciated. Visit https://soloagersconnect.com/events/ or call 860-930-3253.

 

New Monument to be unveiled

On June 19, 2025 at 10am, the Alex Breanne Corporation in Collaboration with Simsbury Historical Society and the Town of Simsbury will be unveiling a new monument at Simsbury Cemetery honoring a historic black couple and their family. Their names are Peter and Esther Jackson. In the mid 1770’s, Peter was said to have been brought to Simsbury from Barbados in trade for a Native American enslaved man. In the early 1780s, Peter married Esther Wallace, the daughter of a Simsbury enslaved man named London Wallace. London fought in the French & Indian War and had 3 sons (and a son-in-law) who all fought in the Revolutionary War. In later years, 7 of Peter and Esther’s grandsons would enlist and fight in various Civil War Colored Regiments (4 in the Connecticut 29th, 2 in the Rhode Island 14th, and 1 in the Massachusetts 54th). Six of these men died while at war, their bodies never making it back to Connecticut. Peter Jackson died in 1810, drowning in Salmon Brook, but Esther would live until 1857, dying at age 93. Esther was one of the early members of Simsbury Methodist Episcopal Church, having been a member for nearly 50 years on her death. It is said that she walked the 2 miles from her home to church 12 days prior to her death.

In preparation for next years 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this new monument will honor this heroic black family from Simsbury, as well as list all 12 members of the family who fought in the various wars that established our country. Organizers also commissioned an artist who will unveil a reimagined portrait of what Esther looked like based on images of 3 of her Great Granddaughters.

The event is being held in historic Eno Memorial Hall in Simsbury. This is a building that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited often during the summer of 1944 while he was here for the summer as a teenager. In this building, Dr. King would watch movies seated with young white children, something he could not do in the south. After the ceremony, participants will walk across the street to Simsbury Cemetery to officially dedicate our new monument to the Jackson/ Wallace Family. A reception will be held after the event, sponsored by the Simsbury Historical Society. This is a free event. The registration link is https://www.simpletix.com/e/peter-and-esther-jackson-memorial-dedicati-tickets-214522

 

Paddling film festival

World Tour Paddling Film Festival - A fundraiser for the Farmington River Watershed Association. Friday, June 20, 7 p.m., Brewery Legitimus. To find tickets, visit https://www.collinsvillecanoe.com/ and click on annual paddling film festival under the Calendar of Events tab.

 

Luke Roux Foundation to host

wiffle ball tournament

The Luke Roux Foundation will host a Wiffle Ball Tournament at the Little League Fields in Farmington on Saturday, June 21. Team check in is at 8:30 a.m. and game play begins at 9 a.m. Registration fee is $150 for up to 6 players per team, age 17+.

Register by June 4 at www.lukeroux.com/tournament. Proceeds benefit the foundation.

 

Alzheimer’s Support

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group offered June 19, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.