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Tri-It Taproom in Avon brings unique concept to the area

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

The tap wall at Tri-It Taproom.

AVON – A unique business in the state has opened in Avon, featuring self-serve alcohol. Tri-It Taproom opened in late June in the former Truffles Bakery location on Route 44. While new to the state, self-serve craft beer taprooms are now legal in more than 40 states.

Melissa Norris is the owner of Tri-It Taproom, which features 44 taps carrying craft beers, hard cider, and wine from Connecticut craft brewers. Norris had retired from a government job in South Carolina and moved north when her partner was transferred.

“My plan was retirement,” Norris said, “ but we decided to open a brewery.”

The concept was something Norris and her partner were familiar with as there is one in Aiken, SC where Norris lived. “We decided maybe that’s the thing to do and self-service had just been approved in Connecticut (in 2021).”

After searching for the right location, Norris set about designing the perfect place for folks to come and enjoy craft beers, have fun and even play games like Jenga and Beeropoly. She wanted to make a statement and create an experience for people like no one had done before in the state. When they visited the location for the first time, it was love at first sight. “I could see it in my mind as soon as I walked in,” she said.

Inside Tri-It Taproom, you will find a wide-open space with lots of windows that allow the natural light to fill the room. Once inside, guests will find the tap wall- and above each tap an electronic display with the name, the brewer, and details about the beer. There is an 18-seat bar area, tables inside and outside, as well as an area with chairs and a couch that is overlooked by a fireplace.

Norris says the response from the craft brewers and wine makers in Connecticut has been overwhelmingly positive. “When we started, we reached out to every CT brewery. It’s a win/win because if you are on our beer wall and a customer tries it and loves it, they going to go see what else the brewery has,” Norris said.

Most of the products carried at Tri-It Taproom are self-distributed by the makers, and Norris says you won’t find anything you can just buy at the store. The selections include – but are not limited to – pilsners, stouts, lagers, ales, and blondes. Customers can also mix their own combinations; think black and tans.

Here is how it works. All customers must present ID and pre-pay using a card or cash. They are then given a card that will allow them to self-pour a total of 32-ounces of beer or cider or a total of 10 ounces of wine. The customer must slide the card into a slot above the tape to activate it. When the pour is over, a display will show how much was poured and how much is left on the card. Once you reach the 32-ounce limit, your card no longer works. But you can speak with one of the trained workers, and after they are satisfied, you can re-up for more. Norris says the customer only pays for what they pour.

To allow customers to sample, one of the offerings is a flight of 4, four-ounce glasses. There are also pint glasses and logoed plastic cups available. The alcohol content is capped at 6% by state law on the products. Tri-It also has a kitchen featuring items such as giant pretzels, hummus, charcuterie and surf and turf (animal crackers and cheddar goldfish).

The business has already hosted live entertainment and that will continue along with Food Trucks that Norris is lining up.


Michelle Norris with the Art Wall at Tri-It Taproom. Photos by Paul Palmer

Izzy Hill is one of Norris’ first employees. She says she has studied the craft beer industry and is comfortable recommending beers to customers. That is one of the themes at Tri-It, to have people with the knowledge of craft beer helping people decide what they may want to try based on what they already like. “I tell people why I like something,” said Hill. “And I love it when they like it.” She adds, “I like to try new beers so I can tell customers about them.”

Other craft brewers in the state also sell, but Norris says the difference is they only carry their own product, while hers has 44 different breweries on tap each day. The selections – all served from kegs – will rotate, and there is even a ranking system displayed on screens to show people what others like.

As Tri-It Taproom moves forward, Norris says she’s looking forwarding to meeting more people and letting them experience the self-pour business.

“I’m confident that we are good with people,” the owners said. “And if we are good with people, we will be alright.”

Tri-It Taproom is at 300 West Main St. in Avon and is open Wednesday thru Friday 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from Noon til 9 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Tri-It also carries non-alcoholic beverages like soda’s and sparkling water.

https://www.tri-it-taproom.com/

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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon 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

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

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.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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