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Doors Open - Doors Close
But our community stays strong and moves forward.
The Farmington Valley
May 16, 2025
Change never asks for permission—it just shows up. Lately, we've seen it all around us: familiar storefronts closing, new ones cautiously opening, and the cost of living climbing higher. Taxes are up, and so are the challenges we face as a community. But here's the thing—we've never been the kind to back down.
Our community pushes on. Not out of habit, but out of hope and grit. We show up for each other, and most importantly, we show up for our local businesses. These aren't just places to shop—they're the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, run by people who bet on us every day.
If we want positive change, we can’t just wait for it. We have to build it. Together. That means supporting the businesses that support us, investing in our local economy, and staying connected—especially when things feel uncertain.
Change is here. Let’s face it, shape it, and move forward—side by side.
— The Editor
Table of Contents
It’s BACK!
The 56th Annual Collinsville VFD Jamboree Returns: A (almost) Summer Tradition with Heart
Summer is on its way, and in the Farmington Valley, that can only mean one thing: the Collinsville VFD Jamboree is back. Now in its 56th year, this beloved four-night carnival kicks off Wednesday, May 21st, bringing with it the rides, games, food, fireworks, and community spirit that have made it a local staple for generations.
Hosted by the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Jamboree isn't just about summer fun—it's a key fundraiser that helps support the firefighters who serve our town year-round. Every ticket, bracelet, and parking fee goes directly to keeping the department strong, trained, and ready when we need them most.
2025 Jamboree Schedule:
Wednesday, May 21st – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Thursday, May 22nd – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday, May 23rd – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 24th – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Live Music Night
What You Need to Know:
Bracelets: Unlimited ride bracelets are available every night for $35, the same price as last year.
Parking: A $5 fee is charged on Friday night; on other nights, donations of any amount are welcomed.
Payments: Credit cards are accepted for parking, tickets, and ride bracelets—making it easy to join in the fun.
Rules: Please note—no non-service dogs, coolers, or outside food and drink are allowed.
This event is more than just a carnival—it's a reminder of what makes this community strong. It’s neighbors meeting up over fried dough, kids screaming with joy on spinning rides, and families pausing together under the glow of fireworks. It’s a salute to summer, to service, and to the small-town spirit that keeps Collinsville going year after year.
Come out, show your support, and make some memories. The Collinsville VFD Jamboree is ready for you.
We’ll see you on the midway.
A Loss To Collinsville
The Lunette Closes After 7 Months – Will Anything Stick at 41 Bridge Street?
The Lunette has officially closed after just seven months in business. Located at 41 Bridge Street in the Collinsville section of Canton, the riverside restaurant opened in late November 2024 with promise, personality, and a killer view of the Farmington River.
Owned by Brewery Legitimus, The Lunette brought a polished take on pub-style food, craft beer, and cocktails to a tucked-away location that’s seen more than its fair share of turnover. Despite its short run, the restaurant earned glowing praise from diners, averaging 4.5 stars across Google and Facebook. People loved the vibe. The food hit the mark. And that view? Hard to beat.
But even with solid reviews and a quality product, The Lunette couldn’t overcome the uphill battle. The owners cited staffing shortages and rising operational costs as the final straw. It’s a tough blow, especially for fans who felt the restaurant had finally made something work in a notoriously difficult spot.
This isn't the first business to struggle at 41 Bridge Street—and it raises the question: can anything truly thrive there? Is it the location? Parking? Visibility? Or just bad timing?
As for now, Brewery Legitimus will honor any Lunette gift cards by exchanging them for ones valid at the brewery. To make the swap, contact them at [email protected].
So what do you think? Is Collinsville ready for something new at that spot—or is it cursed ground for restaurants? What kind of business could finally stick the landing there? Let us know your thoughts.
Showing Up
Let’s Talk About Town Taxes (And How We Show Up)
We’ve all seen the Facebook posts. Someone’s frustrated about rising taxes. Someone else is upset about how the money’s being spent. It happens in every town. Ours is no different.
But here's the truth: posting isn’t enough.
If we really care about what’s happening in our community—whether it's taxes, infrastructure, schools, or services—we need to show up. Before voting happens. Before decisions are finalized. That means attending town meetings, talking to our neighbors, and making our voices heard in real time, not just online.
Our towns are strong, but sometimes divided. That’s normal. But disagreement isn’t the problem—silence is. If you don’t like what’s happening, get loud. If you do like what’s happening, get loud. If you want to see change, get loud.
These aren’t just towns. These are our homes. And we deserve to protect what makes them great—and fix what doesn’t.
Small towns, big voices. Let’s use them.
Goal Setting
I’ll bet every goal your organization has set and most every coach you’ve worked with has used a SMART goal framework with you. Did you know - it’s not evidence-based? Yet, they’re driving every health provider and corporate giant in America. Much like the 10,000 step goal, that ‘science’ was never science.
I’m all for things that work for me and you that don’t have a white paper to prove it. I mean, how many white papers do we truly need to know if something helps in our body and mind? But that’s just it, it doesn’t help. They do not improve performance and they’re not enough to drive long-lasting behavior change. I’ve watched clients opt for these easy goals in the corporate coaching world long before we knew better than SMART goals. Following this framework doesn’t truly work. They’re not effective for sustainable change yet they’re everywhere.
As it turns out, consistency in goal pursuit and setting new lifestyles into motion is a matter of adaptability, not rigidity. It’s always a balance of structure and flexibility, but SMART goals don’t help strike that balance. It’s strong, challenging goals that drive change. When we know better, we do better. And, it’s the work of Goal Setting Theory (Locke & Latham) and its continuation in Caroline Adams Miller’s BRIDGE framework that will get most of us to where we want to be. Take it from someone who works in the business of change.
Setting a goal is so important for reaching where you want to go, it’s step 1, but a goal is still a simple mile marker. We need clear, readable mile markers to know how far we’ve traveled, but a mile marker doesn’t tell you how to get there. That is the work of lifestyle coaching.
Let’s set goals that drive the change you’ve always wanted.
Elise Cusimano, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT
They Came, Left, And Are Coming Back Around
J.Crew Returns to Canton with Outlet Store, But Don’t Forget to Shop Local
J.Crew is making a comeback in Canton—this time as J.Crew Factory, its more affordable outlet line. The national brand will be opening a new location at The Shops at Farmington Valley, right next to Chico’s, at the intersection of Route 44 and Secret Lake Road. An exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet.
This isn’t the first time J.Crew has set up shop in the area. The brand once had a store here, eventually pulled out, and now returns with its outlet format as part of a growing footprint in Connecticut. J.Crew Factory already operates stores in Clinton, Danbury, South Windsor, Southbury, West Hartford, and Westbrook.
But as a big-name brand returns, it’s worth remembering the quieter success stories happening just down the road. One of the original tenants of The Shops at Farmington Valley, who moved on when national chains began dominating the space, has since opened her own boutique in Simsbury Center. That shop, Kindred and Crew, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing and gifts with a local, personal touch you won’t find in larger chains.
So while it's exciting to see J.Crew return, it’s just as important to support local businesses like Kindred and Crew—where your dollars go further and your shopping experience feels more connected to the community.
Things To Do This Weekend
1. Farmington River Run 5K Trail Race
Join the 16th Annual Farmington River Run 5K Trail Race on Sunday, May 18, at Winding Trails in Farmington. The race kicks off at 10:00 AM, offering a scenic route around Walton Pond. Proceeds support local scholarships and community projects through the Rotary Club of Farmington.
2. CT Food Truck Battles Festival
Experience the 4th Annual CT Food Truck Battles Festival from May 16–18 at Woodtick Recreation Area in Wolcott. With over 50 food trucks, live music, carnival rides, and eating contests, it's a family-friendly event benefiting local nonprofits. Admission is $10, with discounts for early birds, children under 10, seniors, and military personnel.
3. The Shape of Words – Poetry Workshop & Reading
Participate in a creative afternoon at "The Shape of Words" poetry workshop and reading on Saturday, May 17, at 2:00 PM at Barney Library in Farmington. Engage with local poets and explore the art of poetry in a welcoming environment.
4. Explore the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Take advantage of the spring weather by biking or walking along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. This scenic route offers picturesque views of the Farmington River and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a leisurely adventure.
5. Visit Hill–Stead Museum
Discover the Hill–Stead Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Farmington. Explore its Colonial Revival architecture, French Impressionist art collection, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It's an ideal spot for art lovers and history buffs alike. (Wikipedia)
Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, culinary delights, or cultural experiences, Farmington Valley offers a variety of events to make your weekend memorable.
THE FARMINGTON VALLEY WEBSITE
Welcome to The Farmington Valley: Your One-Stop Community Platform
We are thrilled to introduce you to The Farmington Valley, a dynamic platform designed to connect homeowners and business owners within our vibrant region. Our mission is to foster a thriving community by providing a centralized hub where you can easily discover local businesses, access essential resources, and share your stories.
Dear Community Members,
We are thrilled to introduce you to The Farmington Valley, a dynamic platform designed to connect homeowners and business owners within our vibrant region. Our mission is to foster a thriving community by providing a centralized hub where you can easily discover local businesses, access essential resources, and share your stories.
Discover Local Businesses
Finding trustworthy local services and products has never been easier. Our comprehensive directory allows you to search for businesses across various categories, ensuring you find exactly what you need right here in the Farmington Valley. Whether you're seeking home improvement professionals, health and wellness services, or unique local shops, our platform connects you with businesses that make our community special.
Access Essential Resources
Beyond business listings, we offer a wealth of resources to support both residents and entrepreneurs. From community events and educational workshops to health services and artistic endeavors, The Farmington Valley is your go-to source for information and opportunities that enrich our collective well-being.
Build Connections
At the heart of our platform is the desire to build meaningful connections. We encourage you to share your experiences, participate in discussions, and engage with fellow community members. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
Join Us Today
Explore The Farmington Valley and become an active participant in our growing community. Together, we can share local stories, connect with trustworthy businesses, and build the community where it's needed most.
Warm regards,
The Farmington Valley Team
Discover Local Businesses
Finding trustworthy local services and products has never been easier. Our comprehensive directory allows you to search for businesses across various categories, ensuring you find exactly what you need right here in the Farmington Valley. Whether you're seeking home improvement professionals, health and wellness services, or unique local shops, our platform connects you with businesses that make our community special.
Access Essential Resources
Beyond business listings, we offer a wealth of resources to support both residents and entrepreneurs. From community events and educational workshops to health services and artistic endeavors, The Farmington Valley is your go-to source for information and opportunities that enrich our collective well-being.
Build Connections
At the heart of our platform is the desire to build meaningful connections. We encourage you to share your experiences, participate in discussions, and engage with fellow community members. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
Join Us Today
Explore The Farmington Valley and become an active participant in our growing community. Together, we can share local stories, connect with trustworthy businesses, and build the community where it's needed most.
Warm regards,
The Farmington Valley Team