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Before We Dive In, Let's Settle Last Week's Trivia

Remember this one?

Back in 1983, the militant Puerto Rican group “Los Macheteros” pulled off what was then the biggest heist in U.S. history by robbing a Wells Fargo in West Hartford. How much did they walk away with?

A) $1 million B) $3 million C) $7 million D) $10 million

Alright, enough suspense. Let’s get into this week’s issue.

Too Soon for Christmas? Not in Canton

Sometimes it feels like the holidays start earlier every year. You know the feeling, when Halloween decorations sneak into stores in July, or when “All I Want for Christmas Is You” starts its inevitable climb up the charts before the leaves have even finished falling. But every now and then, there’s a good reason to lean into the early holiday spirit. One of those reasons is the Gallery of Trees at the Canton Historical Museum, a beloved community tradition that kicks off in mid-November with a festive Opening Night Gala and fills the museum with dozens of dazzling, decorated trees.

This year, the Opening Night Gala is set for Saturday, November 15, offering attendees an exclusive first look at the museum’s holiday transformation. Guests can also enjoy food, drinks, and live music while wandering among beautifully themed trees, each one lovingly decorated by local businesses and community members. Tickets for the gala are $25 per person and if you donate a tree to the event, you’ll receive a free ticket. It’s a chance to experience a cozy, festive evening inside the museum’s historic halls, and maybe even get inspiration for your own holiday décor.

The Gallery of Trees opens to the public on Sunday, November 16, and runs through Sunday, December 7. Admission is free; check the museum’s website for hours and other details. Visitors can admire the trees, stroll through the museum’s other exhibits, and participate in the tree raffle, which requires ticket purchase and offers a fun way to support the museum while possibly bringing home a unique holiday masterpiece. The drawing for the trees will be on Sunday, December 7, after 4 pm. Winners do not need to be present. Past years have showcased trees in every style imaginable, there’s something to delight visitors of all ages.

Whether you go for the gala, or the public viewing, the Gallery of Trees is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season in the Farmington Valley. Consider it your official permission slip to feel festive before Thanksgiving.

🔍Valley Trivia

This week, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Veterans Day, observed this Tuesday, is a time to reflect on their sacrifices and contributions to our nation’s freedom. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who lost their lives in service, Veterans Day recognizes everyone who has worn the uniform, past and present.

Veterans Day commemorates which historical event?
A) The signing of the Treaty of Versailles
B) The end of World War II
C) The armistice that ended fighting in World War I
D) The armistice of the Korean War

Find out in next week’s issue!

November 10 - 16 Notes:
The Week Ahead

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Date & Time

Event Name

Location

Tue, Nov 11

5:30 PM

Simsbury Farms

Tue, Nov 11

6:30 PM

GastroPark, WeHa

Wed, Nov 12

10 AM

Pinchot Sycamore Tree Park

Wed, Nov 12

6 - 7 PM

Noah Webster House

Wed, Nov 12

6:30 - 8 PM

WeHa Brewing

Wed, Nov 12

6:30 - 8 PM

Farmington Community Center

Thu, Nov 13

1:30 PM

Weatogue Park

Thu, Nov 13

5 - 8 PM

Talcott Mountain Collective

Thu, Nov 13

6 - 9 PM

LaSalle Market & Deli

Fri, Nov 14

7 - 10 PM

Talcott Mountain Collective

Fri, Nov 14

8 PM

New Park Brewing

Sat & Sun, Nov 15 - 16

10 AM - 3 PM

Noah Webster House

Sat, Nov 15

12 - 3 PM

Stanley Whitman House

Sat, Nov 15

12 - 4:15 PM

1052 New Britain Ave, West Hartford CT

Sat, Nov 15

7 - 10 PM

Talcott Mountain Collective

Sat, Nov 15

7:30 - 9:30 PM

The Sounding Board, WeHa

Sun, Nov 16

1 PM

Westfarms

Sun, Nov 16

1 - 3 PM

Winding Trails

Sun, Nov 16

3 - 6 PM

Talcott Mountain Collective

Booked in the Valley: Your Library Connection

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.

Date & Time

Event Name

Library

Mon, Nov 10

4 - 5 PM

Farmington

Mon, Nov 10

5 - 7 PM

Simsbury

Mon, Nov 10

6 - 7:30 PM

West Hartford (NWL)

Wed, Nov 12

10 AM - 12 PM

Simsbury

Wed, Nov 12

6 - 7 PM

Farmington

Wed, Nov 12

6:30 - 7:45 PM

West Hartford (NWL)

Fri, Nov 14

Avon

Sat, Nov 15

12 - 3 PM

Avon

Sat, Nov 15

11 AM - 1 PM

West Hartford (NWL)

Sun, Nov 16

2 - 3:30 PM

Simsbury

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