LIFE

Local police departments once again participated in the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch run this June. Now in its 40th year, the event involves three days when local officers along 10 different routes – or legs– run through their towns. Those legs ultimately converge for a final run to kick off the Connecticut Special Olympics Summer Games.

“We need to grow more farmers.” On a quiet April morning with spring planting, fields to prepare, and goods to organize for sale, Jennifer Woods manages to take a few minutes away from all her duties and sits across from me, explaining her plans for the future. “Hein Farm” in Farmington is a well-known place of local history in town but today, Woods isn’t telling me about the past: instead, she is focused on the future, telling me about her plans for the farm. Creating a men

Michelle Mullin and Lori Segar, the two founding owners of the Lucky Gut Collective in Simsbury, have been business partners in The Children’s Clubhouse daycare centers for almost 30 years. The long-time friends also share an interest in helping families to enjoy the benefits of healthy living. They have opened a multi-use, food-centered concept in the Fiddler’s Green building, where they offer a local artisan market, workshops and classes on healthy eating, and events for th

Kimberly DePaolis loves her job teaching pre-kindergarten at John Paterson School. She strives to perform at a high level and her peers took notice.

The gymnasium at Elizabeth Green School was buzzing with activity. Everywhere one looked there was something taking place to promote reading and literacy.

There is a certain feel to the Not a Phase Café at 1100 Main St. in Town Center that one notices on a first visit. That’s an intentional appeal conceived by co-owners Kim Parker and Jared Linn. Their eatery is a place where folks can enjoy breakfast and luncheon fare. The menu features breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pancakes and other food items. There are numerous hot and cold beverages with a seemingly endless selection of specialty coffees and teas.