Finance + Legal Services

The Hidden Tax Bill

Know The Tax Status of Your Retirement Account Article by Michael Mezheritskiy Here is a conversation I have almost every week .  Someone sits down, shows me an IRA statement and says, “I have $1 million saved for retirement.” My response is uncomfortable but important: not ALL of that money is available to spend. If the account is a traditional IRA or 401(k), a significant portion may be owed in taxes. Most traditional retirement money has never been taxed. Withdrawals are generally treated...

Life + Culture

The Thankful Horse

Local horse rescue benefits equines and gives humans hope Article by Vintage Kovel | Photography by Patrick Kiniry Sitting atop Nod Hill in Avon are the tranquil, carefully maintained grounds of US Horse Welfare & Rescue . Every day, groups of volunteers arrive at 6 a.m. sharp to clean, prep water and feed, and tend to the 15 rescue horses that the organization has taken in since founding in 2016. Some of the horses are seniors, some are thoroughbreds, others were given up by previous owners...

Life + Culture

A Season of Thankfulness

We asked a few community members what they are thankful for this year. Article and Photography by Stacy Routhier (EBAD) I’m thankful for the opportunity to work in marketing for Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), a company whose exciting projects support space exploration, national security, and the safety of our country. I’m especially grateful to do this work in my hometown of Simsbury, while traveling the world and helping share the stories of the people and technology making a...

Food + Beverage

Pouring into Community

Local coffee houses serve up purpose and passion Article by Keith McGilvery and Ed Main Local coffee houses like BeanZ, Dom’s, and The Coffee Spot are the center of community in many ways. They provide a gathering place for friends, businesses, students, and families. However, they are more than just a place for coffee, they are beacons of light serving the diverse residents of Farmington Valley. BeanZ & Co. brews opportunities for all abilities (by Keith McGilvery) beanZandco.com When...

Life + Culture

Gobble Gobble Goodness

Local farm feeds thousands and aids food insecurities year-round Article by Erica Drzewiecki | Photography by Patrick Kiniry From switching on night lights for one-day-old hatchlings and letting them run around the field at 14 weeks, to serving up a feast for countless guests, Carolyn “Cal” Miller-Stevens knows her way around a turkey.  That’s why when Covid-19 hit and her daughter Taryn came up with the Thankful Turkey  idea – buy one, donate one – she loved it. Their family’s...

Food + Beverage

Generations of Flavor

Antonio's Restaurant - a staple in Simsbury for decades Article by Erica Drzewiecki | Photography by PK Photography A nostalgia-chaser’s paradise with enough whimsy and good food to propel it through multiple generations: welcome to Antonio’s Restaurant. Driving along Route 10 in Simsbury it’s hard to miss “the big A.” Inside, it’s all about the three Fs: Family, Food, and Fun.  Antonio’s first opened in 1964 across the street, one of just three restaurants in the town of 5,000 residents. The...

Health + Wellness

Hello, Healthy Community

Bringing the kitchen back to the community Article by Vintage Kovel | Photography by PK Photography When you first walk into the warm, natural space of The Lucky Gut in Simsbury, you know there is something special about it. As you take a few more steps, you notice the grab-and-go market filled with bowls and sausages, dips and sauces for fresh vegetables, locally produced chips and snacks. To the side is a smoothie bar, inviting you to taste the seasonal goodness concocted from the mixers and...

Education

Lion Pride at Northwest Catholic

Article and Photography by Lion pride is roaring from Northwest Catholic High School lately, from academics to athletics, service and experiences. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the school isn’t for FV families, but actually more than 40% of the students come from the valley. Academically, NWC was recently distinguished with AP School Honor Roll’s Platinum designation by the College Board. With an average SAT score of 1096, the Lions exceeded state and national averages by over 100...

Food + Beverage

Taste of Farmington Valley 2026

1st Annual Readers Poll and Selections Article by Our Readers We conducted a READER'S POLL across Farmington Valley, on social media, and at the recent Talcott Mtn Music Festival to develop this LIMITED list of places for FOOD + DRINK across the valley. We understand this is not a comprehensive list and welcome your feedback on places we need to include next time. Thank you, readers, for your recommendations! (Google ratings included) Avon FEATURED: Dom's Coffee & Bakery 4.6 stars...

Home + Design

Home Design Styles

A look at trends in lighting and flooring in 2026 Article by Vintage Kovel | Photography by FV Lifestyle Our homes are art that we live in. As with all forms of art, trends and patterns of popularity follow shifting design sensibilities, developments in technology, and more.  Flooring options evolve with the times to create the best living experience, from styles and materials for carpet to new hard floor varieties. Similarly, the way a home is lit is critical. Light determines how we...