Farmington Hometown Heroes

We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up ... discovering we have the strength to stare it down. -Eleanor Roosevelt

This community is a special one, and during this challenging time of COVID-19, there are many hometown heroes working overtime to help. Many of our local businesses are employing new and creative ways to connect with their customers, neighbors are helping neighbors, and community leaders are matching needs to available resources. Here we recognize just a few of our hometown heroes, and the cool things they're doing for our community. If you know of other hometown heroes that aren't mentioned, please email me , we'll be sure to add them to our list!

Kurt Kruczek, owner of Naples Pizza and Fork & Fire, has spearheaded the Feeding the Heroes initiative, which aims to feed our medical personnel. He has also partnered with other local restaurants to provide meals to UCONN Health staff and other Healthcare facility workers. Even though Naples Pizza will close on April 3rd to the general public, they will continue to deliver food to healthcare facilities. Thanks to #toroloco, #TapRock Beer Bar & Refuge, and #Claudia's Grinder Shop for joining the cause!

Although Cuginos Restaurant has temporarily halted take-out and delivery service to the general public, they will continue to operate privately in order to donate and provide food to those on the front lines, and make grab and go meals for families & children within our community, and anyone else requiring their assistance. They can be reached by visiting their website and selecting the “Contact Us” button, or by leaving them a message at 860-678-9366.

Farmington Libraries is working with UCONN Health to produce parts for respirators, using the Library’s 3D printers. The libraries also have great online options and resources to help pass the time.

Farmington native, Kate Emery, has auctioned an original 16X18" framed oil painting entitled "After the Storm," and she has designated 75% of proceeds go to support Hill-Stead Museum and the Clatter Ridge Sheep. What a wonderful idea! Our arts and cultural organizations enrich our lives. Now more than ever, they need our support.

Senator Derek Slap and Kate Hamilton spearheaded a volunteer effort to help New Horizons. Local volunteers Beth Kitner, Inez St. James, Nichole Berklas, and Ellen Siuta shopped and delivered groceries for residents.

Farmington Food Pantry is currently serving more than 215 Farmington families. This is an increase from the number of families normally served. The food pantry's many volunteers and donors are doing their best to provide for families impacted by this crises. Due to COVID-19 precautions, monetary donations are the best and safest option to support the Farmington Food Pantry. The Farmington Rotary and The Farmington Community Chest have already made sizable donations to the Food Pantry. If you are interested in making a donation and being one of their heroes, visit their website.

Staying inside all the time can be difficult. The Tomasso family, of Tunxis Country Club, has opened their "Red Course " for public use. This is a free community service for anyone who would like to take a walk, have a jog, or simply enjoy the outdoors. It is open daily from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. All they ask is that you follow social distancing and other health guidelines, don’t bring pets, don’t walk on the greens, and please keep a safe distance from golfers and water hazards.

Of course, we can’t talk about the heroes among us without showing our deepest gratitude and thanks to all first responders and medical personnel, as they risk their own health for the health of others. Special thanks also goes to the Farmington Public Schools, for providing Connected Learning for their students, to the Farmington Valley Health District, for answering our questions and providing guidance and resources to keep us safe, to the Farmington Community & Recreation Department, for coordinating and managing services for the most vulnerable among us, and for keeping us sane as we #IsolateAndRECreate, to the Services for the Elderly, for delivering meals to our seniors, to all Senior Living Facility staff who care daily for their senior residents, to the daycares that are staying open for essential employee's families, and to the essential Town Hall employees that are coming in so municipal services continue without interruption. I’m sure there are countless quiet heroes that I haven’t heard about yet, if your efforts aren't listed, I am sorry I missed you; but please know that your efforts have made this community better and we are grateful. I will end with the iconic quote from William Shakespeare, “I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks."