Free Coffee, Valentine’s Plans, and More Snow on the Way! ☕❄️

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If you're feeling a little sluggish this morning after last night’s big game, you’re not alone. Whether you were celebrating an Eagles victory (or just indulging in too many wings and nachos), we’ve got a few things to perk you up today—including free coffee, a new Valentine’s guide, and what to expect from this week’s winter weather.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

➡️ Starbucks is Giving Away Free Coffee Today ☕

➡️ More Snow in the Forecast This Week ❄️

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🎨 Vintage Valentine Cupid Kit (Multiple Dates, Westport): Create a vintage-inspired Valentine with a Cupid Kit from the Westport Museum.

🧠 Trivia with Dave Lefkin (Monday, Old Saybrook): Test your knowledge at this fun-filled trivia night at Choo Choo Lounge.

🔬 EverWonder’s Invention Convention (Tuesday & Wednesday, Newtown): Hands-on STEM fun at EverWonder Children’s Museum.

📝 Tuesday Trivia (Tuesday, Stamford & Hartford): Join in for a trivia night at either Third Place by Half Full Brewery or Parkville Market.

🎭 King James (Multiple Dates, Hartford): A compelling stage production at TheaterWorks Hartford.

🎶 An Evening of Opera: Don Giovanni (Wednesday, Litchfield): Experience Mozart’s classic opera at the Litchfield Community Center.

🎲 Board Game Club (Wednesday, Middletown): Get competitive with board games at Back Again Board Game Café.

🌿 Bonsai Beginner Workshop (Wednesday, Ridgefield): Learn the art of bonsai at Nod Hill Brewery.

💃 That’s Amore Valentine’s Dance Party (Wednesday, Stamford): Celebrate Valentine's Day with a dance party at Villa Italia.

🏒 Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Bridgeport Islanders (Wednesday, Hartford): A big AHL hockey matchup at the XL Center.

🏂 Interstellar Rail Jam (Thursday, Middlefield): A freestyle ski and snowboard event at Powder Ridge.

🐻 Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Love Bugs (Thursday, Waterbury): A fun night for kids at the Mattatuck Museum.

🌸 Crepe Paper Flower Workshop (Thursday, Stonington): Make beautiful handcrafted flowers at Stone Acres Farm.

🚂 Valentine’s Dinner Train (Thursday-Sunday, Essex): A romantic dinner experience aboard the Essex Steam Train.

🎨 Winter Social Paint and Sip (Thursday, New Britain): Unleash your creativity at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

🦅 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises (Friday-Sunday, Essex): A scenic boat ride to spot bald eagles along the Connecticut River.

🦆 Ducks in Love Weekend (Friday-Sunday, Litchfield): Celebrate love in the bird world at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy.

⚓ 2025 Shipyard Tours (Friday, Mystic): Explore the historic Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard.

😂 Valentine’s Day Comedy Show (Friday, Stamford): Laugh the night away at New York Comedy Club.

🐠 Valentine’s Date Night at Mystic Aquarium (Friday, Mystic): Explore the aquarium after hours with your Valentine.

⛸️ Skate Your Heart Out Ice Skating (Friday, Simsbury): A romantic night of ice skating at the International Skating Center of Connecticut.

🎶 Yale Concert Band Winter Concert (Friday, New Haven): A special performance by the talented Yale musicians.

🥕 Wallingford Winter Farmers Market (Saturday, Wallingford): Shop fresh local produce and artisan goods.

🍎 Indoor Farmers Market (Saturday, New Milford): Find fresh winter produce and handmade goods at The Silo.

🎭 Wintertide at Mystic Seaport Museum (Saturday & Sunday, Mystic): Celebrate winter with special programming at Mystic Seaport.

🏡 Lyman Homestead Tours (Saturday, Middlefield): A guided tour through Lyman Orchards’ historic homestead.

From romantic dinner train rides to after-hours aquarium visits, this guide has it all👇

Still looking for Valentine’s plans?

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner, a unique experience, or a fun night out, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best Valentine’s Day events in Connecticut.

From dinner cruises and live jazz to wine tastings and chocolate-making workshops, there’s something for every couple—or even for those celebrating with friends.

FREE STARBUCKS COFFEE TO SURVIVE THE MONDAY SLUMP

Because the day after the Super Bowl should be a holiday

Starbucks is offering a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee today, Monday, February 10, to help customers power through the post-game haze.

The deal is available all day for Starbucks Rewards members, and signing up is free.

To redeem, simply apply the "Starbucks Monday" coupon in the app or let your barista know at checkout.

"No matter who wins Sunday, we can all win Monday," the company said in a press release.

MULTIPLE CHANCES FOR SNOW IN THE WEEK AHEAD

A winter storm is brewing, and Connecticut could see multiple rounds of snow

Winnie The Pooh Animation GIF by Disney

Meteorologists are tracking several winter weather events this week, starting with a storm system Tuesday night into Wednesday, which could bring light snow accumulation across the state.

Another round of winter weather could arrive Thursday, potentially bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Looking ahead to Presidents’ Day Weekend, another storm is likely to impact Connecticut—so stay tuned for more updates.

FASCINATING PEOPLE IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Gary A. Franks: Connecticut's First African-American Congressman

Born in Waterbury on February 9, 1953, Gary A. Franks grew up in a family that placed a strong emphasis on education, with all six of his siblings attending college and three earning doctoral degrees.

A standout high school athlete, Franks was named an All-State basketball player before continuing his academic and athletic career at Yale University, where he graduated in 1975. He later built a successful career in labor relations, working for major corporations before launching his own real estate firm in Waterbury.

Encouraged by his friend John Rowland, Franks entered politics to bring fresh leadership to the Waterbury Republican Party.

In 1990, when Rowland vacated his congressional seat to run for governor, Franks won the Republican nomination and launched a nationally watched campaign.

With support from President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, Franks defeated Democrat Toby Moffett, despite the district's overwhelming Democratic majority. His victory made him the first African American elected to Congress from Connecticut and the first Black Republican elected to Congress in 60 years.

During his three terms in office, he served on the Armed Services Committee, secured key defense contracts for Connecticut, and authored the bill that led to the establishment of Weir Farm as the state's first National Park.

Franks was a vocal conservative, crafting the GOP’s 1995 welfare reform package and opposing affirmative action, positions that drew criticism from many in the Black community. His independent stance often put him at odds with both the Congressional Black Caucus and his own party leadership.

After losing his seat to Democrat James Maloney in 1996 and an unsuccessful bid to unseat Senator Chris Dodd two years later, Franks retired from politics, leaving a legacy as a trailblazing, if controversial, figure in Connecticut’s political history.

PUT YOUR DANCING SHOES ON!

KEY STORIES HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

breaking news GIF

➡️ A $175M project in Norwalk to transform Route 7-Merritt Parkway interchange might get underway in 2027

➡️ Barnes & Noble is opening 3 new stores in Connecticut as part of a nationwide expansion

➡️ Sen. Blumenthal is calling for federal funding to be made available for first responders who have developed cancer because of their jobs

Thanks!

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