Torrington’s ‘It’s Happening Here’ is gaining momentum

The small businesses of Downtown Torrington have been busy. This holiday season with renewed energy, and a can do attitude, local businesses decided to take up the gauntlet to create a true buzz about town. Of course the buzz has been there all along, but until recently, it is finally really being heard. It was at the invitation of Donna Winn of Torrington Parks and Recreation that the local businesses met to combine efforts to create great holiday events to be held downtown.

The result was immediate and everyone involved, and those who weren’t initially, wanted to become a part of this “thing” that was “Happening” and taking on a life of its own. If display windows downtown seemed brighter and more beautiful it’s because “It’s Happening Here” was truly kicking in. The annual business window display contest had its first-time presence on Facebook, where residents could vote on their favorite window, thanks to J.T. Quirk. Yes, Cindy Lou Who, there was something special in the air this holiday season, and its name was cooperation, and a chorus of “we can do this.”

In keeping with rejuvenated spirits, downtown businesses have committed to planning monthly events that will create interest and further buzz downtown throughout the year.

The participating businesses have flyers posted sharing their combined events. Torrington’s own website, http://itshappeninghere.com, can be accessed for further information on current and upcoming events going on in Torrington.

This month, love is in the air with Valentine specials in your neighborhood. Should you wish to shop, for your sweethearts, there are plenty of places to find the perfect gift.

Special offers and events:

The Desultory Theatre Club: “Songwriters take on the Great American Songbook.” An Evening of New and Classic Love Songs.. Grab a loved one and come warm up with us at 63 Water St., Torrington. Enjoy another evening of quality musicianship and personal stories as we move into our third exciting installment of this new monthly program. This month features Host and Local talent Robert C Fullerton, Grace Day and appearing as a quartet, Kate Callahan & Echo Joy. Including, Cynthia Wolcott, Michelle Begley, and Atticus Kelly. $5 suggested donation – BYOB. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. There will also be CD’s and goods for sale from each artist.

First Act Bakery will be having a Lovers special, 2 small coffees, and 2 cupcakes (1chocolate with vanilla, 1 vanilla with chocolate) for $4 on St. Valentine’s Day weekend.

S&S Sweet Treats: All weekend our Heart Shaped Ice Cream Cake are on sale for $16.99 (Reg $19.99) And our Ice Cream Pies will be just $10 (Reg $12) 2/14-2/16 Schedule an upcoming birthday party and save $10 off regular party package..

Sweet Heart specials: Friday Feb. 14 Buy one Ice Cream Sundae, get one free; Saturday Feb. 15 Buy one soup/sandwich combo, get one free; Sunday Feb. 16 Buy one Milk Shake or Soda Float, get one free.

Performance HUB: 79 Main Street, Suite 9 (2nd floor). Stop in any time Monday Feb. 10 through Saturday Feb. 15 for buy one get one half off. This includes lab fees, seminar fees, and annual member ship fees… Also receive a 10% discount on all merchandise.

The Roberts Tax Group: 79 Main Street, Suite 14 (2nd floor). Stop in any time Monday Feb. 10 through Saturday Feb. 15 and receive a coupon for $25 off your 2013 income tax preparation fees. Also, put your name in for a raffle for a $50 gift certificate to the Ritz Crystal Room at Remember When.

Nutmeg Dance Shop: 20% discount off any merchandise that is Red, Pink, Purple or White.

Arts Desire: Cocktails & Canvas party Feb. 14. If it fills up, we will probably offer it for Saturday as well. It’s a couples class $60 per couple. Each couple will paint a canvas that will go together as one.

Scents & Sensibility: 97 Main Street. After 17 years in business, Scents & Sensibility is closing. Up to 75% off everything. Jewelry, Flags, Webkinz, Soaps & Lotions, Candles, T-Shirts, plus so much more.

Kelly’s Crystals: Grand Re-Opening Feb. 8. Meet and greet with some of the artisans. Refreshments served. 10% off jewelry. Feb. 8 – 14 – every purchase of $40 or more will receive a free pair of Swarovski crystal sterling earrings.

Reibmans: Win a giant teddy bear with a heart shaped box of chocolates. Must come in to sign up for raffle. No purchase necessary. Bear will be displays in the window starting the week of January 27. Anything red, pink or white in the store will be discounted 20%.

The Warner Theater: The Latin Jazz artist, Mitch Frohman will be performing in the Nancy Marine Studio Theater at 8pm on Feb. 14. $5 ticket discount to patrons who call the box office and mention the “Happy Valentine’s Day” promotion.

KidsPlay Children’s Museum: Come down to KidsPlay on Saturday, Feb. 15 & Sunday, Feb. 16 to make a Valentine’s Day Craft. We will be open from 12pm to 4pm. KidsPlay will also have extended holiday hours on Monday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 18 for school vacation. We will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Marinello Schools of Beauty: This promo will be effective until Feb. 28. Guests who purchase $40 or more in services and/or retail, may receive a free Color Retouch service. (If they want a full color, they must pay the difference.) $40 purchase can be a combination of both service and retail and MAY include one promo. For example, a guest may purchase a Glam Set (“3 for $30) and an additional $10 in services and/or retail. All purchases must be in a single transaction and all services must be performed on the SAME day. Additional length/application fees DO apply and can count as part of the $40 purchase requirement. For example, a guest with long hair may use the $9 Extra Application fee, $9 toner, etc. towards the $40 purchase.

Dawn Hill Designs: Through Feb. 28 – All pearl and crystal necklaces are 1/2 price. Feb 7 – 14 – Treat your Valentine-get free handmade chocolates with any purchase of $25 or more plus free gift wrap. Fairy Dollars-get $10 in Fairy Dollars for every $50 purchase made on in-stock merchandise that can be used the entire month of March toward any other purchase

Ciesco Catering: Presents Couples Valentines Dinner, Friday, Feb. 14. Food – Romance – Aphrodisiacs and more. 6:30 doors open – Appetizers served. 7:30 – Dinner. $130 per couple….BYOB – reservations required. Please check the Ciesco Catering Facebook Page for additional information