Hartford, Tolland Counties Had Plenty Of Inspiration In 2021

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — It wasn't all doom and gloom and pandemic and vaccinations and wild weather in Hartford and Tolland counties in 2021. The region also had its share of inspirational stories.

A rare lobster turned up in a seafood market, but was spared the pot and sent to an educational center. A woman with local ties made it to the Super Bowl.

We had emotional scenarios in which legacies were carried on. We had an epic moment in the region's most iconic road race.

We even had a major celebrity make a cameo in a family's charity video. School kids lined the streets to honor veterans.

Here are 20 stories from Patch, posted throughout 2021, that just might make you think:

• 1-In-30-Million Lobster Heading From Market To CT Nature Center
• A Long Road From Fermi High School To The Super Bowl
• Dancing For A Decade: Meet Enfield's Liberty Tax Icon
• Fiancee, Brother Of Ellington Businessman Carrying On His Legacy
• There She Is: Ellington Resident Set For Miss America Competition

• Will Smith Guest Stars In Southington Family's New Charity Video
• Mom Pens Heart-Wrenching Letter In Son's Obituary
• Wreaths Across America Caravan Tours Enfield Schools [VIDEO]

• Turtle At State Police Barracks A Happy Guy Lately With All The Rain
• Parachutist Shatters State Record At Ellington Airport [VIDEO]
• East Windsor Resident Fulfills Dream By Opening Broad Brook Pizza
• Scholarship - With A Twist - Created To Honor Late Somers Student
• Ex-Windsor Locks Star Bringing Exciting Basketball To The Area
• Student's Letter To Officials Saves Pizza Day At School
• Ducklings Rescued From Storm Drain
• Girl Gets Her (Make A) Wish — A Bathroom Makeover
• Women's Record Shattered At Manchester Road Race
• Manchester Squad Riding 'Out Of Body' Experience To LL World Series
• Longtime West Hartford Educator Set To Release Debut Novel
• CT Dad's Dying Wish Comes True, Meets Newborn Son In Last Breaths