Meet Jess!

Hi I am Jess Esposito, and I’m honored to be part of the Groton community. I first came here to serve as a park ranger in Groton State Forest—a role I embraced after spending over a decade serving my hometown community in East Tennessee as a police officer.

I deeply valued my time in law enforcement, but after facing and overcoming a battle with cancer, my outlook on life changed. I took a step back to reflect on what truly matters to me and how I could use my experience in a way that brought more joy, more connection, and less stress. Working in nature felt like the natural next chapter—a way to stay of service while nourishing my own spirit.

During my time as a ranger, I came to know and love this community and its people. I also came to appreciate the important role the Groton Forest Country Store once played here. Like many of you, I’ve felt its absence since the passing of the previous owner and the closing of its doors.

So when the opportunity arose to purchase the store and bring it back to life, it felt like fate. It meant stepping away from my role in the parks, but it also meant stepping into something that felt incredibly meaningful: restoring a space that holds deep roots in this town's history and heart.

This store isn’t just a place to buy goods—it’s a gathering place, a touchstone, a symbol of connection in our small but strong community. I’m doing everything I can to revive it with care and intention, but I’ve hit a point where I need help to finish the work and open the doors.

If you can support this journey—through donations, shares, or simply by spreading the word—I would be incredibly grateful. This is more than a renovation. It’s a revival. And I can’t wait to share it with all of you.

With gratitude,

Jess