April Break and Easter Activities

Good morning, Quiet Corner! Today is Tuesday 4/15! Now, normally I do a fun National Day (today is Laundry Day), but today I wanted to ask for your help! We’re going to be running some polls over the next several newsletters. It would really mean a lot to me if you could help out and answer. The more feedback we get from you all, the better we can keep making the newsletter.

Thank you all in advance!

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

• Keeping The Kids Busy

• Furry Adoption Options

• 26 Events

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

UPDATES

🚀 Growth: We just crossed 4,000 subscribers - you’re the bee’s knees. We also have a Tolland County edition. Want in? Subscribe Now

🚨Important: I’ve heard from a few readers that the newsletter’s been hiding in spam or promotions folders—so give yours a quick check, move us to your Primary inbox, and let anyone you know who’s subscribed do the same so nobody misses out!

🐝 Buzz Cards: Curating a top 10 list of local gems. Got 7. Need 3 more. Already have some great deals locked in!

📰 Content Shake-Up: Thinking of biweekly history nuggets, weekly trivia, word scramble, pet adoption/Pet of the Week, business reviews, local real estate, photo of the week. Got ideas? Complaints? Weird local trivia? I’m all ears - reply anytime.

👋 IRL Meetup: Would you show up to a laid-back local hangout? Coffee? Beer? Trivia? Let me know and we’ll make it happen. Email me

BRIEF BITES

• Businesses - Windham County sees two new establishments opening. First is Willi Scoops in you guessed it (780 Main St.) Willimantic which serves up my favorite treat - I scream for ice cream. Second, is Bubbles Auto Spa a new car wash located at 22 Putnam Road in Central Village.

• Pretty - Once again a Windham County town makes the cut. WorldAtlas ranks the 9 prettiest towns in CT and Woodstock is in there. Find out the full list here.

• Opening - The River Room (50 Riverside Dr) in Willimantic is celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11am, followed by a reception until 1pm. Then an evening open house from 5-8pm with live performances by local musicians.

THE HIVE’S PICK

In honor of Spring Break this week (a very sarcastic “hurray” from me) I’ve put together a collection of things that might be helpful in keeping the little to biggish ones busy.

TUESDAY 4/15

Killingly | Publish A Fairy Tale Comic Strip | All Day - A perfect activity for those artistically-inclined kids at Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd).

North Grosvenordale | Cooking With Kids | 10:30am-1:30pm $ - New Boston Beef (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd) is holding a cooking class on making kid favorites from scratch! Ticket price includes one adult and one child, additional spots can be purchased as well. Details

Putnam | Vacation Fun Week | All Week - Stop into Putnam Public Library (200 School St) for a look at the week long activities they have going (book giveaways, bunny photo op, prize wheel, and more!).

Willimantic | Laser Tag | 10am-1pm - The Windham Community Center (1 Jillson Sq) is running games of laser tag in the gym. For a detailed look at all the activities they’re offering for the day and beyond, click here.

Willimantic | Spring Scavenger Hunt | 12-8pm - Willimantic Public Library (905 Main St) is offering a scavenger hunt around the Youth Dept. Complete it, and get a prize at the circulation desk.

WEDNESDAY 4/16

Ashford | Storytime & Craft | 10:30-11:15am - Babcock Library (25 Pompey Hollow Rd) is holding a children’s story followed by a craft activity. This one is definitely geared towards little ones.

Chaplin | Puppet Show | 10:30-11:30am - Lionheart Puppet Company will be performing Jack Tuesday: Fairy Tale Investigator! at Chaplin Public Library (130 Chaplin St).

Putnam | Bunny Dirt Cups | 1-1:30pm - This edible craft is for kids ages 3-8 at the Putnam Public Library (200 School St). Call (860) 963-6826 to register.

Willimantic | Bouncy House | 9am-4pm - Windham Rec Dept will have a bounce house set up at the Windham Community Center (1 Jillson Sq). Perfect way to get some energy out.

THURSDAY 4/17

Danielson | Wool Fiber Fun | 10am - This needle felting class is for ages 6 and up at Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd). Register

Putnam | Library Egg Hunt | 5-6pm - Putnam Public Library (200 School St) is inviting teens/preteens to an egg hunt in the library. Call (860) 963-6826 to register.

Willimantic | Mini Golf/Ice Cream Social | 12-3:30pm - To be clear, these are two separate events, but both of them are taking place at the Windham Community Center (1 Jillson Sq).

FRIDAY 4/18

Plainfield | Easter Egg Hunt | 10am-12pm - Central Cycle Club is holding another egg hunt at 45 South Cady Lane. There will also be face painting, coloring, crafts, basket giveaways, Easter Bunny, sack races, music, and more. Please RSVP how kids and their ages to [email protected]

SATURDAY 4/19

Ashford | Programming Possibilities | 10am-12pm - Babcock Library (25 Pompey Hollow Rd) is offering an intro to programming possibilities with new Dash robots. Best geared for ages 7 and up.

Canterbury | Easter Egg Hunt | 11am-4pm - Daydream Stables (23 Graff Rd) is holding a fun filled day with horseback rides, raffles, snacks/drinks, and of course an Easter egg hunt.

Danielson | Incredible Killingly Easter Egg Hunt | 10am - This huge Easter egg hunt at Davis Park (301 Broad St) features 11,000 Easter eggs, with everyone starting a giant hunt together (toddlers will have their own space). Make sure to get there on time - the eggs go quick!

Hampton | Easter Egg Hunt | 10am - This Easter egg starts at 10am on the dot at Fletcher Memorial Library (257 Main St).

South Windham | GSML Egg Hunt | 10am - Guildford Smith Memorial Library (17 Main St) is holding an Easter egg hunt. Please register by 4/16 or you won’t be able to participate. Give them a call at (860) 423-5159.

South Windham | Egg Hunt | 11am - Ladd’s Garden Center (671 Windham Rd) is holding their 2nd annual Easter egg hunt. Happening rain or shine.

Woodstock | Easter Event | 9am-12pm $ - Head to Woodstock Trading Post (668 Rte 169) for brekky, an Easter egg hunt, and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Woodstock | Easter Egg Hunt | 10am - Woodstock Orchards (494 Rte 169) is holding an Easter egg hunt for kids ages 10 and under. No pets, and bring a basket for your eggs!

Revive Your Family Memories!

If you've got a box of old VHS tapes, movie films, or slides collecting dust in the attic, East Coast Video is the one who can bring those memories back to life.  These guys have been in business since 1993 and this is their bread and butter.

With decades of experience, professional equipment, and a meticulous way of handling fragile media, they'll treat your memories like the priceless artifacts they are.  East Coast Video can bring those tapes, films, slides or cassettes back to life as digital conversions that can be stored and shared easily. The company is local and they do all their own transfer work on site. Trust them to preserve your past - so you can relive your family memories once again!

Wind Co Trivia🤔

Stay tuned for a new trivia question next week and a brief historical piece about Thompson Hill!

Last week’s answer: 34.23% got it right naming Thomson Hill as the major stop in Windham County for stagecoaches traveling from Boston to NYC. The village's prominence increased with the establishment of the Boston-Hartford Turnpike in 1797.

ADOPT PETS

Hi, I’m Sassy, a 1-year-old Retriever/Lab mix with big zoomie energy and a soft spot for belly rubs. I need a dog buddy (non-negotiable) and I’m cool with older, respectful kiddos. Cats? We’ll need a slow intro - they’re still kinda weird to me. I live for playtime, sunshine, and being your new favorite shadow. Come meet me. 🐶💛

Hi, I’m Ramona, and at 5 years old, I’m all about cozy naps and quiet vibes. Shelter life’s been a bit rough, so I’m still warming up to the spotlight. A mellow home where I can snooze in peace? Yes, please. Meet me today! 🐾🐱

BEE LINE EVENTS

TUESDAY (4/15)

Thompson | Canine Conditioning Workshop | 10am-2pm $ - The Ocean State Agility Club is holding a conditioning workshop at 51 Porter Plain Rd. Contact Kim Wojick at [email protected] for more info.

Willimantic | Arts & Drafts | 6pm $ - WilliBrew (967 Main St) is holding a bloom bar to create some uniquely you spring floral arrangements. Tix

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Paul Colombino | 8-11pm

WEDNESDAY (4/16)

Woodstock | Sea Glass Angels | 6:30-8:30pm $ - Head to Taylor Brooke Brewery (818 Rte 171) to create a 10” lit up angel out of sea glass. First drink is included in the ticket price! Tix

TRIVIA

Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - North Grosvenordale | 6:30pm

THURSDAY (4/17)

Eastford | GriefShare | 6:30-8pm - The Congregational Church of Eastford (4 County Rd) is holding their weekly program to help support those going through tough times. Register

Thompson | Thompson Rev War Stories | 6pm - The Thompson Public Library (934 Riverside Dr) and the Thompson Historical Society are kicking off a series of talks about what was going on in Thompson during the Revolutionary War.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Alexander Garzone | 8-11pm
⬢ Corleone’s - Willimantic | Open Mic | 8:30pm-12:30am

TRIVIA

Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm

FRIDAY (4/18) - Should’ve called it Fry-day

Brooklyn | Lenten Fish Fry | 5-7pm $ - This is your last chance to grab some fried fish and support BSA Troop 44 at the Trinity Episcopal Church (7 Providence Rd).

Killingly | Fish Friday | 4:30-6:30pm $ - This is the last of the fish fries from Killingly Grange (801 Hartford Pike). Order ahead

Plainfield | Lenten Fish Dinner | 4-7pm $ - Guess what? This is the last fish dinner for St. John’s Church (17 Railroad Ave) too. Take-out only!

Putnam | Good Friday Food Drive | 6am-1pm - Daily Bread is running their annual Good Friday Food Drive at WINY Radio (45 Pomfret St). Bring nonperishables and help make it a Great Friday!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Black Dog Bar & Grill - Putnam | Johnny Debit | 8pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Carlos Odria Trio | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | 6:30pm

SATURDAY (4/19)

Canterbury | Horsemanship for Pre-Teens | 1-3pm $ - Blue Sky Farm and Sanctuary (208 Brooklyn Rd) is holding a class for kids ages 11-13 to learn the basics of dealing with horses. Sign-up

Danielson | Old Furnace Cleanup | 9am-12pm - Quiet Corner NEMBA is looking for volunteers to help clean up the trails at Old Furnace (450 S Frontage Rd). Bring work gloves if you have them! Register

Danielson | Forage Wild Medicine | 10am-1pm $ - Professional foraging instructor and practicing herbalist Amelia from Black Sun Farm (731 Upper Maple St) will lead you on a light hike to find medicinal plants and create an herbal remedy you can take home. Tix

Danielson | Kirtan Sing-Along | 7-8:30pm $ - Get ready for a spiritual sing-along with this donation-based event thrown by Ruby Rocks (23 Wauregan Rd).

Danielson | Troop 43 Pancake Breakfast | 8-10am $ - Killingly Scouts Troop 43 is holding a pancake brekky at Westfield Congregational Church (210 Main St) leading up to the egg hunt at Davis Park.

Dayville | At Cost Whiskey Event | 12-10pm - All those whiskey lovers interested in trying out a 2024 Woodford Reserve batch can do it at cost at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). Only one bottle available.

North Grosvenordale | Comedy Fundraiser | 6pm $ - Help Paws Cat Shelter raise money for their facility by checking out an evening of comedy at Valley Springs Sportsmans Club (65 Valley Rd). More details

Plainfield | Pet Adoption Event | 11am-2pm - Wings of Freedom is holding an adoption event at Plainfield Agway (650 Norwich Rd). You can fill out an application and check out the dogs that will be for adoption, here (Applejack looks like a giant ham).

Plainfield | Volunteer For a Day | 1-4pm - Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary (169 Black Hill Rd) are looking for volunteers to help with a spring cleanup of the grounds. Sign-up

Plainfield | Old Mill Photography Workshop | 9am-5pm $ - Photographers looking to snag some photos in a mill that’s over 100 years old can take advantage of this photography workshop. More details/tix

Pomfret | Peach Blossom Mini Photo Shoots | 7am-Various Times $ - Beauty and Nature Photography is taking advantage of the beautiful peach blossoms at Lapsley Orchard (403 Orchard Hill Rd), for a beautiful backdrop for a photoshoot. Tix

Sterling | Sunset Hike With Mustangs | 6:30pm $ - Go for a sunset hike with the wild mustangs at Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd) and enjoy some hot cocoa by a fire afterwards. Tix

Thompson | Farm Ride | 10am $ - Bay State Trail Riders Association is holding an approximately 6 mile horse ride at Fort Hill Farms (260 Quaddick Rd). You must register by 4/16!

Woodstock | Cord Cutting | 12-2pm $ - No, not that kind. Primitive Crow (300 Norwich Worcester Tpke) is holding a discussion on how to cut the cord on things in our lives that no longer serves a purpose in your life. Tix

Woodstock | Fisherman’s Breakfast | 6-10am $ - Putnam Fish and Game (110 Stone Bridge Rd) is holding a brekky for those who love to fish (and those who don’t, too).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Cannibal Ramblers | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Professor Harp | 8pm-12am
⬢ Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | Nick Casey | 2-5pm
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | John Rodgers | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ 4G’s Restaurant - Dayville | KT Lay | 5-8pm

SUNDAY (4/20)

Danielson | Free Easter Dinner | 5pm $ - Westfield Church (210 Main St) is holding a free Easter dinner with all the fixings.

Pomfret | HKRS Series | 3-6pm $ - The five-week kid’s running program returns for another afternoon of physical fitness. Register

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Evan Wood Trio | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11:30pm

MONDAY (4/21)

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Brandt Taylor | 5:30pm

That’s it for this week’s Quiet Corner Buzz. If you got something out of it, please share it with someone who is searching for things to keep their kids busy during Spring Break!