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Sandwiches Worth Stopping For 🥪

Sandwiches Worth Stopping For 🥪

Organic Farming Conference, A Disney Play, Plus 23 Events

Tyler DiGiovanni
February 25, 2025

Good morning, Quiet Corner!

Today is Tuesday 2/25, and that means it’s National Clam Chowder Day! There’s nothing like a bowl (or boule) of clam chowder on a chilly winter’s day. Whether you enjoy New England, Manhattan, or Rhode Island (my favorite) style, today is the day to grab some at your favorite spot.

If you know of any places that makes theirs homemade (pouring it out of a bag to reheat doesn’t count), please shoot me an email! I might even treat you to some if I see you at your suggested place!

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

The Crowe’s Nest
The 43th Annual NOFA Conference
A Beloved Play

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

Swarm Question

How would you feel about scoring exclusive discounts at local spots across the area? We’re thinking of offering a discount card that gets you deals at restaurants, shops, and more.

Should we put together an amazing discount card?

BRIEF BITES

Solar - A planned solar project at a former Windham landfill is on the verge of collapse after Eversource hit the developer with a shocking price tag—$26 million in required substation upgrades, 13 times more than the project itself. Verogy, the developer, expected a $2 million investment, but Connecticut’s rules force solar developers to cover full upgrade costs, a system critics warn could stall renewable energy expansion.
Honor - For too long, Killingly’s Korean and Vietnam War veterans went unrecognized—coming home to silence or, in some cases, outright hostility. On Tuesday (2/18), state and local officials, including Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, honored them in a long-overdue ceremony at Killingly High School, emphasizing that regardless of public opinion on war, those who serve must always be supported.
New Book - Local author and illustrator Christopher Boyle is set to release his new children’s book, Aldo, this month—a heartwarming story about friendship guiding us through dark times. A Canterbury resident, Boyle not only wrote the book but also illustrated it, bringing the tale to life with his signature artistic style. Aldo is available for preorder on Kickstarter.
Sewage - Killingly’s sewage treatment plant is reaching capacity, pushing the town to approve a $2 million expansion plan. To help cover costs, officials are seeking state grant funding, hoping to ease the financial burden on taxpayers.
Water - Willimantic’s Town Council approved a $4.5 million bond to replace aging lead and galvanized water lines through Windham Water Works. The project covers planning, design, and construction costs to ensure safer drinking water for affected properties.

THE HIVE’S PICK

This week’s pick is going to the fantastic Crowe’s Nest (165 Hartford Pike, Dayville). If you’re anything like me, you’ve driven by it a bunch of times thinking, “I should really try that place out.” Well, I did, and man, I’m glad I finally did. The staff is extremely friendly (they actually seemed like they wanted to be there. Shocking, right?), the ambience was great (the live edge tabletops are a great touch, keeping with the theme of the restaurant), and the owner is a super-friendly, charismatic guy (if you talk to him for a minute, his enthusiasm for his place becomes immediately apparent).

All that stuff above is great and all, but what you might be wondering, is “how’s the food?” Delicious! I found out they had just switched bread suppliers, and I’m not sure what the bread was like before, but if you like a flaky, soft, well-made grinder, you are going to be one happy camper with their new stuff. Their sandwiches are unique (I had a hard time choosing, and was recommended The Nest Special - it did not disappoint), they have vegan options, offer açai bowls, and even have homemade soups available. Gluten-free friends, don’t despair, they also have several salad options!

Do yourself a favor and make it a point to stop in for a bite in the near future. I’m almost positive this will become one of your go-to spots going forward! For pictures of their menu and interior, make sure to follow us on social media, I’ll be posting a little later today!

Wind Co Trivia🤔

What Windham County town was know as the curtain capital of the world in early 20th century?

Last Week’s Answer: Nipmunks

The vast majority of you knew this with 64.91% getting it correct, nice work!

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITIES🐝

CT Organic Farming Conference 🌱

This week kicks off the 43rd Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) conference. Virtual workshops kick off today (2/25) and continue 2/26 and 2/27, with an in-person event capping off the conference on 3/1 taking place at ECSU.

Topics covered include: farming (obviously), organic land care, government policy, homesteading and gardening, food equity and justice, and more. You don’t need to own a commercial property to attend, just an interest in how you can get going with organic farming practices.

With seed-starting season upon us, this is the perfect time to get updated on what’s going on in the world of keeping it organic. For more information (including virtual workshop times, itinerary for the in-person event, parking information, etc.) and tickets, click here.

Under The Sea 🦀

Head to the historic Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St., Putnam) this weekend for a production of the Disney classic The Little Mermaid. Dust off that sea-shell bikini (fellas, I’m talking to you) and enjoy one of the most beloved Disney movies of the past 40 years (36 years, if you want to get technical).

There’s a 7pm show on Friday 2/28, a 2pm and a 7pm show on Saturday 3/1, and a 2pm show on Sunday 3/2. This is a great chance to get your kids (or grandkids) into theater, and what better spot than a 120+ year old performance venue? The best part? There’s not a bad seat in the house! For tickets, click here.

QUIET CORNER REWIND⏪

Step Into History: How Windham County Became Connecticut’s Shoe Manufacturing Hub

In the 19th century, Windham County, Connecticut, was buzzing with the sounds of leather, stitching, and the hum of industrial machines as the shoe manufacturing industry took off. Towns like Willimantic and Putnam became major players in the shoe game, turning out thousands of pairs of boots, shoes, and slippers every year. Willimantic, known for its textile mills, really leaned into its industrial potential and became one of the largest centers for shoe production in the state. Local factories like the Willimantic Shoe Company were the driving force behind this success, offering jobs to many, including a mix of local workers and immigrants seeking new opportunities.

It wasn’t just Willimantic that got in on the action. Putnam also had its share of shoe factories, contributing to the area's booming economy. The Putnam Shoe Company stood out as a key manufacturer, producing footwear that could be found in homes across the country. The town’s river and natural resources made it easy to power the machines needed to keep production flowing. By the mid-1800s, Windham’s shoe industry was in full swing, with dozens of smaller factories sprouting up throughout the region, all contributing to the area’s rise as a hub for American manufacturing.

But the shoe industry wasn’t just about the factories; it was about community. The boom in shoe manufacturing created jobs, brought in new people, and helped shape the character of Windham County. As the factories flourished, they turned out shoes that would become staples of everyday life in the U.S. While the industry eventually faced stiff competition in the 20th century, the legacy of Windham’s involvement in the shoe trade remains an essential chapter in Connecticut's industrial history.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Tuesday - 2/25

Killingly | FFA Alumni Meeting | 6:30pm - Calling all Killingly FFA Alumni & parents, tonight is their monthly planning meeting at Killingly High School (226 Putnam Pike, Dayville). If you can’t attend but want to get involved, email [email protected].

Wednesday - 2/26

Dayville | Candle Making | 6-8:30pm $ - Enjoy some fantastic brews and a lesson in candle making at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). Take home two 8oz candles. Tickets

Putnam | Permanent Jewelry/Axe Throwing | 4-9pm - Smoke & Mirrors will be making permanent jewelry at Montana Nights Axe Throwing (51 Providence Pike). No appointment necessary.

Willimantic | Tavern Night w/Al Capone | 5pm $ - The Windham Historical Society (627 Main St) is holding their monthly Tavern Night. With a chance to hear about the life of a famous person in history, told by “them”. They’ll also share their favorite food and beverage. Tickets

Thursday - 2/27

Eastford | Grief Share | 6:30-8pm - Grief is an awful thing to go through alone, so, don’t. The Congregational Church of Eastford (4 County Rd) is offering a space to help each other through hard times.

Putnam | Storytelling & Music | 10:30am - Join Christine Leo for a morning of music and storytelling at BLOCK 134 (134 Main St). Geared towards the young or young at heart.

South Windham | Spicy Book Club | 6:30pm - Guilford Smith Memorial Library (17 Main St) is holding their monthly “spicy” book club. For 18+. This month’s book is Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score. Sign-up is requested - call (860) 423-5159 or email [email protected].

Willimantic | Paint Your Own Planter | 6-8pm $ - BLISS Marketplace (34 North St) is holding a paint and sip event. Will take approximately 3 weeks for firing. More info and tickets here

Friday - 2/28

Ashford | Scouting Memorabilia | 1pm-Weekend Times $ - The June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation (149 Ashford Center Rd) is holding their 23rd annual memorabilia show. More info

Dayville | Spot The Signs | 5pm - First in Tactics is holding an event at Dayville Fire Company (465 Hartford Pike) to help identify signs of PTSD in First Responders. This could be a valuable workshop for anyone that has someone who works a high-stress job in their life. Register

Putnam | Kids Night Out | 5-7:30pm $ - Drop off your kids (ages 4-11) for an evening of fun at Hale YMCA (9 Technology Park Dr), while you go off gallivanting. Free for members, a cost for non-members. Register

Saturday - 3/1

Chaplin | Empty Bowls Open Studio | 10am-1pm - Parish Hill High School (304 Parish Hill Rd) is giving you the chance to practice your pottery skills. Contact Mr. Mlyniec at [email protected] for more information.

Danielson | Chair Yoga | 9:30am $ - Crystal Clear Intention Center (23 Wauregan Rd) is holding a gentle, adaptive yoga class using chairs. Perfect for someone who needs mobility work. Tickets

Plainfield | Aura Photo Special | 11am-3pm $ - Wonder what color your Aura is? Crystal Visions (40 Railroad Ave) is offering a special on Aura photos. Info

Plainfield | Pet Adoption | 11am-2pm - Wings of Rescue is holding a pet adoption event at Plainfield Agway (650 Norwich Rd). If you’re interested in bringing home a pup the day of, fill out a form here.

Putnam | Bitsy’s Boutique | 12-3pm - Stop by Paws Cat Shelter (74 School St) for their monthly boutique. Household items, small electronics, health and beauty, and more.

Putnam | Art & Wellness Workshop | 4:30-7:30pm $ - BLOCK 134 (134 Main St) is holding an evening of learning about the Chakras System through yoga and art, along with complimentary wine. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Sterling | Character Breakfast | 9:30am $ - Sterling Rec Department is holding their 4th annual character breakfast at the Sterling Town Hall (1183 Plainfield Pike). Pre-registration is required.

Sterling | Movie Night In The Dome | 6pm $ - Enjoy a movie under the stars at Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd). All proceeds go toward the mustangs. Tickets

Windham | St. Patrick’s Month Concert | 3pm $ - St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (27 Plains Rd) is holding a concert performed by Áine Minogue. Proceeds will go toward the Windham Inn restoration. Tickets

Sunday - 3/2

Sterling | Community Breakfast | 8-10am - Ekonk Community Grange (723 Ekonk Hill Rd) is holding a free breakfast while supplies last. The breakfast is in memory of community member Michael Zannini, who passed in 2024.

Willimantic | Orchestra Concert | 4pm $ - The Willimantic Orchestra is holding their March concert at the Fine Arts Instructional Center at ECSU (306 High St). Suggested donations are encouraged, but no one will be turned away.

Monday - 3/3

Woodstock | Slow Flow Yoga | 6:15-7:30pm $ - Roots To Fly Wellness (3 Rte 171) is holding a slow and gentle vinyasa yoga class. Tickets

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday - 2/25

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Mike Wood | 8-11pm

Thursday - 2/27

Friday - 2/28

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Eric Ducoff Band | 8-11pm
⬢ Black Dog Bar - Putnam | Whiskey Boulevard | 8-11pm

Saturday - 3/1

Sunday - 3/2

Monday - 3/3

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

TRIVIA

Wednesday 2/19

Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30-9pm
Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7-11pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mid Town Grill - North Grosvenordale | 6:30pm

Thursday 2/20

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

Friday 2/21

Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | 6:30-8:30pm

Hivelighting: Quiet Corner Properties

Ever dreamed of owning a vineyard, winery, and brewery all in one? Taylor Brooke Vineyard in Woodstock, CT, is a turn-key goldmine sitting on 43 stunning acres.

This package deal includes a 7,122 sq. ft. winery with a full production facility, tasting pavilion, and cocktail bar, plus a 5,884 sq. ft. brewery with a taproom, commercial kitchen, and outdoor patio.

Oh, and did we mention the custom-built 2,400 sq. ft. Cape-style home? The sale includes the whole operation—vineyard, business assets, and an established product line—so the next owner can step right in and start pouring.

ECSU SPORTS

2/25 - Women’s Lacrosse @ U of Hartford | 4:30pm
2/25 - Women’s Basketball vs Keene State | 6pm

2/27 - Women’s Basketball vs. TBA

2/28 - Men’s and Women’s Track & Field @ New England Division III Championship | 10am

3/1 - Women’s Basketball vs. TBA
3/1 - Women’s Lacrosse @ Salve Regina
3/1 - Men’s and Women’s Track & Field @ New England Division III Championship | 10am
3/1 - Men’s Lacrosse @ Curry College | 2pm

That’s it for this week’s Quiet Corner Buzz. If you got something out of it, please share it with someone who loves a great grinder.

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