The Not-So Hidden Gem of Woodstock

Good morning, Quiet Corner!

In last week’s newsletter we asked and you answered. 100% of readers voted yes to putting together a Buzz Card for discounts to local businesses. So, that’s what we’re going to do. Please shoot us an email with businesses that you’d like to see us try to add to the card.

If you’re running a business in Windham County—whether it’s a restaurant, bar, shop, service, or anything in between—hit me up at [email protected] with “QC Buzz Card” in the subject line. If you want a first crack at getting involved, let’s talk.

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

• Win a Signed Copy of a Book From a Local Author!

• Windham County’s Hidden Gem

• Meet an Owl

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

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!

🎉Quiet Corner Buzz Signed Book Giveaway📖

Enter for a chance to win one of three signed first-edition copies of Behind the Scarlet Letter: Based on a True Story! Written by local historical novelist Patricia Suprenant, Behind the Scarlet Letter won First Place in the 2018 Chanticleer International Goethe Book Awards.

We’ll run this poll once more next week and the winners will be announced on March 17th. Don’t miss this chance to win a signed first edition of a novel that reveals a hidden chapter of Connecticut’s past!

BRIEF BITES

• Upgrade - Putnam just scored an $8.9 million boost to extend the Putnam River Trail, connecting it to the East Coast Greenway! The project will improve pedestrian and cyclist access, making the town even more walkable and bike-friendly. This major investment helps Putnam take a big step toward safer, more connected outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike.

• Openings - Willimantic’s BJ’s Plaza is getting two new additions! Town Fair Tire and Carlson Procare are set to move into the West Main Street shopping center later this year, bringing more options for auto care and physical therapy.

• Maple - Willimantic’s Hens on the Hill just scored a sweet upgrade! The farm received a $4,350 New Farmer Microgrant to purchase equipment for making maple candy, maple cream, maple sugar, and even maple cotton candy.

THE HIVE’S PICK

If you’re a local to Woodstock, then I’m sure you already know about the pick for this week. It’s none other than the amazing Masterpiece Minerals (3 Rte 171, Woodstock). I happened to be driving in the area and decided to pull into a little plaza, and was pleasantly surprised to find a crystal (& more) store.

The first thing that greets you (besides the lovely owner, Rhonda) is a 5ft wooden sculpture sourced from a local tree. Entering further, you’re faced with an immaculately organized space of crystals, gems, and more (a space in the back is dedicated to animals and wildlife - all ethically sourced).

Rhonda has a pair of amethyst cathedrals that are worth making the drive just to see (seriously, they are that impressive)! One of the other most amazing things about this shop is the fact that they offer 20% off if you come in on your birthday! Don’t fret if you don’t want to wait that long for a discount though, for the month of March, if you mention you heard about them in QCB, you’ll get 10% off of your order! If you love crystals/gems, this is a must-visit place. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Wind Co Trivia🤔

Last week’s answer: 38.75% of you were right when selecting Killingly as the “curtain capital of the world” in the early 20th century.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

This week’s Buzzworthy Activity is for the birds! Crystal Visions (40 Railroad Ave, Plainfield) is giving you the chance to learn about and meet an owl on Saturday 3/8 from 11am-1pm. Led by Freedom First Wildlife Rehab Inc (a non-profit rehab focused on owls), this event is open to all, including children.

Small groups will have about 15 minutes with the rehabber and the owl. This is a 100% free event, but you are more than welcome to donate to FFWR if you feel inclined! Head down and meet an owl, but make sure not to be offended if they don’t remember your name. No matter how many times I’ve introduced myself, they always respond, “Who?”

BEE LINE EVENTS

Ashford | Mystery/Thriller Book Discussion | 1-2pm - Every month the Babcock Library (25 Pompey Hollow Rd) holds a book discussion on a Mystery or Thriller book. While it’s probably too late for this one, make sure to stop in and see what the next book is!

Danielson | Craft & Chat | 10:30am - Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd) is holding their monthly Craft & Chat. This month’s theme is Spring Wall Decor. Register

Eastford | GriefShare | 6:30-8pm - The Congregational Church of Eastford (4 County Rd) is holding their weekly grief share group.

South Windham | Essential Oil Rollers | 6pm - Guilford Smith Memorial Library (17 Main St) is letting you create a custom essential oil roller. Register by emailing [email protected] or call (860) 423-5159.

Woodstock | Guest Bartender Fundraising | 5-8pm - Woodstock Tavern (35 Rte 171) is holding a guest bartending night with all proceeds being split between The Sunshine Kids and Together We Blossom.

North Grosvenordale | Tarot Card Reading | 5pm $ - Head to Triple Raven Brewing (27 Main St) for a Tarot and Oracle card reading by Caitie Stone from Oak Barrel Tarot. First come, first serve. Cash or Venmo accepted.

Woodstock | Drum Circle | 6:30-7:30pm - Roots to Fly Wellness (442 Rte 197) is holding a drum circle. Make sure to bring your own chair, and noise maker of choice. Donations are accepted.

Chaplin | Open Studio | 10am-1pm - Learn to make pottery at Parish Hill High School (304 Parish Hill Rd). Contact Mr. Mlyniec for more details at [email protected].

Plainfield | Winter Market | 10am-2pm - Head to Plainfield High School (105 Putnam Rd) for a family-friend free event! From apparel & bags all the way down the alphabet to woodworking, there’s something for everyone. While there isn’t an admission fee, make sure to bring cash in case vendors don’t accept cards! There will also be a raffle!

Willimantic | Know Your Farmer | 11am-2pm - Taking place at the Willimantic Community Center (1 Jillson Sq) is the 10th annual Know Your Farmer Fair. Shop the farmer’s market, discuss becoming part of a CSA, learn about local farm stands, and pick-your-own opportunities.

Windham | Winter Blues Fest | 7pm - The day has finally come to boogie down to some blues at the Franco-American Club (116 Club Rd). This promises to be a night full of amazing music! Make sure to use code BUZZ5 for $5 off your ticket when you pre-order online!

Woodstock | Alfreda Sings Aretha | 7pm $ - Join the Loos Center For The Arts (150 Rte 169) for a performance by the world renowned singer Alfreda. She’ll be belting out hits by the late-great Aretha Franklin. Tickets

Danielson | Herbal Tincture Class | 10am-1pm $ - Black Sun Farm (731 Upper Maple St) is holding an intimate class on herbs and tinctures, how to work with them, and creating herbal synergy. If you have an herb you like to work with, bring it, so it can be incorporated into a personal blend. Tickets are extremely limited.

Moosup | All-You-Can-Eat Fundraiser | 8-11am $ - Nutmeg Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation invites you to the Moosup Lodge 113 (69 Prospect St) for a breakfast feast that will help support wildlife! You can call/text Sherry at (860)631-7252 for more details, or buy tickets at the door.

Putnam | Courthouse 5K | 1pm $ - The Hartford Marathon Foundation is holding a 5K that starts and finishes in Downtown Putnam. There will be a post-race party at Courthouse Bar and Grille (121 Main St). If you want to register for the race, you can do that here.

Putnam | Somatic Sound Healing | 10-11am $ - Smoke & Mirrors (171 Providence St) is holding a morning of sonic healing. Tickets

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday - 3/4

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | A Former Friend | 8-11pm

Thursday - 3/6

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Vaden Landers and Sasquatch | 8-11pm
⬢ Corleone’s - Willimantic | Open Mic | 8:30pm-12:30am

Friday - 3/7

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Bud Collins Trio | 8-11pm
⬢ Black Dog Bar and Grill - Putnam | Back Rhodes | 8-11pm

Saturday - 3/8

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Island Farm Ceilie Band | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Jesse Desorcy and Co | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | Goodbye Irene | 2-5pm*
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | Acoustic Al | 5:30-7:30pm

Sunday - 3/9

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Rich Graiko and Friends | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11:30pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | Red & The Paper Flowers | 2-5pm
⬢ Triple Raven Brewing - North Grosvenordale | Brian & Katie Duo | 2-5pm**
⬢ Bread Box Theater - Willimantic | Hungry Town/Stan Sullivan | 4pm Tickets

Monday - 3/10

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

*Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck will also be there
**Hungry Lion Food Truck will also be there

TRIVIA

Wednesday 3/5

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

Thursday 3/6

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

Friday 3/7

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

Hivelight: Windham County Property

Now featuring 3 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and even more heated living space, this estate takes rustic-meets-modern to a whole new level. Set on over 5 pristine acres bordering thousands of acres of Connecticut state forest, it greets you with a grand, tree-lined driveway, jaw-dropping landscaping, stonework, and full irrigation. Inside, the open-concept design shines with Southern Yellow Pine floors, vaulted wood-beam ceilings, and oversized windows that flood the space with natural light. The gourmet kitchen? A chef’s paradise with custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, a pantry, and a massive 10-ft granite island built for everything from morning coffee to weekend entertaining.

Designed for peak comfort, this home is stacked with three high-efficiency HVAC units, on-demand hot water, a whole-house generator, 400-amp electrical service, and central vac. A breezeway connects to a private in-law apartment—perfect for extended family, guests, or staff—complete with its own laundry setup. Step outside, and the backyard is its own private resort: a heated saltwater pool, hot tub, and wrap-around decking, all framed by nature’s beauty.

The primary suite offers a true escape, featuring a hand-carved built-in nook and a spa-like ensuite bath. Need space to tinker or unwind? The oversized garage—with its own pellet stove—is the ultimate man cave or she shed. Custom fencing keeps pets safe, and with every modern amenity seamlessly blended into this private retreat, it’s the perfect mix of elegance, comfort, and seclusion. Plus it just posted a $36k price drop!

ECSU SPORTS

3/4 - Baseball @ Mitchell College | 3pm
3/4 - Women’s Lacrosse @ U of Saint Joseph | 5pm

That’s it for this week’s Quiet Corner Buzz. If you got something out of it, please continue to share it with your friends and neighbors!

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