Pizza, Kitties, and Coffee, oh my!

Good morning, Quiet Corner! Today is 11/14, and that can only mean one thing. It’s National Pickle Day! So grab a gherkin and let’s see what’s going in the scenic Northeast this weekend.

Fun Fact: The namesake of our country “America” came from Amerigo Vespuuci who was was known for being a pickle peddler. Now Americans consume an estimated 2.5 billion pounds of pickles yearly or roughly 9 pounds per person!

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

  • A Pizza Information You Knead To Know 🍕

  • Stuff Your Face And Save Some Kitties 🐈

  • Get Your Caffeine Fix ☕

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

*Transparency is our first priority and we will inform you of any sponsored posts*

BRIEF BITES

  • New Walk-in Clinic: Hartford Healthcare has opened a new Go Health urgent care location in Willimantic at 1315 Main St. This comes as a replacement for the old walk-in clinic that shut down last year. Services cover treatment for non life-threatening illness or injuries, x-rays, and diagnostics. The clinic is open 7 days a week including holidays.

  • Local Rescue: An injured hiker was rescued from the blue trail of Boston Hollow in Ashford on Sunday afternoon. Multiple departments assisted in the effort, using stokes (a rescue basket), rope rescue equipment, and a rope haul system to safely transport the hiker to the hospital.

  • Disputed Election Results: Incumbent Democrat Mae Flexer declared victory in the 29th district state senate race, though Republican challenger Chris Reddy has called for an investigation, citing concerns about procedural inconsistencies, particularly in Mansfield’s same-day voter registration. Reddy, who lost by 591 votes, is urging the SEEC to review over 1,000 ballots he believes were improperly filed and has requested that the race not be certified until the investigation is complete. It should be noted both Democrat and Republican registrars in Mansfield have denied any foul play.

  • Veteran’s Memorial: Last weekend a new Veteran’s park located at the corner of Bridge and Church Streets in Putnam had its dedication ceremony. The park includes 2,290 commemorative bricks, each with a different veteran’s name. If you’re interested in having a loved one’s name included in the next batch of bricks to be laid in 2025, visit the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee for details.

A Pizza Information You Knead To Know

Courtesy of TRIGO

Pizza lovers rejoice! Trigo Wood Fired Pizza in Willimantic has announced that they’re extending their business hours to include lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Now that they’re opening at 11:30am, you can drop in for a delicious meal and some great service (I always try to find Nicole when she’s there, she’s amazing!).

For those of you who don’t know about Trigo, it’s a new restaurant on Main Street in Willimantic, owned by husband and wife Patrick Griffin and Garnet McLaughlin. They offer a harvest-to-hearth experience, sourcing many of their ingredients from Apis Verdi Farm in Lebanon, which is owned by Patrick's brother Phil.

Their other ingredients are sourced from other Connecticut-based farms, making this one of the best places to help support your fellow Nutmeggers. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, they also have a gluten-sensitive crust alternative and house-made vegan cheese. Unless you’re allergic to delicious food, Trigo has you covered.

***Now through December 31, mention this article in the Quiet Corner Buzz and receive 10% off your meal at TRIGO Wood Fire Pizza!***

Stuff Your Face And Save Some Kitties

Help support Paws Cat Shelter by chowing down at the Moosup Lodge this Sunday, starting at 8am and running until 11am. Paws Cat Shelter is a volunteer, no-kill shelter located in Putnam, and while I might not be a cat person (thanks a lot allergies), they are doing some great work there.

It will cost you $10 for adults and $5 for children, but in return you’ll get an endless amount of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, French toast, three kinds of pancakes, and biscuits and gravy made from scratch. Considering an omelet at most breakfast places will cost you over $10 by itself, I’d say that’s a purr-etty good deal. Sorry, had to get one cat pun in.

Get Your Caffeine Fix

On Saturday 11/16, Putnam Public Library is offering you the chance to try a cuppa that doesn’t come in a small plastic pod. Working with Peace Islands Institute of Connecticut, the Putnam library is bringing you an opportunity to sample some Turkish coffee and enjoy some Turkish delight along with other snacks.

You’ll also be able to learn a bit about Anatolian history and culture. Space is limited though, so if you’re interested, call (860) 963-6826 and reserve your spot. The program runs from 1-2:30pm, so you can be wired for the rest of your day.

BEE LINE EVENTS

Food Drive - Smoke and Mirrors in Putnam is accepting non-perishable donations for Daily Bread Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm thru 11/21. Monetary donation for the Turkey Drive are also being accepted. All donations go to families in need in the community.

Harvest Festival Celebration - Held by the Farmer’s Cow right at the Willimantic/Mansfield line, this festival features over 20 vendors, pumpkin painting, giveaways, food, and ice cream. Located a minute down the road off of Route 6, pop in anytime between 11am-3pm.

STEAM Saturday - The Thompson Public Library is offering a STEAM activity for all ages. Drop in on 11/16 between 10:30am-1:30pm to create some Dinovember Diamond Art.

Single Mingle - Triple Raven Brewing in North Grosvenordale is hosting a 3-hour singles event from 5:30-8:30pm. Drop in for a pint and meet other local single folks. NO MARRIED PEOPLE ALLOWED!

Live Music

Thursday 11/14

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Subliminals | 8-11pm

Friday 11/15

  • Windham Theater Guild - Willimantic | Karaoke | 7:30pm | Suggested donation of $15

  • Black Dog Bar and Grill - Putnam |Roc-Kin On | 8:30-11pm

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Willie J Laws Band | 8pm-12am

Saturday 11/16

  • Willimantic Elks Lodge | 8th Annual Dirty Deeds (An AC/DC Experience) Charity Concert | Doors open at 6:30pm Band @ 8pm | $30 per ticket, can be purchased here until Friday then at the door - Venue is CASH ONLY

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Seamus Mighty Lungs McMullan Duo | 1-4pm

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Chris Stovall Brown | 8-11pm

  • The Vanilla Bean Cafe - Pomfret | Andrew McKnight | 7-9pm

  • Taylor Brooke Winery - Woodstock* | Sean Magwire | 2-5pm

  • The Broken Crust - Putnam | Bill and Julie Reid | 5:30-7:30pm

Sunday 11/17

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Dub Apocalypse | 1-4pm

  • The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic! | 7-11:30pm

  • Taylor Brooke Winery - Woodstock | Katie Perkins | 2-5pm

  • 4G’s Restaurant & Pizza - Dayville | Bryan Titus | 2-5pm

  • The Bread Box Theater - Windham | Kerri Powers/Atwater-Donnelly | 4pm | $25 benefits the Covenant Soup Kitchen

  • Montana Nights Axe Throwing - Putnam | Steve Walason | 5-7pm

THE HIVE’S PICKS

Holiday Markets

Little Dipper Farm | Brooklyn | 11/16 & 11/17 from 10 AM - 4 PM

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Holiday Market! Shop unique handmade treasures from local artisans, crafters, and makers, while enjoying tasty food and drinks from hospitality partners, Field & Feast. Plus, they'll be showcasing the best of the garden’s seasonal bounty—perfect for getting a jump on your holiday shopping in a festive, fun atmosphere!

Holiday Artist Market | Babcock Library in Ashford | 11/16 & 11/17 from 10 AM - 4 PM

Discover the incredible talents of local artists and craftsmen. where creativity meets craftsmanship. Whether you're looking to add something special to your collection or find the perfect gift, you'll be inspired by the one-of-a-kind pieces on display. It's the perfect opportunity to shop local, support artisans, and check off your holiday shopping list with unique, handmade treasures!

ECSU Sports

11/15 - Men’s and Women’s Swimming @ Plymouth State w/W. New England - 4pm

11/16 - Women’s Basketball @ Trinity College - 5pm

11/16 - Men’s and Women’s Cross Country @ NCAA Division III Mideast Regional - 11am

11/17 - Women’s Basketball vs. Springfield College - 2pm

11/17 - Men’s Basketball @ Johnson & Wales - 1pm

Thanks for taking the time to read the Quiet Corner Buzz! Make sure to share with someone who leaves the knife on the edge of the sink just in case they want another sandwich.

See you next week!

Tyler