Pretty Lights, Giving Back, Getting Creative

Good morning, Quiet Corner! Today is Monday 11/25, and that means it’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

🌍 In the U.S., the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has significantly expanded resources and protections, helping reduce intimate partner violence by 64% since 1993. There are now over 1,500 domestic violence shelters nationwide.

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

• Light It Up! 🎄

• The Season of Giving 🤝

• Artists’ Open Studio 🎨

***PSA we’ll be sending out our Thursday email on Wednesday morning because we know there’s never enough time in the day on Thanksgiving.***

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

• Holiday House Projections: Mark down 11/29 5pm on your calendar for the beginning of the 3rd annual Stanley Drive House Projection Shows. A wonderful local couple, Ashley and Stephen Sorel, have been developing a free house projection show for the community. This year will feature four different shows and they’re hoping to add a fifth before the end of the season. Although the shows are free, they do raise money for charity, so if you can give, it’s always appreciated. Stop by 20 Stanley Dr in Moosup in the evenings to witness this holiday splendor!

• Holiday Light Contests: Rec. Depts in Brooklyn and Pomfret are giving residents a chance to show off their luminary prowess this year. Brooklyn is holding a town-wide competition with awards given for several categories (Registration is due by 12/18). Pomfret is sweetening the pot, with cash prizes given out to their winners. Registration for them is due by 12/4.

• Dayville Shopping: Bath & Body Works is coming to Killingly Commons in 2025, taking over the former Olympia Sports spot next to Mattress Firm. Construction kicks off February, with doors set to open by spring—just in time to stock up on your favorite scents! Bonus: White Barn will be part of the 3,500 sq. ft. store! 🕯✨

• Submarine Naming: A campaign is underway to honor Putnam's own Henry Breault, the first submariner and only enlisted man to receive the Medal of Honor for actions aboard a U.S. submarine, by naming a Virginia-class submarine after him. Breault's heroism was seen during the 1923 sinking of USS O-5, where he saved a fellow crew member at the risk of his own life.

• Town of Canterbury: Effective as of 12/30/24, the Canterbury Transfer Station will no longer be open on Tuesdays. The new hours of operation are: Thursday/Friday - 8am-1:45pm and Saturday - 8am-2:45pm.

Light It Up!

Mark it down in your calendars, the annual Windham Light Parade is taking place on Friday 11/29. Check out the decorated fire trucks, lightsaber-wielding Jedi, local businesses, and more as they make their way through Main Street in Willimantic on this festive evening.

There’s a rumor on the street that Santa and Mrs. Claus might be there to take some pictures with after the tree is all lit up. And if that didn’t grab you, the Salvation Army will be providing hot chocolate. I mean, it’s worth going to just for the free cocoa! No matter where you are in the Quiet Corner, it’s worth taking a trip to see this once a year spectacle.

The procession will start at Memorial Park (1105 Main St) at 5:45pm and will proceed through downtown Willimantic to Jillson Square for the tree lighting.

The Season of Giving

Well, it’s that time of year that you may be inclined to donate to a good cause. And boy, do I have a good one for you. Starting on 11/29, 4G’s Pizzeria (405 Hartford Pike, Dayville) is pairing with Neighbors Against Cancer (an in-the-process-of-becoming-a-non-profit organization) to collect gift cards and cash for cancer patients and their families to help with Christmas dinner.

Anyone that has had a loved one go through treatment, knows how quick those bills add up, and how even a single meal taken care of is a huge help. Once you donate, your name will be written on an ornament and displayed on 4G’s giving tree. The fundraiser runs from 11/29 to 12/18.

Now, if you’re not in the position to give and may need a little help yourself, the Knights of Columbus in Plainfield are running a Coats For Kids event. If you, or someone you know, needs a winter coat for their child, stop by St. John’s Church (15 Railroad Ave, Plainfield) 11/29 between 9am-1pm for a new coat for toddlers and children, sizes S-XL. There also will be used coats in various sizes for children and adults.

Artists’ Open Studio

Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of artist? Or what their creative process looks like? Now is your chance to find out. Starting 11/29, the Artists’ Open Studio Of Northeastern Connecticut is working in conjunction with local artists, to open their doors to the public (open studio, get it?). The other dates studios will be open is 11/30, 12/1, 12/7, and 12/8.

You’re gonna want to take a look at the brochure here, because not every studio is open all of the days. While it’s not necessary, there will be items for sale from the artists, so if you’re in the market for a painting, sculpture, upcycled piece of art, piece of woodworking, or more, you may want to bring your checkbook (if you still use one of those).

Support your neighbors and see what kind of creative people you have living nearby!

BEE LINE EVENTS

Thanksgiving Eve Watering Holes - Relax before having to deal with that family member

⬢ Black Pond Brews | Dayville | 2-10pm - Releasing a Cranberry Milkshake IPA
⬢ Taylor Brooke Brewery | Woodstock | 2-8:30pm - Releasing a double IPA
⬢ Triple Raven Brewing | Thompson | 1-8pm

Live Music

Monday 11/25

⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Moosup | Brandt Taylor | 6:30-9pm
⬢ Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall - ECSU | Student Chamber Music Recital | 7:30pm

Tuesday 11/26

⬢ The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Zack Slik | 8-11pm

Wednesday 11/27

⬢ The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Rat Ruckus | 8-11pm

THE HIVE’S PICKS

With the holiday season kicking into full gear this week, we wanted to highlight a group that is doing something special for the community. VFW & AUX Post 1523 in Putnam (207 Providence Street) is offering a free Thanksgiving meal from 1-4pm on 11/28 to anyone in the community who is need, or isn’t spending time with friends and loved ones. Dessert is being provided by Woodstock’s own award-winning Soleil Bakery.

Make sure to call (860-928-9897) or email [email protected] to put in your reservation.

ECSU SPORTS

11/26 - Women’s Basketball at Connecticut College | 5:30pm

11/26 - Men’s Basketball at Connecticut College | 7:30pm

I know I usually say something a little silly here, but please share this with someone you know that’s not on Facebook!

Tyler

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