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Preserving The Quiet Corner

Preserving The Quiet Corner

Crash Course in Cocktails, WindCo History, 30+ Events!

Tyler DiGiovanni
March 18, 2025

Good morning, Quiet Corner Swarm! Today is Tuesday 3/18, and that means it’s National Awkward Moments Day! Today, we celebrate saying “you too” at the wrong time (“thanks for shopping with us today”…”you too!”), complimenting someone that’s not pregnant on their baby (yikes), or forgetting to mute yourself in a video meeting while a few bodily noises make their appearance. Whatever cheek-reddening experience you’ve had, just know you aren’t alone, and don’t have to randomly think of them at 2 in the morning several years later anymore. Instead let’s get into some events that will help you create some happy memories!

One thing…Before we get into the bulk of the newsletter, we wanted to ask you to do us a favor. If you go to one of the businesses we’ve put in the newsletter, please let them know that you heard about them on here!

Also, I just want to give a special shoutout to my mom, Catherine Rowe, for her birthday on March 20th!

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

Preserving The Quiet Corner
Mixology
31 Events

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

🎉PSA📢

Congrats to the 3 winners of Behind The Scarlett Letter Book Giveaway

Karen C., Denise A., Sarah B.

There were over 175 entries!

BRIEF BITES

CISA - Big news from right here in our own backyard: Sean Plankey, a Windham High Alum and extended family member of mine just scored a major nomination as head of cybersecurity for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s CISA! That’s right—our local guy is now the country's cyber defense quarterback.
The Arts - Willimantic’s arts scene is getting a new creative hub! 🎭🎶 Two longtime friends are launching The River Room, a cozy 65-seat nonprofit venue set to bring live performances to downtown Willimantic. Tucked beneath Spiral Arts Studio, this intimate space is ready to spotlight local talent!
Pizza - The state is letting the public vote on which pizzerias deserve a spot on the Pizza Capital Trail, a curated list of the top 100 pizza joints in Connecticut. Time to support your favorites and help shape the ultimate pizza road trip! Vote here.

THE HIVE’S PICK

Image Credit: Wyndham Land Trust

Now, normally we put the spotlight on a business you can visit and and help support, but this week we’re doing something a little different. We want to put the focus on an organization that is doing their best to help keep our corner of the state picturesque.

The Wyndham Land Trust has been in existence since 1975, and to date has protected over 5,500 acres of land in northeast CT (not too shabby). Since the whole idea behind the trust is to ensure future generations get to enjoy the splendor of the Quiet Corner, several of the properties are walkable! You can find a list of those here (some even allow access with horses!).

Wyndham Land Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so that means even if you don’t have a huge parcel of land to donate, you can still make monetary contributions (that are tax deductible), or even volunteer and become a steward (you’ll get to see some parts of the state that no one else does!).

With the nice weather approaching, we think everyone should take advantage of the amazing work this foundation is doing. Maybe I’ll catch you out on one of the trails one of these days!

To learn more about them, you can check out their website.

Wind Co Trivia🤔

What year did the famous Brooklyn Fair begin?

Last week’s answer: 44.76% of you got the correct answer with Natchaug meaning “the land between the rivers” in the Nipmuc language.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Looking to channel your inner Tom Cruise from the 1988 movie Cocktail? Well, you are in luck! Our friends at Bear Hands Brewing Company (75 Main St, Putnam) are hosting an interactive Cocktail Class on Friday 3/21 starting at 6:30pm.

You’ll learn the proper way to mix, shake (make James Bond proud), and stir delicious cocktails that you’d be happy to serve at your next gathering. Mixologists will be leading the way, and will be happy to answer any questions you might have. You’ll also get to pick up some tips and tricks that you might not have known about, that will take your alcoholic alchemy to the next level.

Bourbon is the star of the show this evening, and you’ll be learning to make a Bourbon Bramble and Watermelon Sugar Bourbon. Included in the ticket price are the two cocktails, all supplies needed, and Hors d’oeuvres. This is the perfect event for someone looking to step their game up from the classic Old-Fashioned and try something new! Who knows, they might even teach you how to flip and spin a bottle if you ask nicely enough! Book your spot

The Revolutionary Underdog That Overachieved

Let’s talk about us, Windham County—the scrappy, underdog patriot stronghold that punched way above its weight in the Revolutionary War. Long before the big-name battles even kicked off, Windham’s folks were already flipping the bird to the British.

Back in 1774—two full years before the Declaration of Independence—Mansfield’s town leaders basically called their shot, passing a resolution that straight-up vowed to defend their freedoms at all costs. That kind of energy carried over when the Stamp Act hit. The town wasn’t just unhappy about it; they were furious. Jared Ingersoll, the unlucky stamp collector, got chased out of his gig and burned in effigy for good measure. That was Windham’s way of saying, not today, King George.

But they didn’t stop at protests and fiery speeches—Windham got its hands dirty in the war effort. The county became a mini military-industrial complex before that was even a thing. Colonel Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales turned their local mills into gunpowder factories, keeping the Continental Army locked and loaded.

Meanwhile, Hezekiah Huntington was cranking out firearms at his ironworks. On the battlefield, Windham County went all-in. Despite being relatively small, the county sent around 1,000 men to fight—no half-measures here. These guys weren’t just extras in the revolution; they played starring roles in battles like Bunker Hill, where Elderkin personally led 150 of them into the action.

And then there’s the all-star lineup of Windham County patriots. Samuel Huntington wasn’t just a local hero—he signed the freakin’ Declaration of Independence and served as the president of the Continental Congress. That’s like calling the plays in the most high-stakes game of American history. Colonel Eliphalet Dyer and Nathaniel Wales Jr. were on the Council of Safety, basically Connecticut’s wartime strategy squad. These weren’t just background characters in the Revolution; they were front and center, shaping how the country would fight and win. Windham might not have been the biggest county, but pound for pound, it was one of the most important players in securing American independence.

BEE LINE EVENTS

TUESDAY (3/18)

Danielson | Irish Music/Dancing | 4pm - Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd) is hosting the Atwater-Donnelly Duo, who will be preforming traditional American and Celtic folk songs and percussive dance.

Windham | Rainbow In A Jar | 6pm - This is one for littles ages 5 and up. Windham Public Library (905 Main St) is holding a program to learn about densities and colors.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Shawn Taylor | 1-4pm

WEDNESDAY (3/19)

Dayville | Wiz of Oz Paint Night | 6pm $ - Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike) is teaming up with The Little Theater on Broad Street and Tunk City Studios to create a beautiful piece of art inspired by the L. Frank Baum classic. You can find tix for the paint night and performances here.

Putnam | Hunger Games Trivia Night | 5pm - This isn’t a normal trivia night. Wolperdinger Bookends (112 Main St) is celebrating the release of the 5th Hunger Games book with themed trivia. The winner will win a 20% off coupon to use in store.

Thompson | Single Mingle | 5:30-8:30pm - Triple Raven Brewing (27 Main St) is holding their third singles event. All singles looking to meet other single people in the area are welcome to attend!

Woodstock | Downsizing and Rightsizing | 1pm - The Woodstock Commission on Aging is holding a free presentation at the Woodstock Town Hall (416 Rte 169) to talk about things to consider when looking to consolidate space and things.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Fletcher Memorial Library - Hampton | The Davis Duo | 3pm

TRIVIA

Hanks - Brooklyn | 6:30-9pm
Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7-11pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - Thompson | 6:30pm

THURSDAY (3/20)

Eastford | GriefShare | 6:30-8pm - If you’re struggling with a tough time, head to the Congregational Church of Eastford (4 County Rd) for support.

Putnam | Hands Only CPR Training | 11am-1pm - Charter Oak Federal Credit Union (7 Providence Pike) is holding a training session on how to perform hands-only CPR. No reservation needed.

South Windham | Cookbook Club | 6pm - Guilford Smith Memorial Library (17 Main St) is holding their monthly cooking club. This month it’s recipes from Wheat Belly Cookbook. Sign-up by calling (860) 423-5159 or email Aubrey at [email protected].

Woodstock | Restorative Yoga Class | 6:15-7:30pm $ - Roots To Fly Wellness (3 Rte 171) is holding a yin yoga class, ending with yoga Nidra. More info

LIVE MUSIC

TRIVIA

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

FRIDAY (3/21)

Brooklyn | Lenten Fish Fry | 5-7pm $ - Help support BSA Troop 44 by picking up a fish, fries, and coleslaw dinner from Trinity Episcopal Church (7 Providence Rd).

Central Village | Benefit Basketball Game | 6pm - The Paul Wakely All-Star Basketball Game is taking place at Plainfield High School (105 Putnam Rd). Proceeds go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Black Dog Bar & Grille - Putnam | W.O.W. | 8pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Arthur Buezo | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

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

SATURDAY (3/22)

Canterbury | Chili Cook-Off | 5:30-8:30pm $ - Join the First Congregational Church of Canterbury (6 S Canterbury Rd) for the annual Donna Green Memorial Chili Cook-Off. Tastings and raffle tickets available. Contact [email protected] or call (860) 546-9007 for more information.

Canterbury | FAHS Pannukakku Breakfast | 8-11am $ - The Finnish American Heritage Society (76 N Canterbury Rd) is inviting you to enjoy Pannukakku (Finnish oven pancake), Finnish pulla bread, scrambled eggs, sausage, and a whole bunch of other deliciousness.

Canterbury | Horsemanship for Teenagers | 1-3pm $ - Blue Sky Farm and Sanctuary (208 Brooklyn Rd) are giving three teens the chance to learn the basics of horse care. Sign up here

Danielson | Author Talk | 10am - Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd) is holding a talk with author Ashley Cournoyer-Smith about her book My Body Knows - Do I? This is aimed at children ages 6-12. Register

Danielson | Book Signing | 10:30am - Unrelated to the event above, Pourings and Passages (103 Main St) is holding a book discussion (The Emancipation of Hannah Faythe Winslow) and signing by author Karen Warfield.

Danielson | Fruit Tree Pruning 101 | 10am-12pm $ - Learn to get the most out of your backyard fruit trees with a lesson at Black Sun Farm (731 Upper Maple St). Info here

Dayville | Comedy Show | 8-9:30 $ - Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike) is once again hosting an evening of laughs. Grab a beer and crack a smile. Tix

Putnam | QV Multisport Ride | 10-11am - Join the QVMultisport Club (165 Kennedy Dr) for a 20-30 mile ride, with a cafe stop either int he middle or end.

Putnam | Rescheduled Neil Diamond Tribute Band | 7:30pm $ - Today is the rescheduled date for the long anticipated Tru Diamond concert. Seats are limited, so grab yours sooner than later.

Putnam | Sound Bath Facilitator Training | 9am-Sun 5pm $ - Learn how to hold your own sound bath events at The Studio (112 Main St). Learn more

Thompson | Thompson Speedway Opener | 9am-4:30pm $ - Gearheads rejoice! The Thompson Motor Speedway (205 East Thompson Rd) is holding their Lock City Drift opener.

Windham | Celtic Music Event | 7-9pm $ - Windham Theater Guild (779 Main St) is featuring a night of music from The Celtic Jeweltones & the NOSMO Kings. Tix

Woodstock | Women’s Drum Circle | 2-5pm $ - Roots to Fly Wellness (442 Rte 197) is holding a Spring Equinox women’s drum circle, along with seed planting. More info

LIVE MUSIC

SUNDAY (3/23)

Dayville | March Adoption Event | 10am-1pm - Paws Rescue League is holding an adoption event at the Killingly Petco (1086 Killingly Commons). Come give a deserving pup a forever home. Fill out these forms if you want to take home a dog, same day.

Putnam | A Midsummer Night’s Dream Auditions | 6-8pm - Throw your hat in the ring for a part in the Shakespeare classic at the Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). More info

Putnam | Paint Your Pet | 1-3pm - Bear Hands Brewing Company (75 Main St) is giving you a chance to immortalize your beloved fur baby (or whatever else you have) on a canvas. More info

Sterling | Yoga and Wild Horse Hike | 9-11:30am $ - Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd) is holding a morning of yoga and connecting with nature. More details

Thompson | 2025 Natchaug Epic | 9am-5pm $ - Take part in one of the most difficult races in New England. Nicknamed “The Quiet Hell,” there are race options from 82 miles down to 32. More info and registration

Windham | Crossing Over Concert | 3pm $ - Enjoy a concert featuring the performances by Choir Matrix and Consonare Youth Choirs at Saint Mary’s Church (46 Valley St).

LIVE MUSIC

MONDAY (3/24)

LIVE MUSIC

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

ECSU SPORTS

3/22 - Baseball vs Plymouth St | 12pm
3/22 - Baseball vs Plymouth St | 3pm
3/22 - Men’s Lacrosse @ Keene St | 1pm

That’s it for this week’s Quiet Corner Buzz. If you got something out of it, please share it with someone that loves nature!

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