We had 40+ people come out in Glastonbury last week and everyone loved it, so now we’re wondering… are the Windham County folks down to give Dinner Club another shot in March? We’re thinking a later start in the Willimantic/Mansfield area, and we’d want 30 people to make it the best experience for meeting new neighbors and actually making real connections. We’ve already got another one set for West Hartford on March 19th, but we know that might be a hike for some of you out here.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Bella, an 11-year-old mellow Lab mix who loves a good walk, a good pet, and a quiet adult home to end the day cozy.

🏡House of the week: Vintage charm without the museum-rope vibes: a 1906 Victorian with high ceilings, original hardwoods, built-ins, and a clawfoot tub. Bonus: a huge walk-up attic that’s begging to become a studio, office, or future primary suite. Check it out!

🔭Sky report: The Moon hits first quarter on Feb 24, so nights get brighter, but you’ll still have plenty of “winter sky” to work with.
Look west about an hour after sunset for the late-Feb planet parade vibes, with Venus and Jupiter being the easy bright ones to spot.

Scott E. Rhoades is a Connecticut artist with deep roots. Born in Houlton, Maine and raised in Coventry, CT he spent 35 years teaching art in Coventry and worked with 6,000+ K–8 students before building a backyard studio to return to painting. His representational work has been sold across the U.S. and worldwide, with awards and national and international publication credits.

Putnam’s Fire & Ice is basically winter’s grand finale, and it’s the kind of event that makes you forget you ever complained about February. On Saturday, Feb 28 (12:00 pm to 8:00 pm), downtown turns into a free Valentine’s festival with New England’s biggest single ice block carving competition, 50+ ice carvings, interactive photo ops, a 30-foot inflatable igloo, roaming entertainment (yes, including stilt-walkers), plus a giant heart-shaped bonfire and fire dancing once the sun goes down.

Did you know that your first home might be closer than you think? With the CT CHFA Time To Own forgivable loan program, eligible Connecticut homebuyers can receive up to $25,000 in assistance towards down payment and closing costs. As your local PrimeLending mortgage expert, I present solutions to help you transition from renting to owning with confidence.

Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Last week’s trivia was a sneaky one: only 42.43% of you got it right, and the answer was the eastern pearlshell. This little freshwater mussel is basically the Quiet Corner’s “water quality test” with a shell. If pearlshells are hanging around, it’s a strong sign we’ve still got stretches of clean, healthy waterways worth protecting (and bragging about a little).

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Danielson | KPRD Indoor Community Drumming Circle | 5:30 PM - Join the rhythm at Killingly Public Library! Bring your own drum or borrow one of theirs for this welcoming community jam session. All skill levels and ages welcome.                  

Putnam | February Book Club | 5 PM - Curl up with fellow bookworms at Putnam Public Library for their monthly discussion. Great way to discover new reads and meet like-minded neighbors.

Putnam | The Sound Guys Trivia | 7 - 11 PM - Trivia night at The Stomping Ground, bring your smartest friend.

Willimantic | Tavern Night with Alexander Hamilton | 5 PM ($) - Step back in time at the historic Windham Club for an evening of colonial-era dining and conversation with one of the Founding Fathers himself. History buffs, this one's for you! Enjoy     

Woodstock | Trivia Wednesdays | 6:30 PM - Think you're the smartest person in the room? Prove it at The Woodstock Tavern's weekly trivia night. 

Putnam | Evan Gianfriddo Duo | 8 -11 PM - Duo night at The Stomping Ground, good tunes, easy vibes.

Putnam | Karaoke | 6-9 PM - Late-night karaoke chaos at Montana Nights.

Willimantic | Digital Art Fundamentals | 5 - 7:30 PM $ - Hands-on digital character design workshop at Cupid’s Corner Pop Up Shop. Create

Willimantic | Joss Marie LIVE | 5-7 PM - Catch singer-songwriter Joss Marie performing live at Cupid's Corner in downtown Willimantic.                        

Dayville | Roaring Twenties Night | 6 PM | ($) - Dust off your flapper dress or fedora and head to Black Pond Brews for a Prohibition-era whiskey and cocktail experience. Live music, themed drinks, and 1920s glamour. FUN

Moosup | Team Trivia & Partyoke Fridays | 7 PM - Double the fun at The Music Lady Cafe! Start with team trivia then grab the mic for partyoke.                     

Putnam | Cousins Maine Lobster | 11:30 AM - 7 PM - The famous food truck from Shark Tank rolls into Tractor Supply parking lot!            

Putnam | Oneal Armstrong | 8 - 11 PM - Live music at The Stomping Ground, weekend mode starts here.                

Willimantic | 20 YEAR BASH | 6 PM - Willimantic Brewing Company is turning 20 and throwing a massive celebration!                                                    

Woodstock | Paint like A Ross Workshop | 6-9 PM | ($) - Channel your inner Bob Ross at Sweet Evalina's Stand with this guided winter oil landscape painting class. Paint                          

Canterbury | A-A-Ron LIVE | 6-9 PM - Local favorite A-A-Ron takes the stage at D&G Pizza and Pub for a night of live tunes.                          

Central Village | Whiskey Blvd | 8-11 PM - Rock out with Whiskey Blvd at The Music Lady Cafe!

Danielson | Watercolor 101 | 1 PM | ($) - Always wanted to try watercolor painting? Killingly Public Library is hosting a beginner-friendly class where you'll learn basic techniques and create your own masterpiece to take home. Create                  

Dayville | Livestock + Nick Anderson & Shady Creek | 7 PM ($) - Double bill of live country and Americana at the Killingly Grange!

Eastford | Cupcake Wars | 2-3:30 PM - Calling all bakers and cupcake lovers! Head to Eastford for this friendly decorating competition. Whether you're competing or just taste-testing, it's guaranteed to be sweet. Deets

North Grosvenordale | Katie Perkins Duo | 2-5 PM - Enjoy an afternoon of live acoustic music at Triple Raven Brewing.

Plainfield | Remembering Mr. Bojangles Memorial | 11 AM - A celebration of life for a beloved community member at Hay Burr Inn.

Putnam | Full Of Heart Felted Gnome | 10:30 AM-12 PM | ($) - Get crafty at Silver Circle Gallery with this adorable needle felting workshop.

Putnam | Heart Chakra Workshop | 3-5 PM - Open your heart center at this special wellness workshop at 96 Front Street Suite E.

Putnam | The Blues w/ Professor Harp | 8-11 PM - Don't miss this New England Music Hall of Fame inductee and Boston Music Award nominee at The Stomping Ground!                          

Putnam | ASW Returns | 9 PM -12 AM - Fan-favorite rock band ASW is back at Charlee Bravo's!

Sterling | Moonlight Hike with Mustangs | 5:30 PM - Experience something magical at the Sterling mustang sanctuary. Ride                                        

Woodstock | Yacht Rock Gold Experience | 7:30 PM | ($) - Smooth sailing at Loos Center for the Arts! This tribute band delivers all your  favorite soft rock hits from the 70s and 80s. Think Steely Dan, Hall & Oates and Christopher Cross. Rock out

North Grosvenordale | Roy's Cards | 9 AM - 3PM - Collectors, assemble! Head to the American Legion Post for a trading card show featuring sports cards, Pokemon, vintage finds, and more. Buy, sell, trade, or just browse.           

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