Big thanks to Pet Supplies Plus for backing Connecticut Buzz Mutt Madness and hooking up a $100 gift card for the winner and $50 for second place, plus they’re a go-to spot if you need to stock up on anything for your pet. We’re officially down to the Elite Eight, and after two rounds of chaos and some very determined dog parents, just 8 pups are still in the hunt for the crown.

No clutter. No competing ads everywhere. Just clean, high-performing placements that get noticed. If you’ve been thinking about it… now’s the time.

A ton of you said you’d grab a hometown map, so we’re making it happen with six clean colorways to match your space. We can even drop a custom home icon right on your exact home address, which is a pretty cool flex.

Last week’s Dinner Club was a hit, with 50 people showing up and instantly turning strangers into new connections. Good food, great conversations, and exactly the kind of energy we’re building this around. Now we’re planning the next one that will take place on April 16th at 6:30PM…

Last week we had you out exploring Connecticut’s maple sugar houses, now we’re putting that liquid gold to work. This week, we’ve got two simple drink recipes to help you actually use the goods you stocked up on.

Myth v Reality

Did you know that you don’t need 20% down payment to buy a home? One size does not fit all - conventional as low as 3% down, FHA 3.5% down, VA and USDA 0% down.  As your PrimeLending expert, I can help you understand your current standing and create a roadmap to get you mortgage-ready.

March 28–29 | Mansfield | East Brook Mall | 10AM–4PM

Eastern CT Maple Festival takes over with food trucks, sweet treats, and 100+ vendors plus family fun like games, crafts, and bounce houses. Catch maple sugaring demos, learn the history behind CT’s favorite syrup, and come hungry because there’s everything from fudge to fried dough waiting.

Best part, it’s free and easy to get to with plenty of parking.

Last week’s trivia had 50.95% of you correctly guessing “Jumbo,” which is a pretty solid showing for a question involving both elephants and Willimantic history. And yes, this actually happened. The Willimantic Linen Company used Jumbo the Elephant in its advertising, which feels exactly like the kind of wonderfully random old-school marketing move that could only come from another era. At the time, Jumbo was one of the most famous animals in the world, so attaching his name and image to a local textile company was a clever way to grab attention. It’s one of those weird little Thread City details that sounds made up until you realize local history is often stranger, and better, than fiction.

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Shrek, a 5-month-old collie mix with big “guess-the-breed” energy, already past the puppy chaos phase and ready to be your adventure buddy and couch companion all in one.

🏡House of the week: This c.1800 former inn brings serious Quiet Corner charm with over 4,000 sq ft, wide-plank floors, exposed beams, and even a full ballroom tucked inside. Historic character meets modern updates on 1.2 acres, the kind of place that feels like it has stories to tell. Check it out!

Sighting of the week: A barred owl calling out with that classic “who cooks for you” echo through the woods, especially around dusk.

🔭Sky report: We’ve got a sneaky good stretch of skies this week, with darker nights making it easier to actually see something besides your neighbor’s porch light. Jupiter is still doing its thing bright after sunset, and Leo is climbing higher each night like spring is officially clocking in. If you’re out just after dusk, you might even catch the zodiacal light, which sounds fake but is very real and kind of feels like a bonus level if you spot it.

🦗🦗🦗

Putnam | The Sound Guys Trivia Night | 7 PM - Grab your crew and test your knowledge with a full night of trivia.

Putnam | Karaoke + Permanent Jewelry Pop Up | 6 PM - Sing your heart out while shopping custom permanent jewelry at Craft'd Putnam (190 Providence St).

Willimantic | Mixed Media Collage Art | 6 PM | ($) - Create unique mixed media artwork at Bliss Marketplace (34 North St). Call to reserve your spot 860-456-2569

Woodstock | Chakra Series: Throat Chakra | 6:30 PM | ($) - Explore expression and communication through yoga at Roots to Fly Wellness (3 Route 171, Suite 5). Find Balance

Dayville | Beer and Cheese Pairing | 6 PM | ($) - Sample craft brews paired with artisan cheeses from Edgewood Cheese Shop at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). Reservations required. Dig In

Putnam | Parent's Corner 1st Variety Show | 7:30 PM | ($) - Local talent takes the stage for a family-friendly showcase at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). See the Show

Willimantic | The Linda Ransom Quartet | 7:30 PM | ($) - Live jazz performance at Willimantic Records (50 Riverside Dr). Listen Up

Willimantic | Home By Ten | 8 PM - Live music at Blarney's Cafe (49 High St).

Woodstock | Special Bourbon Tasting Dinner | 6 PM | ($) - Five-course dinner paired with premium bourbons at The Mansion at Bald Hill (29 Plaine Hill Rd). Reservations required. Dig In

Woodstock | Hold My Beer | 6 PM - Live country/rock cover band at Woodstock Tavern (35 Somers Tpke).

Ashford | Prime Rib Dinner - Friends of Webster | 5 PM | ($) - Fundraiser dinner supporting J.N. Webster Scout Reservation at Midway Restaurant (174 Ashford Center Rd). Give Back

Ashford | Garage Sale | 9 AM - Multi-family garage sale (121 Ference Rd).

Chaplin | Waking Up the Garden | 10 AM - Spring gardening workshop with William Hooper at the Chaplin Public Library (130 Chaplin St).

Chaplin | Easter Experience at Little Treasures Farm | 9 AM | ($) - Meet baby animals, hunt for eggs, and enjoy spring activities (22 North Bear Hill Rd). Join the Fun

Danielson | The Incredible Killingly Easter Egg Hunt | 10 AM - Annual community egg hunt for kids at Davis Park.

Danielson | Medicinal Trees Plant Walk | 10 AM | ($) - Learn to identify and use medicinal trees at Old Furnace State Park (539 South Frontage Rd). Explore

Danielson | Pancake Breakfast | 8 AM | ($) - All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at Westfield Church (210 Main St).

Dayville | Mike Boulay & The Hope Valley Volunteers | 7 PM | ($) - Live Americana and country music with Nick Anderson & Shady Creek at Killingly Grange No. 112 (801 Hartford Tpke).

East Killingly | 32nd Country Antiques Show | 10 AM - Browse vintage treasures from dozens of dealers at Ellis Technical High School (613 Upper Maple St). Details

Plainfield | Giving Back Community Program | 9 AM - a special opportunity offered once a month for a 3-hour shift at Hay Burr Inn (169 Black Hill Rd). Sign up

Plainfield | MAMMA MIA! The Musical | 1 PM | ($) - High school production of the ABBA hit musical at Plainfield High School Theater (105 Putnam Rd). See the Show

Pomfret Center | Beginner Bowl Cozy Class | 10 AM - Learn to sew a microwave bowl cozy at Pomfret Community Center (207 Mashamoquet Rd). Email [email protected].

Putnam | Scott Higgins Comedy All Stars | 7:30 PM | ($) - Stand-up comedy showcase at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). Laugh Out Loud

Putnam | Willie J Laws Band (Trio) | 8 PM - Blues and roots rock at The Stomping Ground (132 Main St).

Scotland | Barn Bash with The Brothers Donovan | 7 PM | ($) - Live music in a rustic barn setting at Hurricane Farm (65 Kasacek Rd).

Sterling | Volunteer Day with Wild Horses | 1 PM | ($) - Help care for rescued wild mustangs at Wild Ride CT (130 Old Cranston Rd). Saddle Up

Thompson | Thompson's Annual Easter Egg Hunt | 1 PM - Community egg hunt for kids at Thompson Common (235 Chase Rd). Email to register [email protected].

Thompson | Tri Town American Legion Baseball Fundraiser Breakfast | 8 AM | ($) - Pancake breakfast supporting youth baseball (17 Thompson Hill Rd).

Thomspon | Make Your Own Paella | 5 PM | ($) - Hands-on 4-course Spanish cooking class (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd). Reservations required. Dig In

Willimantic | Thread Mill Neighborhood Walking Tour | 10 AM -Take a 90-minute guided walk through the historic mill district (meet across from the Mill Museum, 411 Main St). Bev York 860-208-0790

Willimantic | WAIM Flea Market | 8 AM - Antique marketplace on the 5th floor (866 Main St).

Willimantic | Karaoke Night at the Theater | 6 PM | ($) - Sing on stage at the Windham Theatre Guild (779 Main St).

Windham | Easter Egg Hunt | 11 AM - Community egg hunt for kids (14 Club Rd).

Woodstock | Big Dawg Isaac | 2 PM - Live acoustic music at Taylor Brooke Brewery (818 Route 171).

Canterbury | Vendor Meet and Greet | 12-3 PM - Meet local vendors and shop small businesses at Wright’s Mill Farm (65 Creasey Rd). Shop Local

Putnam | Terrarium Workshop | 2 PM | ($) - Build your own mini ecosystem at Craft'd Putnam (190 Providence St). Get Crafty

Putnam | Family Friendly Hops & Crafts | 12 PM | ($) - Kids craft activities while parents enjoy local brews (75 Main St). Get Crafty

Putnam | Trivia Night | 6 PM - Test your knowledge at Montana Nights (50 Providence Pike).

Woodstock | Royal Tea Party | 1 PM | ($) - Princess-themed tea party for kids at The Woodstock Academy (57 Academy Rd).

Danielson | Baking Classes | 4 PM | ($) - Learn baking techniques (535 Main St). Dig In