Good morning, Quiet Corner Swarm! Today is Tuesday 1/6, and that means it’s my brother Kiel’s birthday! So happy birthday big brother! It’s also National Bean Day and National Shortbread Day, but I think my brother’s b-day is more important.
In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:
Buzz & Tell
Dinner Club in Putnam
Adoption Event
20 Events
Let’s dive in!
-Tyler DiGiovanni
FEEDBACK
Huge thanks to everyone who took a minute to fill out the Quiet Corner Buzz survey - you gave us super clear marching orders. The headline: you’re here for Events and Hidden Gems, and in 2026 we’re going to add more exclusive local tips, sprinkle in more photos and make things easier to skim. Plus many of you said you’d like to see us bring in-person events come to life - stay tuned.
If you missed the survey last week, no worries - I still want your feedback:
Take survey.
QUIET CORNER PHOTO SHOWCASE
Are you a shutterbug that loves taking photos around our beautiful county?
Hit reply and drop a link to your Instagram, website, or portfolio - I’m looking to feature local photographers and share your shots in the newsletter.
BUZZ & TELL
🐶 Adopt-a-pal: Meet Daisy, a 3-year-old shepherd mix in Eastford with legendary ears, calm sweet energy, and “professional snuggler” vibes, plus she’s house-trained, good with dogs and cats, and walks great on leash.
🏡 House of the week: This Ashford post-and-beam is giving “rustic retreat, but make it fun,” with 250-year-old beams, two Rumford fireplaces, and 3.55 acres to disappear on. Bonus points for the pool + hot tub + gazebo setup that basically begs for a “we’re not going anywhere tonight” kind of weekend. Have a look!
🏛️ Indoor gem of the week: Putnam CT Arts Council Gallery, an underrated gallery stop with set hours, great for a short pop-in before you grab food downtown. Learn more.
🔭 Sky report: Your night-sky win this week is Jupiter: look east after sunset, and it’s at peak “holy crap that’s bright” around Jan 9-10. Saturn is the quick early-evening cameo low in the west, and by Jan 11-12 the Moon is at Last Quarter, so the sky gets darker and the stars pop more.
DINNER CLUB
Next dinner is Thursday, January 15 at 6pm in Putnam and yes, this is the thing a bunch of you voted for, so now we’re cashing in that vote with the fun part:
come join us.
Take the quick quiz, we’ll match you with 5 other CT Buzz folks, and you’ll get the restaurant reveal the morning of in Putnam. It’s $16 to hold your seat (matching, planning, reservations, reminders) and you just pay your tab at the end. If you keep saying “we should meet more people” and then ghosting your own social life for the couch, this is your sign.
PS. Dinner club is also happening in Manchester if Putnam doesn’t work for you.
WINDCO TRIVIA
Which Putnam-born author created The Boxcar Children series?
FLIGHT BUZZ
From Hartford to San Juan, Puerto Rico for 162 bucks* roundtrip, beginning of March for a week stay. See the deal!
From Boston to Lisbon, Portugal for 500 bucks* roundtrip, beginning of March for a week stay. See the deal!
*Prices at the time of writing subject to change
CONTRIBUTE TO THE BUZZ
Connecticut Buzz is 100% free to read, independently owned, and run local (yep, it’s me and my brothers behind the scenes).
If you’ve been enjoying it, kicking in a contribution helps keep the lights on and the hive humming so we can bring you more stories, more events, and more community stuff that actually makes CT feel connected.
Seriously appreciate any and all support, friends. - Tyler
BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝
SATURDAY 1/10
Windham | Adoption Event | 10am-1pm - If you haven’t figured out by now, I’m a huge proponent of adopting dogs (all the dogs my wife and I have had, have been rescues). This Saturday, CATS & Dogs Northeast Volunteer Team will be at Mackey’s (249 Columbia Ave) with several adoptable pets looking to find a loving family to go home with.
The River Room: Willimantic’s cozy living room for grownups who like art, music, and a good drink with a view of the river. Think speakeasy vibes, small-room energy, and a rotating mix of live shows, dance nights, and creative weirdness tucked away at 50 Riverside Drive.
McClintock Roofing: Shingles looking tired or a leak after the last storm? McClintock Roofing is trusted locally for repairs, full replacements, and honest inspections. Quality craftsmanship, clean job sites, and roofs that last. Get a fast, no-pressure quote and protect your home before winter weather hits. Call the pros (860) 815-8746!
If you want to be one of our Hive Partners, get in touch!
BEE LINE EVENTS
TUESDAY (1/6) - Three Kings Day / My Brother’s Birthday
Moosup | Vision Board - Jar Night | 6-7:30pm $ - Set your intentions for the new year at Love & Light Healing Studio (5 Legacy Dr) with a Vision Jar or Vision Board. Spots are very limited - register.
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | | 8-11pm
WEDNESDAY (1/7)
TRIVIA
Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - Thompson | 6:30pm
Woodstock Tavern - Woodstock | 6:30-8:30pm
THURSDAY (1/8)
Danielson | Steak Dinner | 6:30pm $ - The Elks Lodge (13 Center St) is holding a steak dinner ($25), with a 50/50 and raffles (extra cost). Contact the Elks for tickets.
Danielson | Tweens Activity | 4-5pm - Killingly Public Library 925 Westcott Rd) is holding an activity hour (program changes every week) for kids ages 8-12. Register on their website.
Thompson | Art Show Opening | 6-8pm - Thompson Public Library (934 Riverside Dr) is holding a reception for local artist Wendy Forbes’ “Change Comes in Layers” exhibition.
Thompson | Protein-Packed Meals | 5:30pm $ - Pick up three protein-filled recipes at New Boston Beef (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd). More deets
Windham | Women’s Self Defense Workshop | 6:30-8pm - 360 Defense Martial Arts (351 Boston Post Rd) is holding a free self-defense workshop for women. No experience or membership required. Sign Up
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam |
⬢ D&G Pizza - Canterbury | Brian Malone | 6-9pm
TRIVIA
Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm
FRIDAY (1/9)
Dayville | Comedy Show | 8pm $ - Next Stop Comedy is back at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike), for an evening of laughs and great beer. Tix
Putnam | Variety Show Audition | 6-9pm - Parent’s Corner is holding auditions for a fundraising variety show at The Bob Sloat Memorial Rehearsal Hall (6 Livery St). Prepare a one-minute segment to showcase your talent - bring a Bluetooth speaker if needed. The actual show will be at The Bradley Playhouse in March!
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | | 8-11pm
⬢ American Cafe - Plainfield | Partyoke | 9pm-1am
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Partyoke | 9pm
⬢ Hank’s Restaurant - Brooklyn | Rob Brannon | 6:30-9:30pm
⬢ Montana Nights - Putnam | Johnny Debit | 7pm
TRIVIA
Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | 6:30pm
Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | 7pm
SATURDAY (1/10)
Plainfield | Volunteer For a Day | 9am-12pm - Donate a little time and effort to help an amazing non-profit continue to do fantastic work at Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue (169 Black Hill Rd). Sign Up
Putnam | Variety Show Audition | 10am-2pm - Day 2 of auditions for a fundraising variety show at The Bob Sloat Memorial Rehearsal Hall (6 Livery St). Prepare a one-minute segment to showcase your talent - bring a Bluetooth speaker if needed. The actual show will be at The Bradley Playhouse in March!
Putnam | Vision Board Workshop | 10:30am-1pm $ - Go on a guided meditation, followed by a vision board creation at The Studio (198 S Main St). All supplies included. Tix
Thompson | Meat Raffle | 12-5pm $ - Try your hand at winning some meat at Thompson Rod and Gun Club (93 Brandy Hill Rd). Tickets are purchased each round - only pay to try and win cuts you want.
Windham | Blue Bird Paint Party | 3-6pm $ - Add a little color to this winter season with a beautiful blue bird painting at the Franco-American Civic & Social Club (116 Club Rd). Tix
Windham | Open House Weekend | 8:30am-6pm - The Mantra Room (661 Windham Rd) is offering two days of free yoga classes. No registration required, just show up with a yoga mat and open mind.
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | | 8-11pm
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Partyoke | 8-11:55pm
SUNDAY (1/11)
Dayville | Pet Adoption Event | 9am-12pm - Petco (1086 Killingly Commons Dr) is holding another pet adoption event with Paws Rescue League. Fill out the adoption application so you can take home a pup that day!
Plainfield | Broom Making Class | 10am-2pm $ - You’ll learn how to make a turkey wing whisk broom (along with a few other fun projects) at Crystal Visions (40 Railroad Ave). Shoot them a message to book your spot.
Putnam | Lace Curtains Weaving Workshop | 9am-2pm $ - Woolworks Ltd Yarn Shop (154 Main St) is going to show you how to make lace curtain panels on a rigid heddle loom (whatever that is). $50 + materials, you can RSVP at the shop of call Sharon at (860) 942-3033.
Thompson | Sourdough Class | 12-4pm $ - Learn all about sourdough with this hands on class at New Boston Beef (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd), taught by Maria Viens, owner/baker of Breads at Nestings. Tix
Windham | Open House Weekend | 8:30am-6pm - This is day 2 of The Mantra Room (661 Windham Rd) offering two days of free yoga classes. Just like above, no registration required, just show up with a yoga mat and open mind.
Woodstock | Wedding Expo | 11am-2pm - If you know of anyone getting married in the near future, send them to The Mansion at Bald Hill (29 Plaine Hill Rd) to meet several different vendors (also, it’s a beautiful location).
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | | 1-4pm
MONDAY (1/12)
LIVE MUSIC
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Brandt Taylor | 5:30pm
That’s it for this week’s Quiet Corner Buzz. If you got something out of it, please share it with someone who is determined to stick to their New Year’s Resolution!
See ya next week,
Tyler
