The Birth of The Last Green Valley

BRIEF BITES

• Nature - Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has acquired nearly 643 acres in Killingly, including four lakes, to establish a new Wildlife Management Area. This move aims to protect vital ecosystems and provide opportunities for passive recreation like wildlife watching and fishing

• Trains - Locals are rallying to revive passenger rail service along the historic Central Corridor, aiming to reconnect communities from New London to Brattleboro, Vermont. With existing freight infrastructure in place, local leaders and small businesses see this as a transformative opportunity to boost tourism, ease commutes, and revitalize downtown economies.

HIVE: CHARITY

Back in 1994 - when Beanie Babies ruled the Earth and everyone was prepping for Y2K - Congress looked at the 35-town stretch between Worcester, MA and Norwich, CT and said, “You know what? This place is something special.” That’s how the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor was born. But thankfully, folks started calling it The Last Green Valley - a way cooler name that came from the fact that, when you look at the Northeast from space at night, this area stays dark and green while everything else glows like a Lite-Brite.

Here’s why that matters: The corridor spans roughly 707,000 acres, and a whopping 84% of it is still forests, farms, wetlands, or other open space. That’s basically unheard of between two metro monsters like Boston and New York. Around 300,000 people live in this corridor today, and it’s filled with everything from colonial-era mills to trails that Native Americans and early settlers once walked. And thanks to The Last Green Valley, Inc., a nonprofit that leads education and preservation efforts, this corner of New England isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving, one cider mill, barn quilt, and historic village at a time.

BUZZWORTHY ACTIVITY🐝

Ever wondered if time travel is actually possible or just a sci-fi fever dream? 🔮 Pull up a seat (in this timeline) for "How to Build a Time Machine" with UConn physics legend Dr. Ronald Mallett, the real-life scientist who’s been chasing Einstein’s theories to bend spacetime.

It’s happening on Friday May May 23rd at the The River Room (50 Riverside Dr.), which honestly feels like the perfect setting for a time-bending conversation. If you’ve got even a shred of curiosity or just want to tell your grandkids you were there when time travel hit the Quiet Corner, grab your ticket. This isn’t just theoretical - it’s personal, powerful, and possibly historic. After the screening there will be a Q&A session and book signing.

HIVE PROPERTY

This four-story stunner is part lakeside retreat, part luxury flex—think cathedral ceilings, mahogany porches, and sunsets that slap. It’s built to impress, with exposed beams, oversized windows, and an on-demand heated driveway (because of course).

Inside: radiant floors, granite counters, a chef’s kitchen with a Wolf range, and even a future-proof elevator hookup. You've got your own private beach, dock, and 5-6 car garage for all your toys.

Whether you're summering in style or living the year-round dream, this 2-3 bed, 3 full + 2 half bath custom build is the definition of flex meets function.

TUESDAY (5/20)

Brooklyn | Boating Certificate Class | 5:30-9:30pm $ - Looking to get your boating license for the summer? Brooklyn Parks & Rec (31 Tiffany St) are giving you the opportunity. Class takes place on 5/20 and 5/22. Attendance on both days is mandatory. Sign Up

Danielson | Parent’s Corner Community Meeting | 6:15-7:15pm - Check out what Parent’s Corner is all about and get involved with their plans and ideas at Girls n Tools (106 Westcott Rd). Email [email protected] with any questions.

Pomfret | Summer Cribbage League | 6pm $ - Join a cribbage league at Pomfret Senior Center (207 Mashamoquet Rd), although you don’t need to be a senior to participate. Register

Putnam | Women’s Reflection | 3-5pm - This is the wrap-up to the group discussion of Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Enjoyed an evening of conversation, reflection, and camaraderie at Twogoldmoons (112 Main St). Reading Guide

Willimantic | Auditions | 5pm - Here’s your second chance to audition for the Windham Theater Guild’s (779 Main St) production of Back to the 80’s! The Totally Awesome Musical. More deets

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Cross Rhode Blues | 8-11pm

WEDNESDAY (5/21)

Brooklyn | Plein Air Painting | 4-5:30pm - Take advantage of the beautiful setting at Little Dipper Farm (499 Wolf Den Rd) with some outdoor painting at the farm. Must bring your own materials.

Dayville | Paint Your Pet | 5:30pm $ - Create a paint-by-numbers canvas version of your pet at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). More info

Pomfret | Adult Sand Volleyball League | 5:30-8:30pm $ - Pomfret Rec Department is running an adult (16+) volleyball league at Pomfret Rec Park (576 Hampton Rd). Register

Willimantic | Tavern Night | 5pm $ - Come meet and listen to Mr. Sunshine on my Shoulders John Denver, at the Windham Historical Society’s (627 Main St) monthly Tavern Night. Learn about their life, and enjoy some of their favorite foods and drink. Tix

Woodstock | Make Tiny Trees | 6:30pm $ - Learn the fundamental techniques of Bonsai at Taylor Brooke Brewery (818 Rte 171). More info

TRIVIA

Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - North Grosvenordale | 6:30pm

THURSDAY (5/22)

Dayville | KHS Project Grad Fundraising | 6pm - Grab a drink or two at the Golden Greek (460 Putnam Pike) and help support Project Grad at KHS. All cash donations will go directly to the fund.

Pomfret | Summer Pickleball League | 5pm $ - Here’s your chance to join the weekly pickleball league run by Pomfret Rec at Pomfret Rec Park (576 Hampton Rd). Register

Putnam | Trivia & Pizza | 4:30pm - Enjoy some pizza, ice cream, and trivia at the Town Complex Community Room (200 School St), thrown by the Putnam Commission on Aging. You must pre-register by calling Marcy at (860) 963-6811 or emailing [email protected] 

Thompson | Group Psychic Reading | 5:30pm $ - Head to the Raceway Golf Club (205 East Thompson Rd) for a chance at getting a reading from psychic-medium Debbie Squizzero. Tix

Willimantic | Sound Healing | 11am - Take a relaxing gong bath at the Windham Senior Center (1 Jillson Sq). Contact the senior center to sign up.

Woodstock | Senior Social | 1:30-3pm - The Woodstock Commission on Aging is holding their May senior social at First Congregational Church of Woodstock (543 Rte 169). Games, goodies, and conversation aplenty.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Keegan Day | 8-11pm
⬢ Corleone’s - Willimantic | Open Mic | 8:30pm-12:30am

TRIVIA

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

FRIDAY (5/23)

Danielson | Spring Family Hike | 10am - Take a lovely stroll with the Children’s Librarians from Killingly Public Library at Phaiah’s Dog Park (94 Quinebaug Dr).

North Grosvenordale | Flip The Script on Aging | 10-11am - Chat with experts about programs and services that support aging. Contact (860) 887-3561 or [email protected] for more information.

Plainfield | QC Senior Chorus Spring Concert | 6pm $ - The Quiet Corner Senior Chorus (formerly Plainfield Senior Chorus) will be performing at Plainfield High School (105 Putnam Rd). Songs, skits, catchy hits, and dancers from Marie’s Fitness. Deets

Putnam | Artist in Residence Open Studio | 11am-4pm - Stop into BLOCK 134 (134 Main St) to watch artist in residence Roland Comtois paint something magical.

Sterling | Sound Healing/Fire Ceremony | 7-9pm $ - Bask in a rainbow sound healing, followed by a Shamanic fire ceremony at Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd). More info

Thompson | Martial Arts Seminar | 4pm $ - Blade Master Tuhon Apolo Ladra will be at Quest Martial Arts (56 Riverside Dr) give seminars on the Art of the Blade. Tix

Willimantic | How To Build a Time Machine Screening | 7:30pm $ - Get your mind blown at The River Room (50 Riverside Dr) with a screening of this documentary by theoretical physicist Ronald Mallett. After the screening there will be a Q&A session and book signing. More deets 

Windham | Calzone Bingo | 3-6pm - How you do you Bingo better? Make the prizes homemade calzones, that’s how. St. Joseph’s Living Center (14 Club Rd) is giving you that chance. RSVP by calling (860) 456-1107 or emailing [email protected]

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Black Dog - Putnam | The Interchangeables | 8-11pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Berger Boys | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | 7pm
Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | 6:30pm

SATURDAY (5/24)

Canterbury | Clear Out For A Cause | 12-2pm - Help support The Riley Farm Rescue (13 Barstow Rd) by dropping off your gently used stuff you don’t want anymore. They’ll donate it and use the check to help support animals on the farm (which you’ll get to say hi to when you drop off your stuff).

Danielson | Low Cost Rabies Shots | 2-3pm $ - Register to get rabies shots for your pet at Quinebaug Valley Vet Hospital (616 Wauregan Rd) at a cost of $15 per animal. Must call ahead (860) 317-1720, no walk-ins.

Hampton | Free Running Club | 8:30-9:30am - Take advantage of this free running club for kids in grades K-6 held at the Hampton Town Hall Pavilion (178 Main St). Register by emailing [email protected] 

Putnam | Bloom Into Summer Beauty | 10am-1pm - Smoke and Mirrors (171 Providence St) is hosting a plethora of activities, including a floral bouquet bar, several beauty services, and permanent jewelry. You can book services in advance.

Thompson | Mindful Movement Half Day | 9am-1pm $ - Get your mindfullness on at West Thompson Dam (449 Reardon Rd) with rejuvenating activities. More info

Windham | Memorial Day Music Festival | 1-5:30pm - Enjoy a music festival at Willimantic Camp Meeting Association (453 Windham Rd).

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Zack Slik | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Mad Painter | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | Red Hot Rascals 2.0 | 2-5pm
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | John Fuzek | 5:30-7:30pm

SUNDAY (5/25)

Canterbury | A Day on the Farm | 10am-4pm - Take a drive to Our Kids Farm (357 Barstow Rd) to say hi to the animals, stroll around the general store, browse vendors, take a wagon ride, and much more.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Hank’s Dairy Bar - Plainfield | Tom Burgess | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Attractor | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11:30pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke Brewery - Woodstock | Nolan Leite | 2-5pm
⬢ 4G’s Restaurant - Dayville | KT Lay | 2-5pm

MONDAY (5/26) - Happy Memorial Day!

Hampton | Memorial Day Celebration | 9am-1pm - Enjoy the parade and maybe some BBQ ribs from the Hampton General Store (258 Main St). Make sure to preorder at the store!