Good morning, Quiet Corner Swarm!

Today is November 10th, AKA National Civic Pride Day, and I can't think of a better reason to give a little love to the people, places, and organizations that make the Quiet Corner such a great place to call home!

From volunteers and nonprofits doing incredible work to local artists, small businesses, and neighbors who go out of their way to help others, there's a lot of good happening across Windham and Tolland counties.

And here's where you come in! Know someone making a difference in your community? Maybe it's a local nonprofit, a community project, or just a neighbor who deserves a shoutout. Hit reply and tell me about them!

I'd love to start featuring more of these folks right here in the Buzz. No good deed is too small, and sometimes a little recognition goes a long way.

Speaking of local favorites, we've got some must-try sandwiches, Thanksgiving to-go, Veterans Day ceremonies, and plenty of events happening around the Quiet Corner this week.

Let's get into it!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

SUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | PARTNER

Some of the best sandwiches around the Quiet Corner come from places you'd never expect, including a feed store that makes one heck of a spicy Italian grinder (I can personally vouch for that one!). We rounded up 21 must-try sandwiches across Windham and Tolland counties, plus four reader picks, covering everything from old-school grinders and lobster rolls to creative sandwiches worth going out of your way for.

🦃 Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you'd rather spend more time eating than cooking, I've got you covered! I rounded up Thanksgiving dinners to go, locally raised turkeys, homemade pies, and plenty of holiday sides from businesses across Windham and Tolland Counties.

Some preorder deadlines are coming up fast, so don't wait until the last minute to make your plans!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Across the Quiet Corner, communities are coming together to honor the men and women who have served our country. If you can spare a little time, consider attending a local ceremony.

Wednesday, November 11 | Local Ceremonies

A special shoutout goes to Anthony M. of Tolland, Sean P. of Columbia and Joseph P. of North Windham, all nominated by our readers.

And to all our veterans and military families, thank you for your service and sacrifice. We're grateful for you!

Sponsored by The River Room

Got two left feet? Bring them anyway! The River Room at 50 Riverside Drive in Willimantic is bringing the heat on Saturday, November 14, from 7:30–10:00 PM with its sixth Latin Dance Social! Enjoy a live band, plenty of salsa, bachata, merengue, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and a whole lot of dancing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun night out, grab some friends, bring a partner, or show up solo. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

With Election Day behind us, I thought you might enjoy a little Connecticut history, with a side of cake!

Back in 1796, Amelia Simmons published American Cookery in Hartford, the first cookbook written by an American and published in the United States. Its second edition included a recipe for Election Cake, a massive, boozy celebration cake calling for 10 pounds of butter, 14 pounds of sugar, and 36 eggs!

We've taken that 230-year-old recipe and adapted it into something you can actually bake at home. Figured it would be a fun way to enjoy a little slice of Connecticut history!

🧩 Got a few minutes to kill? Don't forget to give our Buzz Games a shot and see if you can keep that brain of yours sharp!

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Yoyo, a sweet, 1-year-old Shepherd mix weighing just 30 pounds who's full of love, loves everyone she meets (dogs included!), and is the perfect size to tag along on all your adventures!

🏡House of the week: This 4-bedroom Cape sits on nearly 3.5 wooded acres and features a gorgeous stone fireplace, a two-story great room with a loft, and a detached barn. Plenty of room to spread out, enjoy nature, and maybe finally get that hobby you've been putting off. Have a look!

🔭Sky report: Keep an eye out November 11–12 as the Northern Taurid meteor shower peaks, with a chance of catching a spectacular fireball thanks to nearly moonless skies. The real highlight comes November 15–16, when Mars and Jupiter appear just over one degree apart in the southeastern sky before sunrise, close enough to admire together without a telescope. Not a morning person? Saturn is still putting on a show in the southern evening sky.

🌮 Putnam | Agave Mexican Kitchen (Now Open) | A new Mexican restaurant with a full bar is now open at Putnam Parkade, 62 Providence Pike.

🌯 Storrs | GuacPoint (Coming Soon) | A new halal Mexican restaurant is moving into the former Chang's Garden at 1244 Storrs Road. Expect birria tacos, build-your-own bowls, quesadillas, and loaded fries!

🏟️ Vernon | Reputation Athletics Fieldhouse (Now Open) | A massive new indoor training facility at Hockanum Crossing opened with a November 1 grand-opening event! The expanded space offers turf rentals, lacrosse clinics, cheerleading, and training for multiple sports.

Putnam | Tail Light Rebellion | 7 PM - Public-house folk with the fire of the Pogues and the grit of Tom Waits at The Stomping Ground. Listen!

Stafford Springs | Abigail Adams: Liberty and Legacy | 6 PM - Sheryl Faye plays the founding mother, with original music, at Stafford Library. Hosted by the Stafford Historical Society. Free. Learn!

Willimantic | Open Mic #15 at The River Room | 7 PM - Musicians, poets, writers and comics all get a turn on the listening-room stage. Sing!

SEE VETERANS DAY EVENTS ABOVE

Brooklyn | Music Bingo: Disco vs. '80s | 6:30 PM - Disco divas take on '80s rock stars in a battle-of-the-decades music bingo at Hank's. Play!

Mansfield Center | DINOvember Wonder Workshop | 4-6 PM - Geologist "Paleo Paul" runs dinosaur stations, and kids press their own trackways in real Jurassic sand at Mansfield Public Library. Free. Explore!

Storrs | Callisto Quartet | 7:30 PM $ - The award-winning young string quartet plays the Jorgensen's chamber series. Listen!

Vernon | Holiday Artisan Fair | 1-5 PM - More than 60 artisans sell ceramics, jewelry, fiber, candles, and wood and metal work at Arts Center East. Fri 1-5 PM, Sat 9 AM-4 PM, Sun 10 AM-2 PM. Shop! (Runs through Nov 15.)

Willimantic | A Look into Our Universe | 6:30 PM - A local astrophotographer's tour from our Sun to galaxies 60 million light-years away, hosted by Windham Recreation. Learn!

Willington | Pictures with Santa Fundraiser | 6-7:30 PM $ - Get your holiday photos taken with Santa at Willington Public Library. Pets are welcome, and all proceeds benefit the library. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are recommended. Fun

Brooklyn | Rob Brannon at Hank's | 6:30 PM - Live music over dinner to ride out Friday the 13th. Listen!

Coventry | A Midsummer Night's Dream | 7 PM $ - Coventry High's Center Stage Drama Co. takes on Shakespeare's comedy. Also Saturday at 7 PM. Watch! (Runs through Nov 14.)

Coventry | Sound Meditation Concert | 7-8:30 PM $ - The Conduit Sound's monthly sound bath in the lodge at Patriots Park, overlooking Coventry Lake. Unwind!

Dayville | Next Stop Comedy | 8 PM $ - Pro stand-ups from the Boston circuit, with a new lineup every time, at Black Pond Brews. Laugh!

Mansfield Center | Friday Films: War Pony | 1 PM - A free screening of the Cannes-winning drama about two Lakota boys on Pine Ridge, at Mansfield Public Library. Watch!

Putnam | O'Neal Armstrong | 8 PM - Freestyle jazz, funk and jam from guitarist Charlie O'Neal, featuring John Cooke, at The Stomping Ground. Rock!

Putnam | Trolls the Musical JR | 7 PM $ - Big hair, big laughs: The Complex's young cast stages the DreamWorks musical. Watch! (Runs through Nov 22.)

Stafford Springs | Arts on Main at Stafford Cidery | 6-8 PM - Amanda Matlasz's glow-in-the-dark art under black light, plus henna tattoos and homemade sweets with your cider. Explore!

Vernon | Saving Abel at the Rocking Horse | 7 PM $ - The hard rockers behind "Addicted" and "18 Days" invade the Rocking Horse. Rock!

Willimantic | The Beatles Candlelight Experience | 6 PM & 8 PM $ - Classical Beatles arrangements by candlelight at First Congregational Church. Ages 8+. Listen!

Willimantic | The Rocky Horror Show | 8 PM $ - Windham Theatre Guild's seventh annual Time Warp at the Burton Leavitt Theatre. Saturday at 7 PM and an 11 PM late show. Watch! (Runs through Nov 14.)

Ashford | Holly Berry Christmas Craft Fair | 9 AM-2 PM - Handmade gifts, raffles and baked goods at St. Philip the Apostle, with pierogies and soup for lunch. Shop!

Brooklyn | Little Dipper Farm Holiday Market | 10 AM-3 PM - Local artists and vendors fill the farm for a weekend of holiday shopping. Shop! (Runs through Nov 15.)

Columbia | Touch-A-Truck | 10 AM-2 PM - Kids climb on fire trucks and public works rigs and meet first responders, with hot dogs and burgers at the Columbia fire station. Free. Play!

Coventry | Our Lady Queen of Peace Christmas Fair | 9 AM-2 PM - Craft vendors, a bake sale and a raffle at St. Mary Church Hall, with breakfast and lunch from the kitchen. Shop!

Danielson | Winter Wonderland Bazaar & Craft Fair | 8 AM-1 PM - Christmas décor, baked goods, a basket raffle and craft vendors at Westfield Congregational. Shop!

Putnam | Scott Higgins Comedy All Stars | 7:30 PM $ - Ace Aceto hosts Tyler Hittner, James Dorsey, Chris Zito and Darren Rivera in the series finale at The Bradley Playhouse. 18+. $32. Laugh!

Somers | Aquanett at Joanna's | 8 PM $ - A night of '80s rock and metal. $15 cover, 21+. Rock!

Storrs | Meet Me Here Concert | 4 PM $ - Consonare's Choir Matrix and Youth Choirs bring beautiful music celebrating community and connection to Storrs Congregational Church. Students attend free, and no one is turned away for lack of funds. Details

Vernon | Local Author Fair | 10 AM-1 PM - About a dozen Connecticut authors, from romantasy to medical thrillers, sign and sell books at Rockville Public Library. Read!

Willimantic | 3 O'Clock Jazz Band at the Jillson House | 4-6 PM $ - Eastern's student-led jazz group on the lawn. Bring chairs and a picnic. $15. Listen!

Willimantic | WAIM Flea Market | 8 AM-12 PM - Antiques, curiosities and holiday gifts, with proceeds going to the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry. Shop!

Willington | SIRSY | 7:30 PM $ - The indie rock-pop duo the Boston Globe calls "the little band with the big sound" plays The Packing House. Rock!

Woodstock | Bruce in the USA | 7:30 PM $ - A Springsteen and E Street Band tribute at the Loos Center. $41-61. Rock!

Canterbury | Prudence Crandall Museum Tours | 11:30 AM & 3 PM $ - One-hour small-group tours of the landmark school. Capped at 15. Explore!

Coventry | Rainbow Grass Benefit Concert | 1:30 PM - Enjoy an eclectic mix of gospel, folk, traditional music, and more at First Congregational Church of Coventry. Bring a bag of nonperishable food or make a free-will donation to support Willimantic's Covenant Soup Kitchen. Details

Hebron | Burrows Hill & Hope Valley Artifacts | 10 AM–1 PM - Step back in time at Burrows Hill School, to explore locally discovered artifacts, meet historical society researchers, enjoy outdoor games, and snap a family photo at the historic two-room outhouse. Donations appreciated. Details

Mansfield Center | Mansfield Drive-In Flea Market | 8 AM-2 PM - Sunday treasure hunting on the drive-in lot. Bring a canned good and admission is free. Shop!

North Grosvenordale | Nick Bosse at Triple Raven | 2-4:30 PM - A velvet-voiced favorite returns to the nanobrewery. Johnny Hot Dogs' truck parks outside from noon. Listen!

Putnam | Kenn Morr Band | 1-4 PM - An afternoon of Americana from the touring roots band at The Stomping Ground. Listen!

Stafford Springs | Festive Cookie Decorating | 2 PM $ - Learn to decorate six holiday sugar cookies at Stafford Cidery. A glass of cider is included (21+). Create!

Sterling | PBA 5K, 8K & 10K | 10 AM $ - Pick your distance, or run the Moosup-to-Sterling 5K, for local food pantries. It's the make-up date for September's rainout. Run!

Sterling | Wild Tranquility: Yoga & Wild Horses | 9-11:30 AM - A short hike to the dome for yoga and meditation, then a walk among Wild Ride's rescued wild horses. Stretch!

Storrs | Catapult: Magic Shadows | 2 PM $ - The America's Got Talent finalists turn bodies into shadow-puppet stories at the Jorgensen. Watch!

Thompson | Patchwork Band at Raceway | 1-4 PM - The band's debut gig, with food and drinks at Raceway Restaurant & Golf Simulators. Listen!

Woodstock | JT Horne at Taylor Brooke Brewery | 2-5 PM - Originals and favorite covers down the hill. Free. Listen!

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

See ya next week,

Tyler