Big thanks again to Pet Supplies Plus for sponsoring Connecticut Buzz Mutt Madness and putting up a $100 gift card for the winner plus $50 for second place. We’ve had a strong turnout so far, and now Round 2 voting starts now with just 16 pups left in the bracket.

Also, quick heads-up: our voting software had a bit of a snafu last week, so some of the early votes ran into issues, but it’s all squared away now. Time to get back in there and keep the dog madness rolling.

We’re thinking about turning these clean, minimalist CT town maps into premium prints or canvases you’d actually want on your wall. Different towns, different colorways, all with that subtle local pride vibe (Willimantic, Putnam, and beyond 👀).

Maple syrup season is one of those Quiet Corner traditions that still feels a little old-world. Indigenous communities in the Northeast were making maple sugar centuries ago, and the basic science is still the same today: cold nights and warmer days push sap through the trees. That sap is only about 2–4% sugar, which means producers need roughly 40+ gallons of sap to make a single gallon of maple syrup, so every bottle represents a lot of boiling and patience. If you’re out and about this weekend, follow the steam… it’s Maple Weekend in Connecticut, and sugarhouses across the state are open with fresh syrup, tastings, and peak spring vibes.

If you want to see it happening locally, here are some Windham County maple spots worth knowing:

Bottom line: if you drive through the Quiet Corner in March and see steam rolling out of a little shack in the woods, you’re probably very close to pancakes.

Last chance to book your spot. Sign-ups close tonight at 6:30pm.

The next Connecticut Buzz Dinner Club is happening March 19th at 6:30pm in West Hartford, and this is your final window to get in. Take the quick quiz, get matched with five other Hive Members, then show up ready to eat, hang, and maybe unlock the optional after-party details shared during dinner.

After-party only: show up and you’ll get a free DELA Margarita shot - a smooth mix of artisanal tequila, blood orange, lime, and a rich citrus oleo finished with a hint of bergamot 🍹

🐶Adopt-a-pal: Meet Canyon, a fluffy little Great Pyrenees mix with a big future ahead of him - just 2 months old, already winning people over with his playful personality, sweet nature, and that classic oversized-pup charm that says he’s going to grow into one very lovable giant.

🏡House of the week: This one is a real lake-house setup, with more than 150 feet of direct frontage on private Quasset Lake, prime western exposure, and the kind of sunset views that make people suddenly start talking about “summering” somewhere. Check it out!

🔭Sky report: Keep an eye on the western sky this week because Jupiter is still the big show, blazing bright after sunset like the Quiet Corner’s own cosmic porch light. Then around March 19–21, the dark skies get even better as the new moon arrives and a thin crescent starts cozying up near Venus low in the west, which is about as good a stargazing combo as Windham County gets.

Connecticut Buzz works with a small handful of local brands who genuinely care about this community.

Each week, we reach thousands of engaged locals through our newsletters and growing social channels. We’re here to connect neighbors, spotlight the good stuff, and keep CT feeling like CT.

Want in on the next wave of local media?

🧁 Amy’s Cakery (21A Furnace Street, Danielson) just opened inside that iconic yellow building, dishing out fresh cakes, cinnamon rolls, and rotating weekly treats that will absolutely test your willpower.

🌯 Chipotle (1089 Killingly Commons, Dayville) is officially opening today with its new Chipot-lane pickup, fresh interior setup, and about 30 new jobs hitting the local scene.

Danielson | 9D Breathwork | 6 PM - Guided session for relaxation and wellness at 146 Wauregan Road. Breathe In

North Windham | St Patrick's Day | 4:30 PM - Food, drinks, and good times for St. Patrick's Day at Sportsbar(157 Boston Post Rd Ste 2).

South Windham | Drop-In St. Patrick’s Day Craft (Family Program) | 3 PM - Community event at Guilford Smith Library (17 Main St).

Dayville | Spring Vibes Soap-Making Workshop | 6 PM | ($) - Make your own spring-scented soaps—materials included at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike). Get Crafty

Woodstock | TRIVIA WEDNESDAYS | 6:30 PM - Team trivia with prizes for winners at Woodstock Tavern (35 Route 171).

Putnam | Simon Silvia Live | 8–11PM - Local favorite Simon Silvia brings a laid-back night of live music to The Stomping Ground (132 Main St).

Woodstock | Paint Your Own Glasses (makes 2) | 6 PM | ($) - Paint and customize drinking glasses to take home at Taylor Brooke Brewery (818 Rt 171). Get Crafty

Dayville | Permanent Jewelry x Brews | 5 PM | ($) - Custom welded bracelets, anklets, and more at Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike).

Dayville | 2026 Fish Fridays | 4:30 PM | ($) - Lenten fish fry with all the fixings at Killingly Grange (801 Hartford Tpke ). Dig In

Moosup | TEAM TRIVIA & PARTYOKE FRIDAYS | 7 PM - Team trivia then karaoke—prizes for winners at The Music Lady cafe (6 Green Hollow Rd).

Plainfield | Paul Wakely All-Star Basketball Game | 5 PM - Annual memorial all-star basketball showcase at Plainfield High School (87 Putnam Rd).

Plainfield | PARTYOKE FRIDAYS AT THE AMERICAN CAFE! | 9 PM - Karaoke night—sing your heart out at American Cafe (722 Norwich Rd).

Pomfret Center | Woodstock Lions Club Comedy Night | 7 PM | ($) - Stand-up comedy fundraiser for Woodstock Lions Club at Grill 37 (37 Putnam Rd). Laugh Out Loud

Putnam | Movie Night: 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙧𝙠 | 7:30 PM - Classic Indiana Jones on the big screen at The Bradley Playhouse(30 Front St).

Putnam | Mosaic Knitting "Op Cowl" Friday classes | 12:30 PM - Learn mosaic knitting to create an op-art cowl at Woolworks Yarn (154 Main St).

Thompson | All About Lemons! | 6 PM | ($) - Cooking class with lemon-inspired dishes at New Boston Beef (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd). Dig In

Willimantic | Marching Into Oblivion: Twisted Timelines | 7:30 PM | ($) - Original theatrical production with twisted timelines at The Windham Theatre Guild (779 Main St). See the Show

Willimantic | Craft Night! Pressed Flower Lantern! | 6 PM - Create a pressed flower lantern - materials provided at Windham Tech (210 Birch St). Call/text to order tickets. 860-449-2245.

Windham | Spring Equinox: A Practice of Renewal & Balance | 6 PM | ($) - Yoga and meditation for the spring equinox at The Mantra Room (661 Windham Rd). Find Balance

Ashford | J.N. Webster Maple Sugar Festival | 10 AM | ($) - Maple sugaring demos, pancakes, and outdoor fun at June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation (149 Ashford Center Rd). Join the Fun

Canterbury | FAHS Annual Pannukakku Breakfast | 8 AM | ($) - Traditional Finnish pancake breakfast fundraiser at (76 N Canterbury Rd).

Canterbury | First Congregational Church of Canterbury’s Annual Donna Green Memorial Chili Cook Off | 5 PM | ($) - Taste and vote for your favorite chili at (6 S Canterbury Rd). Dig In

Canterbury | Brian Malone Plays D&G | 6 PM - Live music at D&G Pizza and Pub (200 Westminster Rd).

Danielson | Paint your partner challenge | 6 PM | ($) - Couples paint portraits of each other- no experience needed at Dollhouse Art Studio (13 Water St). Get Crafty

Hampton | 3rd Lecture & Discussion Gathering | 5 PM | ($) - Community lecture and open discussion about horses at Hampton Little River Grange (164 Main St). Learn More

Plainfield | 2026 Farmer & Maker Market | 10 AM - Local farmers and artisans with goods and crafts at Plainfield High School (105 Putnam Rd).

Putnam | Boozy Book Fair | 12 PM - Browse books while sipping drinks at Courthouse Bar and Grille (121 Main St).

Putnam | Irish Music Legends featuring Renburke’s Rovers | 2 PM | ($) - Traditional Irish music celebrating Celtic heritage at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). Listen Up

Sterling | Mustang Mindfulness Experience | 1 PM | ($) - Meditative experience with rescued mustangs at Wild Ride (130 Old Cranston Rd). Breathe In

Thompson | Horse Trailer Towing Clinic | 10 AM | ($) - Learn safe horse trailer towing techniques at (205 E Thompson Rd). Saddle Up

Thompson | St. Patrick's Day Menu | 5 PM | ($) - Special Irish-inspired dinner menu at (17 Fabyan Woodstock Rd). Dig In

Thompson | GAME NIGHT: MEN'S EVENT | 6 PM | ($) - Men's fellowship with games and community at (47 W Thompson Rd). Game On

Thompson | Hoof Stomp Dinner & Dance Benefit for the Equines (2026) | 6 PM | ($) - Dinner and dancing supporting horse rescue at Thompson Speedway (245 E Thompson Rd). Dig In

Willimantic | Mill Museum Community Clothing Swap | 12 PM - Bring clothes to swap-sustainable fashion for all at (411 Main St).

Willimantic | Funk 4 Funds: A Grow Windham Fundraiser Event! | 7:30 PM | ($) - Live funk music supporting Grow Windham at the RiverRoom (50 Riverside Drive). Give Back

Woodstock | Hotel California | 7:30 PM | ($) - Eagles tribute band playing the classics at Loos Center for the Arts (150 Route 169). Listen Up

Woodstock | Nick Casey @ Taylor Brooke Brewery | 2 PM - Live tunes with craft beers at (818 Route 171).

Hampton | Kurita at Quiet Corner Winery | 2–4PM – Kurita brings a little St. Croix sunshine to the Quiet Corner with upbeat ukulele covers, original songs, and easygoing island energy that sounds like the perfect match for a Sunday at the winery.

Pomfret Center | Tails and Tulips | 1 PM - Pet-friendly springtime gathering at Grill 37 (37 Putnam Rd).

Thompson | Let's Carb Load! Stuffed Pasta Edition. | 2 PM | ($) - Hands-on class—make your own stuffed tortellini. Dig In

Woodstock | For Pete’s Sake – 11th Annual Community Sing-Along | 4 PM - Community sing-along honoring Pete Seeger at (543 Route 169). Sing Along

Woodstock | Awaken Your Spirit: A Spring Equinox Immersion | 1 PM - Spring equinox spiritual immersion at (442 Route 197). Find Balance

Woodstock | Katie Perkins Duo @ Taylor Brooke Brewery | 2 PM - Live duo performance at Taylor Brooke Brewery, (818 Route 171).

Willimantic | Homeschool Science Fair | 10 AM - Students showcase science fair projects at 120 Church (120 Union St.). Register