Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.
With these fun holidays upon us, I think of the great gift we all share: living in the quiet corner.
Having traveled across the country, I've observed the subtle yet distinct differences that characterize our various regions. From the intense cold experienced in states like Minnesota to the significant heat and humidity of Florida and the unique desert landscapes of Arizona, these regional variations are undeniable.
It's interesting to note that if you were to view our part of the country on Google Earth, you would see a continuous streak of light stretching from Boston to New York. However, there's a particular exception: a noticeable dark area right here in northeast Connecticut where our little towns are uniquely quieter.
When I was in college in the Hartford area, and I drove out here with my friends, they would comment, "You can't get there from here," because we had to leave the highway to take Route 44 to Northeast CT. Over the years, I have heard people say that Connecticut was just a bathroom stop on the drive from New York City to Boston, but they also commented on the Gold Coast of Stamford and Greenwich, where all the wealthy people lived. I now disagree.
Growing up in Norwich, we rarely traveled up this way, and I never knew there were actually towns above Jewett City. Now, in each year of my life, I feel like the Quiet Corner enriches us with so many gems that we are rich beyond belief. I think we live a "Goldilocks" lifestyle here. Not too big, or too small, never too hot or too cold, rural but not isolated, historic, yet filled with action, and to me, it's just right.
Here are just some of the many things we delight in here.
The scenery encompasses the natural and the man-made: not only the lush lakes, the rich greenness (according to my son, who lives in the dry scrub of LA) of summer trees and grass, the stunning colors of fall, and the rolling hills filled with numerous stone walls, but also the town greens, the beauty of our parks, the church steeples, and even a boxcar museum—an absolutely charming combination. Sometimes I feel like we live in a storybook rather than a historical museum, even though we have those here, too.
I could be tempted by warm winters down south because I live to celebrate our summers by eating outside at the Vanilla Bean, swimming in a warm pool, and watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. I love fall's brilliant colors, and we even have our own pumpkin fest and zombie fashion show.
We celebrate the winter with a Disney-esque light parade that delights residents of all ages, and get our photo taken in the giant Christmas ornament in Rotary Park. Putnam's downtown is still Connecticut's antique mecca. I personally love browsing these stores, even though I only collect vintage comics. After the hard reset of winter, we glory in the spring with the blooming of tulips and daffodils as the earth warms and our season of rebirth occurs. My wife says this is the best time to visit her special Woodstock nursery to ready our yard for summer.
We even have a local celebrity mayor who, in March, dresses in his St. Patrick's best and does the Macarena with everyone at the senior dances. Local, kind, and genuine people donate generously and give their time willingly to so many great causes, like a food and clothing bank. We have great local libraries and even celebrity local radio station owners who take immense pride in our local towns.
Northeast Connecticut has a 15-Minute Rule: You are 15 minutes from a cow pasture and 15 minutes from an artisanal coffee shop, vineyard, or brewery. In minutes, you can be in our local playhouse or throwing axes just down the road. We delight in the talent of our local musicians and artists, and we even have a giant mural fest to look forward to.
Over the years, many young adults told me they are chomping at the bit to leave northeast CT and go where the action is. Often, many of them gladly return here once they have a family and want the comfort and safety that our beloved, quiet corner offers. They tell me they missed the smell of fireplaces burning and fresh-cut grass. The ocean is only an hour away and not a plane ride. We don't live in the land of hedge funds and high-stress commuting; we live in a place that is affordable, unpretentious, friendly, and community-oriented. If you need more culture, it is a very short hop to Boston and New York City.
I hope you love this area as much as I do and you agree with the points I have made. I happen to be one of the luckiest people I know because we have great children, loving grandchildren, and many, many dear friends. I enjoy quotes, and here are a few of my favorites: "Success is getting what you want." Happiness is wanting what you get.” Yes, I love northeast CT, and you can paint me with "an attitude of gratitude.” Other parts of the country might be bigger, warmer, or busier, but I think Putnam is "just right.”
Mike Bogdanski
Mike is a martial arts Grandmaster and anti-bully activist.
