spots pg 1 1-13-22
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The Putnam Public Library is very happy to be in its new home in the Putnam Municipal Complex since reopening there Sept. 20. Two features in particular in the new library were purchased with funds from memorial donors who had a strong belief in the importance of a healthy, vibrant library.
The children’s circulation desk was designed for the new space out of the same materials as the adult desk, but more rounded and whimsical. The children’s circulation desk was funded using part of a bequest made by the estate of John Markis to the library in 2009. Markis and his wife Lucinda were teachers in the local area who taught at Ellis Tech and The Woodstock Academy. The Library Board of Trustees decided to buy the desk in memory of Markis in honor of the many years that he had educated the youth in our community.
The tree mural in the children’s department was also funded by memorial donations from some of the library’s well-loved patrons. The tree theme was suggested to the architect by library staff to celebrate the “Last Green Valley” aspect of this area and the theme is extended to the art on the end panels of the shelving units. The frog in the right hand bottom corner of the mural honors the memory of Shannon Labonte, a special young woman who was a voracious library user and local daycare teacher. Shannon’s family joined together in fund-raising activities and donated a good portion of the funds to the library for the mural.
Other memorials used for the mural are from Joe and Jane Flynn (Library Board member), Ray LeDuc (Library Board member), Marillyn Mayer, Mary O’Leary (Friends of the Library member), Sue McNally Everson (loyal library patron), Mary Child (Putnam teacher), Walter Euskas (veteran) and Jeannette Laurion (charter member of the Aspinock Historical Center).
While there are many things that are wonderful about the library’s new home, some of the older furniture is special and carries warm memories of the former library. The Library had some of the existing furniture refinished, such as the circa 1955 maple chairs and tables, which are being used in the new building.
Library Director Priscilla Colwell said, “The Putnam Public Library is proud of its history in the northeastern Connecticut community, and is thankful for the people who support the library in many ways. “
She said the memorial funds are all used and complete; however, “as we lose our patrons their family asks in the obituary that memorial donations be made to the library. We communicate with the family as the donations come in and send thank you notes to the donors. Donations are used in a way that the library needs at the time, but sometimes a family wants a certain thing (like books) and in that case we would put a bookplate in the books in memory of the person. It is all specific to the person and family. We miss our patrons who pass away, and generally have a good sense of who they were and what they would like!
"We are thankful for donations to the library and appreciate the strong belief in the importance of a healthy, vibrant library."
She added: “The public is invited to visit the new library at 200 School Street and the staff welcomes the opportunity to assist the community with services, reader’s advisory and technology. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The library’s website is putnamlibrary.org and the telephone number is 860-963-6826.
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award pg 1 1-13-22
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caption:
Eleanor Wentworth, left, and Morgan Bentley with DAR Good Citizen Awards --- 72 years apart. Courtesy photo.
WOODSTOCK — Morgan Bentley was honored to be awarded the Good Citizens Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. But she was surprised to discover that her 90-year-old great-grandmother, Eleanor Wentworth of Putnam, won the same award.
Seventy-two years before.
And the fact that Wentworth had “kept the award in perfect condition all those years was truly amazing.”
Bentley is a senior at The Woodstock Academy and is pursuing a career in the medical field. She is the daughter of Cary and Sarah Bentley of Woodstock.
The DAR Good Citizens Award program and scholarship contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. It’s open to all senior class students. “The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of: Dependability: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality and being worthy of trust; Service: cooperation, courtesy and contributing to the welfare of others; Leadership: personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others and a decision maker; Patriotism: devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes that make one’s community stronger and appreciating the cultural and historic important of America’s unique population.
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Calendar pg 2 1-13-22
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Fri. Jan. 14
COVID Clinic
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex. All first, second or boosters available. All brands and all eligible ages. Bring ID, vaccine card and insurance card.
Sat. Jan. 15
Lasagna Dinner
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam will hold a lasagna dinner, takeout only from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Livery St. entrance. $15 for adults; children under 10, $6. To pre-order meals; 860-377-1983.
Sat. Jan. 29
Clothing Giveaway
PUTNAM --- The IHSP-Nu 2 U Clothing Closet will hold a clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon at the Living Faith United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall off Bradley Street. Free clothing for all ages and seasons. Bring your own bags. All welcome (not accepting clothing donations at this event).
Sun. Feb. 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Antique Photography” with Hunter Neal at 2 p.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. Feb. 19
Wee Walk
THOMPSON --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Animal Tracking at the Robins Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org.
Sat. March 12
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Windham Textile Mill” with Bev York at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. April 9
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Connecticut History Explorations” with Walter Woodward at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. May 7
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Salamander Search at the 3 B’s” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. May 14
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Last Green Valley Notables & Notorious” with Bill Reid at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. June 11
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Connecticut’s 29th Colored Regiment” with Donna Dufresne at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. Aug. 6
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Bats at Lyon Preserve” will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Aug. 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Historic Mills of Pomfret” with Dick Symonds at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. Oct. 1
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Nov. 5
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info: daykimball.org/pianos
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Obits pg 1 1-13-22
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PUTNAM — Robert Louis Gomes, 85, of Webster Lake, Mass., and Putnam, died Sunday, January 9, 2022, after a long illness. He was born February 13, 1936, at home in Somerville, Mass., third son of Sarah (Bishop) Gomes and Alfred E. Gomes.
He was a graduate of Dedham High School, Class of 1953. In his young adult years he won trophies in roller (skate) couples dance competitions.
A gifted mechanic and musician, he started his career in cars at 15, working at Ben’s garage across from the family home in Dedham. Against his mother’s wishes, headstrong Bob paid $35 for his first car, a black 1936 Chevy that he painted blue. He hid the car at Ben’s until, as Bob tells the story, his father told his mother, “Bobby bought it and he’s bringing it over here. Period.”
His career choice was perfect given his eastern Massachusetts accent — he was in the “cah” business.
His first job was as a service tech at Seavey’s in Boston. He also worked at Lawless Chevy in Canton, Mass., a Renault dealership in Norwood, Mass., Allen Chevrolet in Dedham, Mass., and the Boch organization on the “Auto Mile,” (Rt. 1, in Massachusetts), among others. He worked his way up to general manager of Boch’s Mitsubishi store. Ernie Boch Sr., one of his mentors, advised Bob when he bought the former Cormier Chrysler in Putnam in 1984. By the time he sold it in 2003, Bob, always the builder, had expanded Gomes Total Chrysler on Rt. 44 in East Putnam 10-fold from the former tiny cinderblock garage to a Five Star Chrysler dealership showplace. At one time he was a “six pack” dealership, selling Chrysler, Jeep, American Motors, Dodge, Eagle and Ram trucks. He was beyond proud of this accomplishment.
No one thought he’d retire when he sold the dealership (the official name of the party given for him after he sold the dealership was “The Surprise Non-Retirement Party”. Next up: Woodstock Piano & Music from 2004 to 2014. The joyful differences he said were that there were “no oil pans and people don’t walk in the door cringing about a car salesperson. It is pianos and organs and lessons. It’s music. It’s joy.”
Full of life and drive, he worked hard, often working on the side, too. He was famous for “ask forgiveness, not permission” — so no surprise, he once landed his plane on the ice at Webster Lake.
His favorite place was Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H. He, like the others in a group of Boston area friends, spent most summer weekends at the lake, building their cottages on the lake. Bob first built a cottage on Rattlesnake Island and then on Sleeper Island. They enjoyed the lake all four seasons from 1962 to 1977-78.
Many may not know how generous he was because he was understated about that. He quietly helped all he could. He was a supporter of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. At Woodstock Piano & Music, he often donated organs and pianos to churches or would give a piano to someone in need. He always gave someone a chance, giving people the start they needed when no one else would hire them.
Bob’s “you can’t have enough of” list included: Orange juice, sneakers, ice cream, peanut butter, the color maroon, cardinals and bird feeders, building and boat and vehicle projects (including “On Golden Pond” building projects with his grandson Joe), light house statues, maps/globes, “straight & level” on projects, tape measures, flashlights, stars (the windows of heaven), talk radio, talking backwards, a group sing of “The 12 Days of Christmas” at the dealership Christmas party every year, without fail, and “the road”/RV camping.
He recently celebrated 50 years as a Master Mason and was a former member of the Putnam Rotary Club. He was also a member of numerous automobile organizations and won many awards, including, in 2000, a cruise on the Baltic Sea.
In addition to his daughter, Donna Marie Gilbert (Bruno) of Thompson; he leaves grandchildren Lisa Marie Bernardino (husband Nuno and their son Leonel Gilbert Bernardino) of Portland, CT; grandson Joseph Robert Gilbert (Charleen Amato) of Billerica, Mass., and grandson Austin Joseph Gilbert; his sister Martha (Robert) Kelleher of Greer, S.C.; nephew Frank “Buddy” Gomes Jr. (Kelley) of New Hampshire; his sister-in-law Phyllis Gomes of Franklin, Mass.; four stepchildren: Thomas Kearns (wife Suzy and daughter Caroline), John (wife Cindy and twins Jake and Nicole) Anne Marie “Anzie” (Billy) O’Brien, all of Massachusetts, and Eddie Kearns of Utah; former wife Carol (Papanti) Gomes of Massachusetts; friends and colleagues, including Karen White of South Carolina and Mark Jones of Woodstock. He also leaves his longtime companion, Linda L. Lemmon of Putnam. He was predeceased by his parents; oldest brother Al Gomes (and his wife Nancy); his brother Frank Gomes; his second wife, Dianne (Kearns) Gomes; his best friends Forrest “Slim” Manchester and Fred Slater.
Services will be announced later. Donations: South Woodstock Baptist Church, PO Box 86, South Woodstock, CT 06281. (attn: Trish. Memo: “Camperships”) Gilman and Valade Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
His Hands
Like his father, a master with wood (his father created custom rail cars full of intricate inlays), Bob had talent in his hands, be it building/creating, or music …
At Lake Winnipesaukee he bought a Chris Craft that had sunk and completely restored it.
In his early years as a mechanic, he specialized in transmissions. To help him do that job better and faster he created a tool. He said: “The other mechanics were always hovering around my station, trying to get a glimpse of this ‘miracle’ tool in my tool chest (every mechanic’s sacrosanct world). Of course,” he said, “I’d slam that drawer shut.”
He played piano, organ, accordion, mandolin, banjo (he and his father played banjo at church functions) and violin. He never wanted to take violin lessons, but his siblings had already locked up the choice he wanted, piano.
In the 1940s the Gomes Family Orchestra entertained at events, on the radio and even won a talent contest. The orchestra consisted of his father on violin, his brother Al on piano, his brother Frank on clarinet and Bob on violin. Bob played by ear. His mother told the tale of Bob having the music in front of him at concerts but he wasn’t looking at it as he played — he was “cranking his head all around, looking at the audience instead.” Watching his gentle touch on piano keys or the strings of a mandolin was a joy.
I remember watching those hands when his Commander airplane developed a mechanical problem airborne. Heading into Danielson Airport, the three wheels came down, but one of them would not lock. The alarm was shrieking. The plane was full of fuel. I
watched his hands as he calmly run through the fixes: Gear up/gear down again (Nope — one wheel still not locking), trying that two more times (nope), releasing the wheels in an effort to allow gravity to lock the wheel (nope), tipping the plane in the air to help it lock (nope). As the sun was heading down, he had to land. I remember looking at his hands, resting easy on the controls and calmness washed over me. Touching down on the runway the speed initially kept gravity from taking hold and buckling the non-locking wheel. But once slowed the wheel started to buckle. He deftly steered the plane between the runway lights and onto the grass, keeping the propeller from hitting the ground. All was well in his hands.
By Linda Lemmon
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