cal pg 6 10-31-24
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Sat. Nov. 2
Library/Audubon Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret and the Pomfret Public Library will present writer and naturalist Katherine Hauswirth, author of The Morning Light, The Lily White: Daily Dips into Nature and Spirit,” at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. She will discuss nature journaling and cover some history of the practice. Free. Book signing follows. Registration is appreciated but not required. 860-928-4948.
‘Them Bones’
BROOKLYN --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present, at 10 a.m., “Them Bones, Them Bones, Them Malbones: Tour of Old Trinity Church and the Burial Ground”. Pre-register: 860-465-7228. Rain date: 1 p.m. Nov. 3.
Boot Drive
WOODSTOCK --- The fifth annual Winter Boot Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodstock Trading Post on Rt. 169. . Boots, socks or monetary donations will go to TEEG.
Cocoa for Coats
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Family Resource Center will hold Cocoa for Coats fund-raiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Farmers Market Pavilion. For a $20 donation or a new coat, you will be entered in a drawing.
Nature Programs x 3
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Nature Journaling: Observing Fall” at 10 a.m. at Trail Wood. Register: 860-928-4948. $10 CAS members and ECSU students; $20 nonmembers. There is also an author’s talk, in collaboration with the Pomfret Public Library, at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. Finally there is a late fall walk at 3:30 p.m. at Trail Wood. Register: 860-928-4948. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members.
Church Program
BROOKLYN --- The public is invited to the following events at Old Trinity Church, 60 Church Street: Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. --- Donna Dufresne will lead a walkabout with story-telling, "Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Malbones." Preregister required at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. All Saints Day service of Holy Eucharist. Nov. 9, 2 p.m. Gospel Healing Service. Both services with acoustic music officiated by priest-in-charge, The Rev. Dr. Gretchen S. Grimshaw. Info: http://www.trinityepiscopalchurchbrooklyn.org.
Sun. Nov. 3
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Baptist Church’s Music at the Meeting House will present the Aurea Ensemble at 2:30 p.m. in the church on Rt. 44. Refreshments follow. Free however a freewill offering will be taken. www.chepachetbaptist.org.
Sat. Nov. 9
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center will present “PT and Me: How Physical Therapy can Support Women,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration limited: 860-963-6826.
Coat and Blanket Collection
PUTNAM --- There will be a collection of used winter coats and blankets for men, women and children, in good condition please, from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m. at the Cargill Council 64 Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street (big blue building). The coats and blankets will be distributed this fall to needy people throughout northeastern Connecticut. Please bring your donations of used winter coats and blankets at that time. For info: 860-928-5873, leave message.
Sat. Nov. 16
Library Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library and Peace Islands Institute Connecticut will present “Coffee Tasting,” (Turkish coffee) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration limited: 860-963-6826.
Thur. Nov. 21
History Program
THOMPSON ---The Thompson Historical Society and the Thompson Public Library will present “Lafayette Story and Thompson Lore About the Man of Two Countries” at 6 p.m. at the library. Free.
Thur. Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sat. Nov. 30
Craft Fair
ASHFORD --- The St. Philip the Apostle Church will hold its Christmas Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts, bake sale and soup/sandwiches/pierogies available from the kitchen. Admission is free.
Sun. Dec. 1
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Baptist Church’s Music at the Meeting House will present the “Holy is the Night: Christmas Carols from Southern Europe” at 2:30 p.m. in the church on Rt. 44. Refreshments follow. Free however a freewill offering will be taken. www.chepachetbaptist.org.
.
Opening pg 5 10-31-24
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
caption:
Teacher Mikey Di Colella takes students into the manufacturing lab when it visited Putnam Middle School last week. More photos Wed. night on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger. Linda Lemmon photo.
Opening the world of manufacturing
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The lab trailer might have colorful wraps and tiny 3-D submarines and a selfie station but its goal is serious: Spark an interest in manufacturing in young students.
The EASTCONN Mobile Manufacturing Lab pulled into the parking lot of the Putnam Middle School last week and seventh and eighth grade students toured the gadget-filled lab to get hands-on with modern manufacturing tech.
Leading the tour was Tomas Hallengren with assistance from Kevin Segar. Other vital parts of the program are: Kristin Hempel, director of Adult and Community Programs, and Donna Drasch.
The lab contains tastes of various manufacturing jobs that students never thought about.
And those manufacturing jobs are vital to the strong economy of eastern Connecticut.
The lab is an engaging collection of robots, lasers, 3-D printers (which produced the tiny submarines) and much more. The lab is “powered by” buildsubmarines.com, Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, and General Dynamics.
Following the tour students said they never realized how many opportunities there are in manufacturing and how important manufacturing is.
The job listings are impressive: Carpenter, outside mechanic, inside mechanic, pipefitter, rigger, sheet metal worker, welder, electrician, ship fitter, draftsman and engineer.
Middle school Principal Gregory Keith said it’s a great program.
“The EASTCONN Mobile Manufacturing Lab’s visit to Putnam Middle School (last) week has been valuable for our students. They got hands-on experience with manufacturing technology and learned about well-paying career opportunities right here in Connecticut. This practical exposure to modern manufacturing connects classroom learning to real-world careers. The program directly connects our students with the kinds of jobs our region needs to fill.”
To learn more about the program: https://www.eastconn.org/mobile-manufacturing-lab.
..
obit pg 6 10-31-24
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Helen ‘Helene’ Freuden
PUTNAM — After an extraordinary lifetime of faithful devotion to her family and friends, Helen “Helene” Freuden, 90, of Putnam, slipped away from the loving embrace of her family and finally answered God’s call home in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
Helene miraculously survived a number of life-threatening events and illnesses, somehow always drawing back from the brink, bewildering her family and doctors. Her astounding resilience earned her the nickname of “Indestructible Helene,” making it clear that she inherited the DNA and fighting spirit of her own mother Tina, who lived to age 106.
Helene was raised to be a smart, kind, compassionate young lady with a strong moral compass and a deep sense of faith. This served her well as a wise old woman, polished by experience and tested by adversity. She overcame every challenge that came her way.
Helene was born Helen Anna Olivo on Jan. 7, 1934, in Providence, to Antonio and Artina (Zanni) Olivo. Her love of Italian culture began with the olive oil used to anoint her at baptism and continued throughout her life. Her home was a place of remarkable welcome, whether you were boisterous or broken, a sinner or a saint. Everyone was greeted with unbridled enthusiasm, treated with the utmost respect, and fed from a table that nearly buckled from the delicious offerings always heaped upon it. For this, she became known as the “Matriarch of the Italian Wonder Kitchen.” Love was the first ingredient in every recipe, tenderly prepared to fill the belly and feed the soul.
Holidays could not be more special with the baking of traditional Italian egg biscuits, ricotta pie, and pizzagaina. Mom had the gift to make every meal feel special, whether she prepared the Feast of the Seven Fishes for our Christmas La Vigilia or whipped up a simple breakfast frittata. She loved her morning Joe, a Friday night Southern Comfort Manhattan, a glass of red wine with dinner, and an Amaretto coffee on special occasions.
Her talents were not limited to the kitchen. She developed her vibrant personality at North Providence High School, where she added the “e” to the end of her first name because it sounded chic. She graduated in 1952 and joined the Providence Washington Insurance Company as a skilled secretary who could type a blazing 100 words a minute. Her greatest memories came from working at her family’s legendary business, Olivo’s Beach, now Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, R.I. It was there that she fell in love with the ocean, which brought her healing and serenity in any season.
She also fell in love with Umberto “Bert” Colangelo. They married in Providence in 1954 and started their life and family, which grew to include four spirited children. They moved to Connecticut and eventually settled in Putnam, where Helene became a beloved member of the community. She always balanced being a wife, mother, and career woman with grace while dealing with her growing health challenges. She supported her children’s endeavors even when her health or work prevented her participation. She always encouraged her kids to become the best version of themselves. She taught us that life wasn’t about being the best; it was about giving it your best.
Mom always gave it her best. She advanced her education and skills to become the first executive secretary for Frito-Lay in Killingly. She worked harder than anyone we knew, yet made it look effortless. One of her career highlights was meeting company founder Herman Lay.
In her later years, she supported her children’s business endeavors, which included fitness centers and other establishments in Virginia Beach, and she especially enjoyed the hustle and bustle of greeting customers at Fox Hunt Farms Gourmet and Café in South Woodstock.
New chapters of joy were written as each grandchild arrived and Helene was finally able to attend their events, graduations, and celebrations. The grandkids could easily spot Grandma in any crowd with her jet-black hair, adorable face, perpetual smile, bling attire, and her ever-present multi-colored jacket. They were her world, and she established unique relationships with each one. Stavros held a special place as her firstborn grandchild and was a constant source of delight. She loved watching him grow into a respectful and responsible young man and was grateful to attend his 2019 college graduation in San Diego, Calif. First-born granddaughter Emily captured her heart, and they enjoyed their frequent girl time together, shopping, baking and chatting. Grandma Helene always had all the right words, and as evidence, Emily saved every voicemail Grandma left for her. Next came Nico, who impressed his grandmother with his sophisticated palate as a toddler, heartily consuming her pasta dishes laden with garlic, calamari, and shrimp. The way he devoured his first pepperoncini pepper nearly brought tears to her eyes. She was proud of his graduation from LaSalle Academy and his academic and golfing success. The twins arrived to round out her growing family and Noah and Grace truly doubled her pleasure. She stayed glued to the television to watch Noah’s athletic success in football and track, and was taken with Gracie’s beauty, sense of style, and fiery independence, as if it reminded her of her younger self. They all grew to adults in the blink of an eye, and she was so very proud of all of them.
Helene defined unconditional love, and nothing mattered more than La Famiglia. She spoke to her children every day to plan the next visit, Sunday dinner, or upcoming holiday. Her inclusive home and heart were always open to all, and she was especially grateful for the warm, loving relationships she developed with the Evripidou, Crosetti, Howell, Quinn, and Freuden families.
She had a kind word for everyone she met. Even when she was silenced by a stroke in 2021, she could still impart her love and concern for others with one word: “Hi.” It came to mean everything, and this time of challenge revealed her greatest fortitude and spirit. She overcame this as she did everything in her life…with astonishing grace, dignity, and gratitude. She showed us that the language of love does not come from the lips…it flows from the heart.
Finally, after a lifetime of prevailing against all odds, she was ready to rest.
She leaves her devoted children David and Tracey Colangelo; Linda Colangelo and Laura Crosetti, with whom she made her home; Paul Colangelo and Colleen Howell; and Lisa and Marios Evripidou. Her life was enriched beyond measure by her grandchildren, Stavros Evripidou, Emily Colangelo, Nicolas Colangelo, and Noah and Grace Colangelo.
Helene married Nathan Freuden in 1984 and inherited a second family to love. She leaves her stepchildren Neal Freuden and Andrea Levy, and Gary McMaster; step grandchildren Sarah Freuden (Ross Johnston); Darcy Freuden-Wachter; and step great-granddaughter Adelaide Johnston. Helene kept everyone close in heart and was always delighted to hear of their growth and success.
She also leaves her beloved sister, Edith Rogers of Bunnell, Fla., and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by former husbands Umberto Colangelo and Nathan Freuden, and stepson Ray Freuden. Helene was also recently predeceased by her dear friend Frank Crosetti, who affectionately referred to her as his “coffee wife.” Frank went ahead to make sure there was a fresh pot brewing for her arrival. Helene also leaves her very dear friends Cindy Clark and Meredith Kerttula, who provided much companionship and care in these recent years.
The family thanks Dr. Joseph Botta, Liz Botta, and staff for the many years of life-saving care and warm friendship; Mom’s comeback band of therapists and nurses…Beth, Karen, Tina, Susan, and the army of caregivers from Day Kimball Hospital, Homecare, Hospice, Connecticut Community Care, and Careforth. Thanks to these services, we were able to keep Mom home safe and sound, respected, admired, dignified, and loved until she drew her final breath.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret St., Pomfret. Reception to follow at Grill 37 in Pomfret.
Donations: Day Kimball Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260, or online at https://www.daykimball.org/donate/. Please designate your gift to Day Kimball Hospital, Homecare Fund, and/or Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast CT in memory of Helen A. Freuden. For the memorial guestbook, visit https://www.gilmanandvalade.com/.
Rest in peace, beloved mother. You were our greatest blessing, and we knew no greater love.
By Linda Colangelo
Ralph T. Hildebrand
PUTNAM — Ralph T Hildebrand, 74, of Putnam, died Oct. 24, 2024, at Davis Place, Danielson. Ralph was born June 27, 1950 in Ellenville, N.Y., to the late Emerson and Ruth (Daniels) Hildebrand and beloved husband of the late Doris (Cheney) Hildebrand, whom he married Feb. 23, 1991.
Ralph was raised in Ellenville and attended Ellenville school system. His greatest joy when he lived in Ellenville was being on the fire company for Kimball Hose and the Pioneer Engine Company. Ralph enjoyed doing woodcrafts over the years. He’s created wood crafts, things from his talents which people have gotten to enjoy.
Ralph had a lot of jobs over the years: Glusker M Candy, Ellenville steam laundry, Westview Homes, newspaper delivery, Kimble Hose Company #2, & Pioneer Engine Company #1, 1977-1984.
He leaves his granddaughter Ann (Joe) Zadziejko, A Godson, Sean Robare of New Hampshire; great-niece, Desiree Robare of Maine; nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Ralph is predeceased by his parents and his wife; he’s also predeceased by all his siblings — brothers: Bob Hildebrand, Henry Hildebrand, Joe Hildebrand and sisters: Anna Hull, Shirley Decker, Jean Rose, Ora Bollin. The family would like to thank the staff of Davis Place for their care of Ralph. The burial will be private later at the convenience of the family.
.
psa football pg 7 10-31-24
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Putnam Science Academy
football dominates Nichols
PUTNAM — In a historic performance, Putnam Science Academy (PSA) football put on a dazzling display of skill and teamwork, overpowering Nichols College with a commanding 70-14 victory.
Quarterback Ben Roden led the charge with an impressive 8 touchdown passes, spreading the ball around to his playmakers. Ron Florian emerged as Roden’s top target, hauling in three touchdowns. Jaysaun Coggins and Anthony Phillipo each contributed two touchdowns, while Kook Mabor added a score of his own, rounding out Roden’s exceptional passing performance.
The game’s momentum was set early by Nayjean Holley, who electrified the crowd by making PSA history with the first kickoff return touchdown to start the game. Holley’s dynamic play continued throughout, as he racked up over 200 all-purpose yards and found the end zone twice, cementing his role as a vital part of PSA’s offensive power.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
.