Y pg 1 4-3-14
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Y ready
to break
ground in
4 months
PUTNAM — The YMCA of Greater Hartford officials said they anticipate starting construction of the 40,000-square-foot Regional community YMCA by mid-summer.
The town of Putnam will shortly gift 15 acres to the YMCA of Greater Hartford for the new YMCA. Wheelabrator of Putnam Inc. recently donated 62 acres to Putnam for a regional high tech park and Putnam is gifting 15 acres of that to the YMCA of Greater Hartford.
“These are exciting times, with dramatic steps being taken toward making the Regional Community YMCA a reality. It is anticipated that the YMCA will receive 15 acres of land from the Town of Putnam on or before June 30 and that we will begin construction thereafter. The land in question is currently being cleared and gravel removed in preparation for construction. Once construction begins, we are hoping to open your YMCA in late 2015,” says James Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.
Included in the construction plans for the facility are two swimming pools, a lap pool and a warm-water pool, which will be used for recreational and competitive swimming, as well as YMCA swimming and water safety instruction.
And as part of the YMCA’s commitment to fighting childhood obesity and encouraging the lifestyle choices that lead to healthy families, the facility will host a state-of-the-art health and wellness center, gymnasium, group exercise studio/multi-purpose room, and cycling studio. Amazing kids and child watch rooms (babysitting while in the facility), will allow adults to access YMCA services while their children are cared for in a safe on-site environment.
“We look forward to welcoming the YMCA as our Technology Park’s first tenant,” said Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano.
Putnam Bank President and CEO Tom Borner and Pomfret resident Betty Hale have both been instrumental in garnering community support for the new Y. “I am excited for northeastern Connecticut. It is good to see progress being made,” said Borner.
Hale is already prepared for the grand opening. “I’ve just bought a new bathing suit and I’m ready to swim. I am happy to see us moving forward.”
The new Regional Community YMCA a branch of the YMCA of Greater Hartford will serve residents from the towns of Putnam, Killingly, Eastford, Thompson, Brooklyn, Pomfret, Woodstock and Plainfield.
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Unsnowed p 1 4-3-14
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'Unsnowed' Winter Scene
These fields and stone walls lost their white snowy coat ... briefly in Pomfret. The snow returned. More photos on page 6. Linda Lemmon photo.
Then and Now pg 2 4-3-14
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Then
This is the Union Block in downtown Putnam in the 1940s. Putnam Town Crier file photos.
& Now
This is the same area today.
YMCA pg 2 4-3-14
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caption, page 7:
Hoop Help
Judi Ann Jones of Dancin’ with Hoops works with Peyton Bentley of Woodstock on hooping techniques. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
A large contingent of youngsters accompanied by their parents and grandparents turned out on March 29 at Quinebaug Valley Community College for Healthy Kids Day sponsored by the Regional Community YMCA. This was the fourth year the program has taken place and the first year on the campus of the college.
Youngsters and their chaperones wandered throughout the inside of the college as well on the grounds enjoying demonstrations, educational classes and an opportunity to participate in a number of activities. The day was organized by the YMCA’s program director Christine Rivers, assisted by Board of Advisors Program Committee chairperson Sarah Bentley.
“It’s great to see the turnout of families, who are enjoying the variety of activities. This is a wonderful day for northeastern Connecticut. We moved the date to late March and I believe that helped increase attendance. People want to see winter go away and are looking to get outside for activities,” said Sarah Bentley.
Among the many groups present were the Connecticut State Police who oversaw a bicycle rodeo and safety program; Putnam PRIDE, which presented information on substance abuse; Dancin’ with Hoops featuring Judi Ann Jones; a presentation on “How To Become Bully Proof” by Day Kimball Hospital; Northeast Opportunities for Wellness; the YMCA’s Camp Woodstock; Putnam Police Officer Brian Castle and his canine friend Ammo; and numerous other groups.
“The kids really enjoyed being able to get close to and pet Ammo. He responded well by giving friendly face lickings,” said Officer Castle of his two-year old canine.
Although the skies were overcast, many of the participants ventured outside for activities. The State Police Bicycle Rodeo was appreciated by 12 year old Logan Toper who there with his mother Renee and his six year old sister Abby.
“I learned a lot about bicycle safety that will help me,” said Logan Toper. “I really enjoyed doing the obstacle course. It was challenging and fun.”
Dancin’ with Hoops was a favorite of many of the youngsters, who were encouraged by Judi Ann Jones who energized not only the participants but also the onlookers with her agility and skill in performing seemingly magic tricks with her hoop.
“When I was a kid I enjoyed hoola hooping,” said Betty Hale, as she watched her granddaughter Helen Hale work out under the watchful eye of Jones.
As the event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., was winding down Christine Rivers was glowing in the aftermath of the success of the program. “This was a great location for Healthy Kids Day. The facilities are perfect for the activities and the grounds are so spacious, allowing everyone the area they need for their activity,” said Rivers.
Whether it was participating in an activity or learning something new about healthy living and healthy life styles, there was something for everyone at Healthy Kids Days as more than 40 exhibitors were on hand. And the event brought awareness to the proposed Regional Community YMCA that is scheduled to open in August 2015 off Kennedy Drive in Putnam.
“We’re excited to see this turnout today. And we’re equally excited about the opening of the Regional Community YMCA for the people of Northeastern Connecticut,” said Jim Scherer, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.