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Caroll and Debra Spinney

 

 

 

PUTNAM — The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse will present the Connecticut screening of the documentary film, “I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 28. 

All seats are $20 and the proceeds will benefit the Bradley Playhouse, a nonprofit 501 ( c ) (3) community theater. . Tickets may be purchased online atwww.thebradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 860-928-7887 to charge by phone. Tickets may also be purchased at the Bradley box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, or at the door prior to the performance.

“I am Big Bird” tells the story of the 80-year old Spinney’s career as the puppeteer behind Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show’s first season. Encompassing home videos from the Spinney’s archives dating back to the 1950s, “I am Big Bird”  captures the essence of Caroll Spinney, who’s love for his work has created a character that is a worldwide cultural icon.  He’s dined with heads of state, won Emmys and been named a living legend by the Library of Congress. Generations of children have loved and grown up with Big Bird, so it’s no wonder that Caroll Spinney is reluctant to say goodbye to the character he cherishes.

The documentary film, by Copper Pot Pictures, directed and produced by Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker, and written by Dave LaMattina, follows the career of Spinney from Big Bird’s height of popularity to the changes in Sesame Street’s programming. But through it all, Big Bird remains close to the heart of children and grown-ups everywhere. His intangible qualities make him a character that continues to captivate audiences 45 years after his debut.

Caroll Spinney and his wife Debra Spinney are featured in the film along with Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Emilio Delgado, Loretta Long, Sonia Manzano, Bob McGrath and Joan Ganz Cooney. Footage of Jim Henson and an interview with Jane Henson are also seen in the film.

Caroll and Debra Spinney approached The Bradley about showing the documentary in Putnam prior to its official world wide release. As residents of Woodstock, they wanted to share the film that profiles Caroll’s life as Big Bird with family, friends and the local community at their neighborhood theater.

 

 

 

5-star rating

WATERFORD — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has earned the top 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial Inc., indicating that Charter Oak is one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation. Charter Oak has branches in Dayville and Putnam.

BauerFinancial awards the 5-Star rating to those institutions that excel in their capital, asset quality, profitability and other financial areas. This latest BauerFinancial rating is based on Sept.  30, 2014, financial data.

 

 

HARTFORD — The YMCA of Greater Hartford has announced that James Morton, its president and CEO, will be leaving Hartford to become the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston.  He will begin his new role on April 6.

Prior to joining the YMCA of Greater Hartford in 2010, Morton served as president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater.

Morton led major expansion of YMCA programs and facilities during his tenure with the YMCA of Greater Hartford, including the capital campaign and groundbreaking of the new Regional Community YMCA now under construction in Putnam.

“I move on to Boston knowing that the Greater Hartford YMCA Board of Directors and the Regional Community YMCA Board of Advisors will lead this project to completion, culminating in the ‘grand-opening’ of Connecticut’s newest YMCA,” said Morton.

The YMCA will begin its search for Morton’s replacement immediately.