The Last Green 

Valley announces

grant awards   

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) announced the recipients of a small grant round for projects that will interpret, promote, or market historic and cultural resources.  Applicants were encouraged to use digital technology, social media, or creative and innovative approaches to bring stories from The Last Green Valley to life.  A total of 15 completed applications were received and four were funded.

The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret was awarded a $2,500 grant for “Edwin Way Teale, A Naturalist Writer’s Interpretive Trail” at the Trail Wood Sanctuary in Hampton.  The grant will allow the research, design and installation of 10 high-quality trail kiosk signs plus a virtual trail walk on the Connecticut Audubon website.

The Dr. Ashbel Woodward House Museum/Town of Franklin, will receive $2,500 to purchase a computer and collections software that will be used to digitize and catalog the museum’s entire collection.  The grant will also be used to fund an interactive touch-screen kiosk that will enable visitors to virtually “Explore the Surgeon’s Room,” a portion of the museum that is inaccessible to the public.  

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge was awarded $2,500 to develop a promotional video series to celebrate 1830s lessons and values that are relevant and necessary today, such as being a good neighbor and sharing an appreciation of the land.  The videos will highlight small house living, field-to-table food, agriculture and horticulture, and mastering a skill, craft or trade, and will be used as a means of drawing visitors to OSV and the region.

The Lebanon Historical Society in Lebanon was awarded $2,500 to create mini-documentaries that will fully illustrate the interiors of its historic buildings and provide a narrative interpretation of the history and significance of the buildings. This will make the buildings accessible for people with mobility issues and for those who wish to “visit” when the museums are closed.

All of the recipients are required to provide at least 1-to-1 in matching contributions, and many of the awardees have formed innovative partnerships to complete their projects.  

The Last Green Valley plans to offer another round of grant funding in the spring to bring more stories from The Last Green Valley to life.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

On what some called a “special day” Putnam Science Academy held a press conference clarifying and setting the tone for what will be a long and cooperative tenure for the school in the Putnam community.  According to school President Dr. Tieqiang Ding, “This is a new day that I’m very excited about for our students and the town of Putnam.”

In May of 2015 the former owners of Putnam Science Academy, the Wellspring Foundation, unexpectedly announced the closing of the school that had been in existence for more than a dozen years.  The uncertainty surrounding the announcement with regard to the school and the physical plant left Putnam residents and others with many questions. 

Acting quickly and with a sense of urgency Dr. Ding and his associates came to the rescue.  They moved with alacrity in allaying the fears of local residents.  Following discussions and negotiation that lasted throughout the summer, Putnam Science Academy opened its doors in September, essentially the same school with new owners.

Currently the school has 18 students, primarily all members of the basketball team.  There is a full complement of faculty, conducting classes daily.  Dr. Ding also introduced Donald Cushing, a former school principal in Massachusetts, as the school’s headmaster.  Cushing heads up a team that includes assistant administrator Owen Quantick, college counselor Albert Cormier and athletic director and basketball coach Thomas Espinosa.

In speaking to the question of why he decided to continue the school in Putnam, Dr. Ding said, “My lifelong dream (of having a school) is real.  The people of Putnam are so nice.  It made our decision very easy.  We want our relationship with this community to last forever.” 

 Cushing equated the current situation with that of the original Putnam Science Academy, which started with a handful of students and grew each year.  He noted that the goal is to steadily grow the school from its current number to 50 then 75 and eventually 125 students.  Plans also call for the school to someday become co-educational with 75 to 80 per cent coming from the U.S. and the remainder as international students.  The school is offering six scholarships in an effort to entice students to think of Putnam Science Academy as a school of choice.

“We’re educating and renovating.  Our mission is to form students into knowledgeable, responsible individuals who will become contributing members of society.  We are like the pioneers and pilgrims beginning on a new venture,” said Cushing.

The school will continue the process of becoming accredited, a process that was started by the former administration.  The student body will operate under the acronym, PSA. P for personal development, S for service (locally and globally) and A for Academics.  The curriculum will continue its focus on science, math and technology as well as social studies and SAT preparation.  

Coach Tom Espinosa, as anticipated, drew the largest ovation from the students.  In his remarks he stated, “This is a very special place to me.  I’ve been here every day since it’s opened.  I’ve watched as the school has helped so many students over the years and I’m very proud of the students. It’s exciting to be back.”

Two students, Yunus Demiskol and Saul Phiri, members of the basketball team also addressed the audience.  Demiskol, who comes from Istanbul, Turkey, is in his fourth year at the school.  He expressed a strong sentiment for the school and his ability to study in a calm environment.

The ownership and administration of Putnam Science Academy has undergone a complete transformation.  It appears that the mission of strong academics and athletics remains a primary focus.  As renovations begin the physical plant is gradually taking on a new appearance.  Initially the commitment to the community is one of partnership and hopes of longevity in Putnam.

A new phase is beginning with new hope, vitality and enthusiasm.  Putnam Science Academy is back in the business of educating students.

 

 

Wed. Nov. 18

Three C’s

WOODSTOCK --- The Three C’s Performing Arts for Kids will present “Miss Nelson is Missing” at 10 a.m. at the Hyde Cultural Center. Recommended for grades K-4. $4 per person (in groups of 10 or more) 928-2946. 

 

Flu Shots

EASTFORD --- The Eastford Fire Station on Westford Road will handle flu shots from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Medicare and most insurances accepted, or pay only $30 by cash or check. For vaccination ease, please wear short sleeves under your clothes.

 

Wed. Nov. 11

Art at Library

N. GROSVENORDALE --- Art @ the Library will present “Hearts, Hands & Homes” a community collaborative for foster care and adoption’s “Color Me Blue,” through Nov. 28 at the Thompson Public Library. 

 

Art Show

THOMPSON ---  Art @ the Library will present "Hearts, Hands & Homes," a community collaborative for foster care and adoption's "Color Me Blue," through Nov. 28 at the Thompson Public Library.

 

Art Exhibit

POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present an art exhibit, “Birding Through the Years with Paint and Brush,” through Dec. 31 at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Free.

 

Fri. Nov. 20

Moveable Feast

THOMPSON --- The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will present Tastefully New England --- A Moveable Feast, at 7 p.m. at the Thompson Raceway Restaurant. Tickets are $50 per person. Call 860-774-8001 for tickets.

 

Sat. Nov. 21

Craft/Bake Sale

N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Emanuel Lutheran Church on Main Street will present a Holiday Craft and Bake Sale From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Nature Store

POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will open its Holiday Nature Store today. It runs through Dec. 23 and is located at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. 860-928-4948. 

 

Auction

EASTFORD --- Eastford Elementary School Auction to fund the 8th Grade Trip to Washington will begin with a pasta dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. ($6), the silent auction beginning at 5:30 and the live auction beginning at 6:15.  (860) 974-1130.

 

Craft Fair

CANTERBURY --- Paddle for a Cure will present a Holiday Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center. Benefits local people fighting cancer.

 

Greek Pastry Sale

DANIELSON --- the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Water Street will present a Greek Pastry Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 

Christmas Bazaar

PLAINFIELD --- The First Congregational Church of Plainfield on Norwich Road will present a Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch available. 

 

Holly Day Fair

UNION --- The Congregational Church of Union will be hosting its seventh annual Holly Day Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch available.

 

Sun. Nov. 22

Turkey Shoot

N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Public invited. 860-923-2967

 

Tues. Nov. 24

Exercise Group

WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Woodstock Town Hall lower level meeting room. Free for all Woodstock senior citizens 60 and older. 860-974-1050.

 

Thur. Nov. 26

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Thanksgiving Dinner

PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown, will hold a Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends. Reservations required. Free will donation. 860-928-4405.

 

Fri. Nov. 27

Camper Game Day

POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp is offering a “Black Friday Camper Game Day” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 6-12.  Games, food and fun for the kids while parents go shopping, lunch and snacks included !!!   Admission is $15/child. All welcome.    Preregistration requested: 860-974-1122 .

 

Santa Visits

PUTNAM --- Santa Claus will come to town at 4 p.m. in front of Crabtree and Evelyn at the Riverfront Commons shopping plaza. It’s sponsored by the Putnam Recreation Department and WINY Radio.

 

Donations Welcome

PUTNAM --- Body Balance & The Healing Tree at The Fox Hearth on Fox Road will be collecting nonperishable food and toys for the TEEG Giving Tree from 1 to 5 p.m. List of toys that kids have asked for at: www.thefoxhearth.com.

 

‘Nutcracker’

PUTNAM --- The Complex Performing Arts Centre's Dance Theatre Company will present Michael Bolger's “Nutcracker” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27, and 28 and Dec. 5 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. Performances are held at Stage 136 on Main Street. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.  www.stage136.com

 

Sat. Nov. 28

Nature Program

POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Owl Walk” at 6 p.m. starting from at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948. 

 

Nature Program

HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Full Moon Walk” at 7 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free for CAS members; $5 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948. 

 

Advent Retreat

PUTNAM --- The Immaculate Conception Spiritual Renewal Center on Liberty Highway will present “Advent Retreat --- The Real Gift”  from 2 to 5 p.m. Open to the public. Learn the  history of the Advent Wreath while making your own. No cost but reserve a space by calling 860-928-7955, ext 105.

 

Sun. Nov. 29

Dazzle Parade

PUTNAM --- The 14th annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade will step off from Grove Street at 5 p.m. The rain date is Dec. 6. To enter your organization’s float call 860-928-1350.

 

Wed. Dec. 2

Pet Loss Support Group

DAYVILLE --- NECCOG Animal Services on Putnam Pike will present a Pet Loss Support Group at 6 p.m. Free.  No fee/reservations are required and you are free to attend as often as necessary throughout your grief process.  860-774-1253.

 

Fri. Dec. 4

'Wonderful Life'

PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. $19 and $15. 860-928-7887.

 

Sat. Dec. 5

Sugar Plum Fair

BROOKLYN --- The Federated Church of Christ on Rt. 6 will present its Sugar Plum Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

 

Art Show, Sale

E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will be having a Holiday Art / Craft Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments all day. Prizes. Free.  860-933-8667.

 

Musical Celebration

THOMPSON --- TEEG, in partnership with Brooklyn Cares, will present a children’s musical, “A Children’s Holiday Journey,” from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Tourtellotte Memorial High School auditorium. Benefits TEEG. $5. 923-3458. 

 

Sun. Dec. 6

Lunch with Santa

POMFRET CENTER --- The Windham Tolland 4-H will present Lunch With Santa from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the center on Taft Pond Road. $6 for kids up to 8; $10 for those 9 and older. 974-3379.

 

..