two pg 3 3-28-24
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PUTNAM — Two girls won two freestyle events when the Hale YMCA Riptides swim team competed in the SENECY Swim League Championships. As one of the newer and smaller teams in the league, the Hale Riptides were ecstatic with their 10th-place finish, while they set two SENECY league Championship meet records along the way. It was a true team effort, said coach Brian Reilly.
Mary Kate (14) set two meet records, as she took the gold in the 50 Freestyle (:24.99) and 100 Free (:54.60). Also, Sydney A. (8) won the 25-yard Free (:17.06) and the 50-yard Free (38.19). For the girls, Mary B., Amelia D. and Faith M. were all in the top 10 finishes.
On the boys’ side, Nico D (9) took 4th in the 100 Individual Medley (a race in which each swimmer completes all four strokes - IM), tied for 8th in the 50 breaststroke and brought home a silver medal in the 100 Free. Also, swimming the 100 Free was Jeffery M. (9) cut over 20 seconds from his best time.
Other 9/10 swimmers included best times from Emma C. in Free and Gabby F. in backstroke. Olivia M. took 11th in the 50 backstroke. Strong swims in the 100 IM came from Sophie C., Callie N. and Abbie R. In the Freestyle Relay Emma C., Sophie C, Callie N. and Olivia M., teamed up for a 14th- place finish.
In the 11-12 age group strong swims came from William T who finished 10th in the 200-yard IM; Zoey M., took 16th.
The 15 & over swimmers, Maura H., Charles O. and Helen T. provided leadership to the Riptides, often helping new swimmers with flip-turns and starts. Unfortunately, the pool conditions late Sunday afternoon did not cooperate, and session was cancelled.
The 8 & under swimmers for the Riptides are already qualified for the New England Championship meet. It’s often difficult to find new swimmers willing to learn butterfly, but this young group had several, and their Medley Relay team of Veronica W., Molley W., Sydney A. and Eva N. placed 9th. In the freestyle events Sydney A. took gold in the 25 and 50, and she was supported by Eva N. and Veronica W. who placed 20th in the 50. Molley W. took 5th in the 25 butterfly, as she took 5th. In addition to Veronica W,’s quick relay lead-off, the Riptides also had fast backstroke swims from Eva N. and Molley W. who placed 8th.
On the boys’ side, Thomas H., took off over 3 seconds in the 25 free enroute to placing 14th and he also turned in a best time in the 50 free as he took 16th. In the 100 Free Relay, the team of Molley W., Veronica W., Eva N. and Sydney A. scored yet another top 10 finish, as they came from behind to beat out the team from Woonsocket by a mere half second.
The 13-14 age group started off spectacularly with a 4th-place finish from the Medley Relay team of Mary Kate, Mary B., Amelia D. and Faith M. who just beat out the team from Westerly by a half a second. Then, in the 200 IM, Mary and Faith were in adjacent lanes — they pushed each other while swimming 50 yards in all four strokes and scored their best times. Mary B. placed 5th and Faith M. placed 9th. In the Free events, Mary Kate took the gold in the 50 and 100 while establishing new meet records. Mary B. and Faith M. followed up on their strong swims in the 200 IM with 8th and 10th place finishes in the 100 Free.
On the boys’ side, James M. swam his best times in the 50 & 100 to take 12th & 18th places respectfully. Another top 10 finish was turned in by butterfly specialist, Amelia D., who powered her way to 8th place, with her best time in the 100 Butterfly. In the Free relay, the team of Amelia D., Mary B., Faith M. and Mary Kate set a new team record as they swam the 200 yards in 1:56.46, just beating out the Bayside Y relay team from Barrington, by 2 hundredths of a second. The SENECY swim league brings together swimmers from YMCA swim teams in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
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in its pg 4 3-28-24
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In its 40th year
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — A little rain couldn’t keep the Easter Bunny, kids — or the fun away March 23.
The Town of Putnam Recreation Department once again created a fun-filled Easter extravaganza at the Municipal Center with “coloring station”, goody bags filled with a chocolate bunny and a bunny-topped pencil, games, face painting and the photogenic Easter Bunny. There were 200 goody bags.
The Putnam Little League, District 12, hosted the egg hunt in one of the large community rooms. Some of the plastic eggs contained candy or perhaps tickets for the drawing. The donated baskets were on display in one of the side rooms in the Putnam Public Library. The prize winners were: Beckett Florence, Lorelai Florence, Bryce Gallagher, Nora Lubecki, Amy Macaluso, Anjoli Kamuda, Alexia Baubeau, Scarlett Dyer, Logan Beauslieu, Kolbie Bisson, Astrid Bisson, Emma Cote, Henry Verraneault, Quinn Poisson, Henry, Milo, and Nathaniel Chea-Haire.
The egg hunt/drawing is a fund-raiser for the league. Last year they raised almost $600. The money is used for scholarships for kids unable to pay the join fee.
Parks and Recreation Director Willie Bousquet said this was the event’s 40th year. When he first started, the event was held at Murphy Park. It was at the Putnam Middle School for perhaps 25 years. During the two years of COVID-19 the Easter Bunny greeted children in a drive-thru setup at the Putnam Fire Station.
Helping the Easter Bunny event were eight students from Putnam High School. The Relay for Life also helped out.
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cal pg 6 3-28-24
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Wed. March 27
Quilt Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit by Laura Salo, “The Year Through Quilts,” runs through March 30 at the Corridor Gallery in the Municipal Complex. The show is sponsored by the Putnam Arts Council. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library and display case will feature “Focus on Thompson: A Photographic Exhibition” through March 27.
Sat. March 29
Food Drive
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Elks, Putnam Lions and Putnam Rotary Club will host their annual Good Friday Food Drive for Daily Bread from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WINY Radio. Nonperishable foods. Monetary donations also accepted.
Sun. April 7
Naturalist
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Become a Backyard Naturalist” at 1 p.m. at the center on Day Road. Covered will be: Planting native plants, focusing on biodiversity, and removing invasive species, habitat certifications; mobile apps to help with bird, insect, and plant identification, The Pollinator Pathway Initiative, No-Mow May, lawns to meadows, and water features. No registration required. Free.
Thur. April 18
History Program
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Library will present the next in its series of local history programs presented by Thompson Historical Society President Joseph Iamartino: “Stories of Thompson's Taverns: from 6 to 7 p.m. 860.923.9779.
Sat. April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present International Day downtown.
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Bats: Winged Wonders” at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. $5 members; $10 nonmembers. 860-928-4948.
Poet Laureate
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present CT State Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Fun Run
POMFRET --- Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and One Mile Kid Run. Kids Race at 9:30; adult race at 10; walkers after runners. Last Mile Race Management. Register by March 31 to receive discount and free T-shirt. Adults $30/kids $10. Preregister: www.4hcampct.org. Benefits the Jim Logee Campership Fund.
Sun. April 21
Concert
POMFRET --- The Christ Church will present a concert by Take Note, a cappella ensemble, at 3 p.m. at the church on Pomfret Street. Donations accepted at the door. Helps support Partners in Development project work in Guatemala.
Sat. April 27
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Long Pond Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson. $10 members; $20 nonmembers. Register by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 860-928-4948.
Sat. April 27
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- Putnam’s annual Beautification Day will be held starting with a gathering at 8:30 a.m. at Putnam Rotary Park where volunteer teams will receive their assignments. A volunteer appreciation lunch will be held at the park from 11 a.m. to noon. Trophies awarded. For info or to volunteer, call 860-963-6800, ext. 140. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley and the Town of Putnam.
Sun. April 28
Ham Radio Market
DAYVILLE --- The Eastern Connecticut Amateur Radio Association (ECARA) is holding its annual ham radio flea market, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Killingly High School cafeteria. There will be a flea market with radios, electronics, GMRS, shortwave, computers and other items, seminars, food trucks, an FCC ham radio license exam session, and more. Free parking for all, and free admission for all students. Admission is a $5 donation to ECARA, vendor table rentals are $15 each, please reserve in advance. More information is available at ECARA.net or email Jon Fournier at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fri. May 3
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Virginia Rail Bird Walk” at 6 p.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 4
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Beginners Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Pride Festival
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam, Putnam Parks and Recreation will present the Quiet Corner Pride Festival from noon to 4 p.m. at Rotary Park. Vendors sought.www.quietcornerpride.com.
Fri. May 10
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Friedman Forest Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at Joshua’s Trust preserve. Day Road. $20 for CAS members; $30 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 11
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Gellert Preserve Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust Preserve at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sun. May 12
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Mother’s Day Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. from the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Moms free. Register: 860-928-4948.
Wed. May 15
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “20 Warbler Day” from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. carpooling from the center on Day Road. $25 for CAS members; $50 for nonmembers. Moms free. Register: 860-928-4948.
Thur. May 16
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present “Cabbage Hill Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Fri. May 17
Concert
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present Cindy Kallet, Grey Larsen & Will Brown in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the center on Day Road. $20 advance reservations; $25 at the door. Reserve at: 860-928-4948.
Sat. May 18
Fairy Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present a Fairy and Magic Fest.
Sat. May 25
Bird Banding
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Bird Banding Demonstration” at 9 a.m. at the center on Day Road. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Register: 860-928-4948.
Sat. June 8
Singers/Songwriters of ‘70s
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present Jim Lenn with “The Ovation Guitar & Singers/Songwriters of the ‘70s” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
Sat. June 22
Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Fine Arts and Crafts Festival will be held June 22 and 23 at the Municipal Complex.
Sat. July 6
Fireworks
PUTNAM --- Fireworks will be held around the Putnam Rotary Park. Rain date is July 13.
Sun. Aug. 11
Pluck a Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present Pluck a Duck Aug. 11 and 12.
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obit pg 6 3-28-24
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PUTNAM — Robert Joseph Guillot, 87, died March 20, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Kathleen Donna (O’Brien) Guillot. They were married for 65 years raising six children, three sons and three daughters.
Robert was born in 1936 in Putnam, the son of the late Joseph and Lucienne (Auger) Guillot. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean war. After his military service he worked in the furniture business at Risom Design Inc. in Thompson. In 1965 he opened a furniture upholstery business (Bob’s Upholstery & Furniture) and operated the business for 45 years.
He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus in Putnam and was a devoted Catholic. He enjoyed coaching sports and assisting with community charities and events. He lived his life to the fullest sharing his witty sense of humor, laughter, and stories with his family, large circle of friends, the (4-R’s), and everyone he encountered though his travels.
His passion was his family and farming. He owned and operated Twin Brooks Farm, breeding prized cattle for many years wining national honors with his prized bulls and was president of the American Angus Association for several years. He loved bringing up his grandchildren on his family farm; teaching and having them participate in the daily farming chores. He will be deeply missed by his 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
He leaves his sons, David Guillot (Marianne) of Danielson, Thomas Guillot (Sandra) of Princeton, Mass., and James Guillot of Putnam; their daughters, Doreen Schipani (Theodore) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nancy Moroz (Edward) of Millbury, Mass., and Michelle Deskus (Russell) of Woodstock; his siblings, Paul Guillot (Clarice) of N. Grosvenordale, Laurent “Larry” Guillot of N. Grosvenordale, Edmund Guillot (Claire) of Florida, Lorraine Guillot of Putnam, John Guillot (Elaine) of Avon; nieces and nephews.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. April 2 in the Gilman Funeral Home 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 p.m. April 3 in Saint Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. A private burial will follow. Donations: Yale New Haven Hospital St. Raphael Campus, 1450 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06511 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
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