rawson pg 3 4-18-24
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Rawson
Materials buys
Sterling Concrete
PUTNAM — Strategic Commercial Realty, Inc. dba Rawson Materials has acquired the stock of Sterling Concrete Corp. in North Oxford and will operate it as a wholly owned subsidiary.
This acquisition is monumental in allowing Strategic to grow its family of brands, which already includes aggregates, hot-mix asphalt, trucking and manufacturing, into the ready-mix concrete industry. The business will continue to operate under its trade name “Sterling Concrete” and will continue to offer comprehensive commercial and residential ready-mix concrete at two facilities located in North Oxford and Sterling. George DeFalco Jr. will serve as the Division President for Sterling Concrete.
President Jeffrey Rawson said: “Purchasing Sterling Concrete has been part of our vision for many years. The Rawson and DeFalco families have conducted business together for over 40 years, and we are extremely proud to move forward with such well-respected partners in George DeFalco, Jr. and Sterling Concrete. “
The deal became effective on April 9.
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Cal pg 5 4-18-24
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Wed. April 17
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- —The Friends of the Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library and Display Case series, “The 1st Annual Quiet Corner Community Art Show: Expansion” through April 26. Reception is 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 15.
Photo Exhibit
PUTNAM --- An exhibit by Putnam resident and photographer Janet McDonald is now on display in the Municipal Complex’s Corridor Gallery. Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 9.
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.
Fri. April 19
Comedy Fund-raiser
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Paws Cat Shelter is holding a comedy night fund-raiser at the Valley Springs Sportsman's Club on Valley Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Cash bar, light snacks provided. $30 per person and can be purchased at; www.funny4funds.com/events or at the door. 860-377-9329. Benefits efforts to help homeless and needy cats in our local communities.
Sat. April 20
International Day
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam will present International Day from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. all around downtown.
Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals Northeast is holding a low cost rabies clinic at from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital, Rt. 12, Danielson/Plainfield town line. $15 cash per animal. Preregistration and appointment is required. No walk-ins. 860-317-1720.
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 at 1:30 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. www.4hcampct.org. Benefits the Jim Logee Campership Fund.
Sun. April 21
Concert
POMFRET --- Take-Note! a cappella choral group will perform at 3 p.m. at the Christ Church, 521 Pomfret St. Benefits Partners in Development project work in Guatemala. Free-will donations shall be accepted at the door, and a reception follows.
Mon. April 22
Poetry
THOMPSON --- “Expanding Horizons Poetry Night: Exploring the Cosmos” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in conjunction with the Art Show at the library.
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. 860-928-4948.
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- Beautification Day will start 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. 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.
Book/Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 3 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 4 in the church basement.
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.
Pomfret Tag Sale
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors Association’s 18th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale begins at 7 a.m. on May 4 with the purchase of a printed map for $2 at Pomfret Community School or Christ Church Pomfret. More than 50 locations for bargain hunting and many benefit nonprofit organizations.
Puzzle/Game Swap
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library Puzzle & Board Game Swap will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring in gently used puzzles & board games Tuesday, April 30 through Friday, May 3, during regular Library hours. Join us May 4 to complete your swap. 860-923-9779.
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.
Plant Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Agriculture Building on the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Rt. 169. It will feature perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable plants, trees and shrubs, and because it’s always held the Saturday before Mother’s Day, fresh floral arrangements and crafts will also tempt. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. Sponsors include: The Putnam Area Foundation, our perennial sponsor; Two Gold Moons, Air Plant sponsor; and Rawson Materials sponsoring the Botanical Crafts. It benefits scholarships for local students studying horticulture-related fields, for civic projects such as children’s gardens in schools and libraries, plantings at senior housing facilities and memorial sites throughout the region. QuietCornerGardenClub.com.
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.
Pancake Breakfast
PUTNAM --- In honor of Armed Forces Day, Boy Scout Troop 21 will sponsor a free pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon in the St. Mary's Church Hall.
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 1
Bat Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will present “Bats: Winged Wonders” at 2 p.m. at the center on Day Road. Presentation by Maureen Heidtmann, one of only three licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut specializing in caring for bats. Includes overview of bats of the world, with an emphasis on our local species. She will cover myths and misconceptions, roles they play in ensuring a healthy planet, perils they face as they struggle to survive and their amazing resilience. She’ll bring an “ambassador” bat with her. No registration required. $5 for CAS members; $10 non-members. 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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named pg 5 4-18-24
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Named manager
JEWETT CITY — Jewett City Savings Bank has announced Nancy Zeppieri has joined the bank as Branch Manager of the Pawcatuck office.
Shei previously served as Branch Manager at Berkshire Bank’s Pawcatuck branch for eight years, which was formerly Savings Institute Bank & Trust. Before joining Savings Institute, she worked at Citizens Bank, in the same building where Jewett City Savings Bank’s current Pawcatuck office is located.
A member of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, Zeppieri is well known to the Pawcatuck and Westerly business communities.
“We are delighted to welcome Nancy to Jewett City Savings Bank. With her experience and passion for helping others in need in the community and guiding people to financial security, she will bring a wealth of knowledge to benefit our customers,” said Michael Alberts, president and CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank.
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obits pg 6 4-18-24
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John 'Jay' Vincent Swan Jr.,
1st selectman
WOODSTOCK — John (Jay) Vincent Swan Jr. of Woodstock died peacefully in his sleep (His last Irish goodbye) April 10, 2024. He was 74 years old.
He was born June 13, 1949, in Worcester, to Elizabeth (Rowe) Swan and John Vincent Swan Sr. He married Susan (Shaw) Swan on June 22, 1990, in Woodstock, after falling in love while working for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Disability Services. Soon after they welcomed two children, Elizabeth M. Swan and Allison J. Swan.
Jay was a huge advocate for education. He graduated Leicester High School in 1968 and later attended Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, gaining his associate’s degree in 1971. He got his bachelor’s degree in social and rehabilitation services in 1973 from Assumption College in Worcester, and later a master’s in education from UConn in 1984.
Jay had many careers over his lifetime. He worked for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in the Rutland Rehabilitation Center from 1969 until 1971. He worked for the State of Connecticut in the Department of Developmental Disabilities from 1973 until 2003. During this time he was a case worker, a special education teacher, an adult education coordinator, director of Staff Development, and a contract manager. Always one to keep busy, he began to work for the Town of Woodstock after his retirement from the state in 2003. He was a constable, sergeant, deputy chief, and later the First Selectman of Woodstock, a title he was very proud and honored to have served from 2019 up until his passing.
Jay was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America (Scoutmaster Troop 22 1973-1983; chair of the Indian Trails Council, Scouting for the Handicapped Committee 1978-1983; director of the June Norcross Scout Reservation 1981-1983; District Commissioner, Quinebaug District, Indian Trails Council in the 1980s).
Jay was dedicated to environmentalism and firearms safety. He was a Certified Instructor in Conservation Education, Firearms Safety, and Advanced Bowhunting. He was a life member of the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club, the National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited conservation group. He loved to have the windows down in his truck while blasting The Rolling Stones and The Who. “If it’s too loud, you’re old.”
He had a great, dry sense of humor and loved to quote Mel Brooks movies and Jim Morrison and The Doors, “People are Strange.” He was constantly assisting others, giving advice and a listening ear to those who needed it. He left a legacy as a role model helping his community and people with disabilities. He was a leader who made people feel like they mattered. He loved telling stories that included his friends Marjorie Jones, Joe Dokes, and Joe Schmo.
He leaves his wife Susan (Shaw) Swan; their daughters Elizabeth M. Swan (Shane W. Kegler) and Allison J. Swan (and her partner Ian Sullivan); his “third daughter” Lauren A. Johnson; his siblings Frederick Swan, Marybeth Bardot (Doug) Bardot, and Helen Harris (Richard); his mother-in-law Joyce Shaw; his sister and brother-in-law Lesley and Robert Goodrich; cousins, nieces, nephews, and the Orlowskis, who are like family. He was predeceased by his mom, dad, and his younger brother David W. Swan.
The Funeral was April 16 at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation in Putnam with burial in Woodstock Center Cemetery on Center Cemetery Road in Woodstock.
Donations: Friends of Webster June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation at https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/066/appeal/3451. Smith & Walker Funeral Home 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Linda Lamoureux
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel….” Maya Angelou.
April 8, 2024 Linda went to the arms of her loving Savior surrounded by her family after a long journey with cancer.
Linda’s first love was her family. She devoted much of her time to caring for family members who had become ill themselves, as well as, being a trained Day Kimball Hospital Hospice volunteer.
She was born March 9, 1954, in Putnam, the daughter of Walter L. LeClair Sr. and Aurore (Langevin) LeClair.
She married (and is survived by her husband of 50 years), Michael Lamoureux in 1972 at St. John’s Church in Plainfield. Together they had two sons. Michael Jr. of Gray, Maine and Daniel of Webster. She also leaves a grandson Quinn of Gray; a loving daughter-in-law, Kristi who was like a daughter to her. Her grand-dog Butterscotch also survives her and brought her great joy. Linda and Mike followed their boys as they grew and volunteered in Boy Scouts, Little League, other sports and in their school activities.
Linda’s family extended to her community with involvement in many non-profits and commitments to many groups who benefited by her grant writing abilities. She served on the Town of Putnam’s Ethics Commission and also on the Putnam Commission on Aging for many years. Throughout her life her faith in God sustained her. In her parish community at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation she served many years as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, CCD Teacher, RCIA and Visitation Ministry. She volunteered at St. Mary’s School and was a member of the Friends of St. Mary’s. When the businesses in the town of Putnam created the Putnam Business Association she served as the secretary for the first two years.
After college, she spent the next 32 years of her career working for individuals with disabilities at The Arc Quinebaug Valley in many administrative positions. As development director she facilitated many fund-raisers for the good of the organization. She appreciated being affectionately known as “The Head Quack” after facilitating The Arc Rubber Duckie Race for 20 of those years.
She wrote many State grants which helped the agency acquire transportation vans for those they served. As director of Business Development Linda worked within the community to create businesses that would enable the agency’s individuals to have valued work experiences where they could learn and grow but, more importantly, be seen as contributing members of their community. These efforts resulted in The Arc Emporium, Redemption Center, Janitorial Crews, Yard Crews and Individual Placements in various businesses in the 10-town area. She served on the Board of Directors for Northeast Opportunities for Wellness or (NOW) helping to raise funds for the many programs offered to local youth. She also served many years on the Board of Directors for the Little River Acres Senior Housing in Putnam and the Quinebaug Valley Senior Center in Brooklyn which served the 10-town area of senior citizens. Throughout her career she received many accolades for her work.
Linda much preferred recognition for the group or team effort however in 1993 she received the Athena Award from the Northeastern Chamber of Commerce for Leadership Excellence and in 2014 she was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest Rotary Honor, for her efforts in the community.
When her illness progressed and she retired from The Arc she was offered the position of Director at the Quinebaug Valley Senior Center in Brooklyn. There she was able to continue to serve seniors which was one of her favorite positions. There, she created many new programs and services, raised the level of awareness of the senior center in the community and made many friends with some of the most wonderful people in the area … the seniors. She had to retire due to her illness. In retirement Linda continued doing as much as she could to support those in need including facilitating the Christ Child Giving Appeal at the four parishes that were yoked together. Donations were made to TEEG, Daily Bread, The Diaper Bank and local homeless shelters. She worked for the Boot Drive, Tommy Toy Fund and many other worthy causes.
One of her greatest joys was being invited to be an Associate of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. The family is very grateful for their loving support, prayers and love given to Linda during her illness. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Dinesh Kapur, Kristin Joly, A.P.R.N. and the medical team at the Backus Hospital ECHO (Eastern CT Hematology and Oncology Center) for their compassionate care of Linda during her long illness. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations of time, talent or treasure be made to “The ECHO Cancer Foundation” at https://echoassociates.org/make-a-donation or to any of the mentioned community groups that Linda was involved in.
In her spare time, Linda enjoyed painting, gardening, cake decorating (especially wedding cakes) and spending quality time with her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was April 13 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.