WBA pg 3 5-30-24
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WBA wins award
WOODSTOCK — Woodstock Building Associates, LLC received a 2024 Guildmaster with Highest Distinction Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry.
Woodstock Building Associates, LLC achieved a recommendation rate of 98 percent or above from their customers surveyed by GuildQuality.
“This is the 11th year in a row that Woodstock Building Associates has been awarded the Guildmaster Award,” said Doug Porter, a founding member of Woodstock Building Associates. “This is a testament to WBA’s focus on customer satisfaction. Our entire WBA team is honored by this award.”
Since 2005, GuildQuality, an Atlanta-based third-party customer satisfaction surveying company, has powered the Guildmaster Award to recognize and celebrate home building, remodeling, and contracting professionals demonstrating the highest level of customer service within the U.S. and Canada.
Out of nearly 2,000 eligible applicants, Woodstock Building Associates, LLC is one of 400+ businesses within the residential construction industry recognized by GuildQuality for consistently delivering superior customer care.
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historic pg 5 5-30-24
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WOODSTOCK — May 17, The Woodstock Academy community gathered to celebrate the hard work and contributions that have transformed the iconic Academy Building into a modern learning environment. The renovations revitalized the building’s historical charm while equipping it for the next generation of Woodstock Academy students.
“This is one of the most important gatherings we have ever had here at The Academy,” said Associate Head of School for Advancement Jon Sturdevant. “Not only because of this amazing landmark we are celebrating, but because of the collection of people who joined us in the room.”
At the event, a compilation of current students, alumni, trustees, staff, and community members, including State Representative Pat Boyd and Reverend Kevin Downer of First Congregational Church of Woodstock, all took to the stage to share their respective words of sentiment about the building’s rich history and timeless charm. Each of their speeches highlighted the 150 years of impact and embodiment of The Academy’s legacy that live within the beloved structure and beyond.
Among the speakers was faculty member Rich Telford, who has served WA for 27 years and taught in every single classroom in the Academy Building throughout his tenure. “So many students who have passed through the halls and classrooms of this building have gone on to live meaningful, impactful lives. They have changed and continue to change the world for the better, and they have laid and continue to lay the foundation for good that still others will build upon.”
The Academy’s campus has been comprised of several buildings since its founding in 1801, but the Academy Building has endured the longest, since 1873. In 2020, The Woodstock Academy launched InSpire 150: the Campaign for Academy Building as a formal announcement of the renovation and to raise funds for the project. Along with the generosity of many donors, The Academy received a Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit from the State Historic Preservation Office for $1.58 million. Phase 1 of the renovation began with the clocktower restoration in 2021, followed by the remaining restoration and refinishing of the building in in 2022.
Class of 1964 alumna Jennifer Randall Male and her husband Bob are ongoing supporters of The Academy and have generously contributed to this project. In recognition and appreciation of their efforts, the clocktower has been named in honor of Jennifer’s parents, Robert and Natalie Randall.
By integrating state-of-the-art technology and contemporary learning spaces, history and modernity coexist in harmony.
between the Academy Building walls. WA Students will benefit from a unique learning experience enriched by the echoes of the past, yet fully equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that speak to the essence of education in the 21st century and beyond.
“This rededication is not just about honoring a building, but about reaffirming our commitment to excellence in education. It is a celebration of our vision to foster an environment where creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration thrive. We hopefully have created a space where our students can dream big, think boldly, and achieve greatness,” said Head of School Chris Sandford.
In his speech, Sandford also honored Bob Derrico, Gary Giambattista, and Aaron Hogary ’05 for their dedication to the restoration of the clock mechanism and the historic legacy of The Woodstock Academy. The mechanism is beautifully displayed in a glass case on the first floor of the Academy Building in The Woodstock Academy’s History Exhibit, made possible by the generosity of SPIROL in honor of Hans H. Koehl ’52. The mechanism has operated the four clock faces of the tower and struck the bell every hour since 1873.
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cal pg 6 5-30-24
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Wed. May 29
Exhibit
PUTNAM --- “Natural Vision” photo exhibit by Janet McDonald is showing in the Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through June 30. The exhibit features a series of beautiful color photographs of nature and the world around us. Open to the public at no charge. Visit www.PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com for gallery hours and more information.
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.
Relay For Life
PUTNAM --- The Relay For Life of Northeastern Connecticut, a regional fund-raiser walk and festival benefitting the American Cancer Society, will be held from 10 a.m. June 1 to 10 a.m. June 2 at the St. Marie-Greenhalgh Sports Complex. For more info or to register, go to: relayforlife.org/northeasternct
Benefit Concert
POMFRET --- A benefit concert in honor of the late Carol Davidge will be held at the Vanilla Bean Café. Local talent Sally Rogers will perform at 7 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation of $25, 100 percent of which will be donated to the “Make Your Mark” scholarship.
Arts & Crafts
EAST WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will present its Arts and Crafts Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at the church. Lunch available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sun. June 2
Concert
CHEPACHET --- The Chepachet Meeting House on Rt. 44, home to the Chepachet Baptist Church’s Music at the Meeting House program, will present Local Freight, a New England bluegrass and country group, at 2:30 p.m. Open to the public without charge, but there will be a free will offering. Refreshments follow.
Fishing Derby
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will host its 24th annual Pomfret Kids Fishing Derby & Casting Contest from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club. For boys and girls, ages 5-15.
Wed. June 5
Program
PLAINFIELD --- The Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present a program, “From Africa to Middle Class Hartford - Two Generations of the Maguira Family” by Pauline C. Merrick, genealogist and historian, at 6:30 p.m. in the Plainfield Senior Center on Norwich Road. Register: 860-564-1819.
Thur. June 6
Church Program
POMFRET --- Christ Church Pomfret will present scholar and speaker Amy-Jill Levine at 7 p.m. June 6 with “Hearing the Parables of Jesus as Jewish Stories. Doors open at 6:30. Free and open to all.
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.
Particle Accelerator
PUTNAM --- Particle Accelerator, a free, all-day music festival, features music of all genres and for all ages will be held from noon to 8 p.m. in Rotary Park. In its 18th year, Particle is dedicated to the memory of the legendary Jack Young Jr. and to raising awareness for suicide and depression and local resources available to help. Funds raised benefit United Services, Inc., northeastern Connecticut's non-profit mental health and social service agency. unitedservicesct.org.
Fri. June 14
Dog Show/Trial
BROOKLYN --- "The Strawberry Classic" Dog Shows and Obedience Trial will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14, 15 and 16, rain or shine, at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.
Thur. June 20
History Program
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library will present the next in its series of local history programs presented by Joe Iamartino with “What is It? 25 Photographs of Old Thompson Explained” from 6 to 7 p.m. No registration required. Brought to you by the Thompson Library and Thompson Historical Society. 860-923-9779.
Sat. June 22
Arts and Crafts
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council announced it will be hosting its second annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 22 and 23. It will be held outdoors, rain or shine, on the grounds of the new Putnam Municipal Complex. Admission and parking are free.
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 5-30-24
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DOUGLAS, Mass. — James Backofen, 55, of South St, died May 17, 2024, in Hartford Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara (Caswell) Backofen. Born in 1968 in Vernon, he was the son of Ann (Deskus) Backofen and the late Charles Backofen.
Jim served a combined 10 years in the United States military in both the Army and the Army Reserves. After an honorable discharge, he went on to obtain his forklift driver certification and worked for UniFi and Staples for many years.
Fond of being outdoors, Jim loved to spend his time at his campsite in Hideaway Cove. He enjoyed kayaking, attending field auctions, watching NASCAR and was arguably the biggest fan of the Miami Dolphins.
He leaves two daughters, Riley Backofen and Peyton Backofen of Plainfield; two brothers, Kenneth Backofen of Palm Coast, Fla., and Timothy Backofen of Wauregan; 10 step-children: Krystal Warblow, Josey Warblow, Trisha Paquin, Melissa Caswell-Racicot, Alana Racicot, Natasha Caswell, Gary Warblow, Kristen Knight, Amber Starh, and Ashley Quang; and 20 grandchildren.
Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m. June 15 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St. Putnam. A reception will follow at Hideaway Cove Campground.
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