Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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Winners
District #4 Award winners at the 102nd Connecticut Department American Legion Convention. The recipients, from left: Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace; Michael Vassar Post #13; Frank Poirier Post #101; Charles Crowley Post #21; Ronald P. Coderre District #4 Commander; Jim George Post #14; Perry Caldwell Post #26; Victor J. Kratz Post #13; Capt. Justin Lussier, Putnam Police Department. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — At a recent American Legion convention Putnam walked away with four awards.
Counting those three, the Legion Department of Connecticut District #4, which covers Windham and Tolland counties, won 13 post or individual awards, according to District #4 outgoing Commander Ronald P. Coderre of Post #13 – Putnam.
Coderre received the prestigious Henry Mayer Award based on the District’s overall performance especially in the area of membership. District #4 was the only District of the seven districts in the Department of Connecticut to achieve more than 100 percent of its membership quota.
Victor J. Kratz of Putnam Post #13 was honored with the Peter Loux “Sergeant-at-Arms of the Year” Award for his dedicated service to American Legion, community, state and nation.
The Putnam Police Department, represented by Chief Christopher Ferace and Captain Justin Lussier, received the Police Department of the Year Award. The award recognized the Department’s performance in the field of Children and Youth, Drug Education, community awareness projects and participation in patriotic observations.
Post #13 Commander Michael Vassar received the 100 percent membership citation from Department Commander Jeffrey DeClerck.
The Dobosz-Ertel-Laboc-Hanssen Post #14 of Rockville and Commander Jim George accounted for six of the 13 awards. Commander George received the Recruiter of the Year, Edward Carney Jr. Award, National Gold Brigade Award, and Louis Molinaro Commander of the Year Award. Commander George was responsible for recruiting 53 new members to the Post, and establishing a Post membership of 427 members. The Post received the Elliot N. Morris and Frank H. Butterworth awards for exceeding its membership quota.
“District #4 developed a great group of officers and members that worked together as a team, bringing success to all the programs and events we endeavored. It was a wonderful group to be a part of and to share success as a team,” said Commander Coderre.
Charles Crowley, commander of Post #21 Danielson, received the Department’s top honor when he was recognized with the Legionnaire of the Year Award. Crowley assumed the role of commander of Post #21 three years ago and took the post, which was inactive, and revived the membership. The Post was one of six 100 percent posts in District #4 this year. Under Crowley’s leadership the Post now boasts an active Color Guard, sponsors an Oratorical contest annually, supports Boys’ State and American Legion baseball and is active in the community in patriotic and memorial events.
The Boyd Saxton Award was presented to Perry Caldwell of Post #26 Stafford Springs. The award is presented to the Post and/or District Chaplain who exhibited spiritual guidance and performed the most duties of their office. Caldwell is the District chaplain as well as serving in the same capacity for Post #26.
Frank Poirier of Post #101 Somers was awarded the Neale V. Cabral Plaque as the Post Adjutant of the year. Post #101 also received the Howard I. Jacobs Award as the medium sized (101-300 members) Post to reach membership quota.
“It’s been rewarding to serve as District #4 Commander for the past two years. Despite the rural nature of our area, the 13 Posts in the District came together to form a cohesive, dedicated and successful unit,” said Coderre.
The Posts in District #4 are: Post #13 Putnam; Post #14 Rockville; Post #19 Willimantic; Post #26 Stafford Springs; Post #52 Coventry/Mansfield; Post #62 Ellington; Post #67 North Grosvenordale; Post #91 Moosup; Post #95 Hebron; Post #101 Somers; Post #111 Woodstock; Post #203 Eastford.
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GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Albert Benton “Ben” Morgan, 95, of Gloucester, Oakdale, and Ledyard died June 25, 2021 in Boston.
He was born on Aug. 1, 1925, in Malden, Mass., to the late Alva Britton and Mary Eleanor (Wetherell) Morgan. He married his wife Shirley (Cole) Morgan on May 14, 1955, in Norwalk. She died in 2016 after almost 62 years of marriage.
Ben graduated from Darien High School in 1943 and St. Lawrence University with a bachelor’s degree in 1948. He graduated from New Haven College in 1962 with an associate’s degree in electrical engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 as an Electronic Technician’s Mate, 2nd Class.
He was an employee of Connecticut Light and Power for 41 years, retiring as the Danielson District manager. He was appointed by the governor of Connecticut to the State Board of Landscape Architects in 1979 and served on the Killingly-Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce for many years, including holding the position of president and sitting on the board of directors. Ben was an active lifetime member and strong supporter of the Putnam Rotary Club and received a perfect attendance award for just shy of 50 years.
He was a member of the Norwich branch of the U.S. Power Squadrons for 50 years and had successfully completed every course offered by that organization including Advanced Celestial Navigation, which he also taught. He loved fishing off the rocks in front of his house and running on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester and was well-known and loved on Brier Neck.
He leaves a daughter Sharon Smith (Steven) of Oakdale, Gary Morgan (Brenda) of Gloucester; granddaughters Holly Gain (Matt), Julie Smith, Jennifer Nelson (Andrew), and Dr. Elizabeth Johnsen (William); great-grandsons Elijah Nelson and Henry Johnsen. Burial was July 17 in Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich. Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, Uncasville.
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Wed. July 21
Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Adult Softball (concession stand) on Wicker Street. Pfizer two dose series for ages 12 and up and single-dose Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up are offered. Walk-ins welcome. Free.
Sat. July 24
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air artisan, art and music event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rotary Park. Sponsored by the Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam and powered by Putnam Area Foundation.
Hazardous Waste Day
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam households only. Bring driver’s license or other proof of residency. What you can bring: Oil-based paint, latex paint, paint thinner, drain cleaners, varnish, photographic chemicals, nail polish remover, oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaners, antifreeze, insecticides, gasoline, radiator chemicals, auto body chemicals, fuel additives, transmission fluid, camping stove fuel, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, herbicides, rat poison, moth balls, fungicides. Not accepted: Ammunition, gunpowder, highway or marine flares, Freon-bearing white goods, fireworks. 860-963-6800 ext. 3, opt. 6.
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam High School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.
Sun. July 25
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. July 25. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Bring folding chair.
Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tues. July 27
Senior Luncheon
BROOKLYN --- The Eastford Senior Citizens will hold its first 2021 meeting at 11 a.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Regional Senior Citizen Center. Election of 2021-2022 officers, and the collection of membership dues. Reserve seat and meal by July 20. 860-538-8868.
Wed. July 28
Vaccine Clinic
PLAINFIELD --- The Northeast District Department of Health will offer COVID-19 Vaccines from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Plainfield VFW. Free. Pfizer (ages 12 and up) and Johnson & Johnson single dose. Walk-ins welcome. No appointment, no insurance needed.
Thur. July 29
Vaccine Clinic
PUTNAM --- The Northeast District Department of Health will offer COVID-19 Vaccines from 3 to 5 p.m. at Interfaith Human Services at WINY Radio. Free. Pfizer (ages 12 and up) and Johnson & Johnson single dose. Walk-ins welcome. No appointment, no insurance needed.
Fri. July 30
Invitational Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Invitational Car Cruise will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. in Rotary Park and around downtown. To register: call 860-963-6811. Daisy Doodles the Clown from 5 to 7 p.m. in Rotary Park. WINY’S “Mike Brunetti” will be there playing tunes. Chuck Etchell’s personal cars will be on display. The Putnam Business Association will be selling $5 Pluck-A-Duck tickets. Sponsored by the Town of Putnam and local sponsors: WIN Waste Innovations, (formerly, Wheelabrator Putnam Inc.), Putnam Bank, a division of Centreville Bank and WINY Radio.
Sat. July 31
Triathlon
PLAINFIELD --- The DKH “Give it a Tri” Triathlon fund-raiser will start at 8 p.m. at Moosup Pond on Moosup Pond Road. Benefits Day Kimball Hospital. More Info: daykimball.org/triathlon.
Fri. Aug. 6
Rotary Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club will host the Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament fund-raiser at the Connecticut National Golf Club.
Food Fair
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will hold a First Friday Food Fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the church.
Sat. Aug. 7
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.
Food Drive
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Proprietors will be hosting a monthly collection of non-perishables, the first Saturday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pomfret Senior Center. Looking for items such as: Granola bars, breakfast bars, cereal, pasta, soup, crackers, chips, tuna fish, juice, canned vegetables, (shampoo, soap, razors, wipes, diapers for all ages, Kleenex, toilet paper and laundry supplies. Also looking for volunteers and organizations to help. VisitPomfret.com
Particle Accelerator
PUTNAM --- Particle Accelerator fund-raiser will be held from noon to 9 p.m. in Rotary Park.
Sat. Aug. 14
Golf Tournament
THOMPSON --- The second annual Mustang Classic Golf Tournament will feature a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start at the Raceway Golf Club. The fund-raiser supports the Putnam Science Academy's Mustang Club. To register, sponsor or for more information: putnamscienceacademy.org or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Opera Performance
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present an opera performance at 7:15 p.m. at Rotary Park. Rain date is Aug. 15. Free.
Sun. Aug. 15
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and Sept. 26. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thur. Aug. 19
Bike Night
KILLINGLY --- The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department will present Killingly Bike Night downtown. Rain date Aug. 25. Benefits the Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club, TEEG and the Killingly Parks and Recreation Department.
Sat. Aug. 21
Pop-Up Putnam
PUTNAM --- The Pop-Up Putnam open-air merchant and artisan series will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in outdoor locations in Rotary Park and along Main Street with additions including entertainment and creative highlights.
Fireworks (updated)
PUTNAM --- At Rotary Park the town of Putnam fireworks display will begin with a concert from 4:30 to 6 p.m. by the Little Big Band Concert (in honor of Al Smat) and a concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by a Buddy Holly tribute band in Rotary Park. The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.
Charity Ride
WILLIMANTIC --- The 30th annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour Fund-raiser will start and finish at St. Mary-St. Joseph School. Benefits eastern Connecticut human service non-profits. It will be both in person and virtually. Registration: https://steeplechasebiketour.org/register/ and www.bikereg.com/steeple-chase-bike-tour.
Foodshare
PUTNAM --- A free Foodshare will be held at 9 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. This is a drive-thru. Free to all. To be distributed: 21-pound boxes of produce. Presented by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, American Legion Post 13, the Putnam VFW Post 1523, WINY Radio and the town of Putnam.
Sun. Aug. 22
Pluck-a-Duck
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association’s fund-raiser, Pluck-a-Duck will be held today at a secret location. For info, contact the Putnam Business Association.
Fri. Sept. 3
Golf Tournament
PUTNAM --- The Fifth Annual Henry Breault Medal of Honor Recipient Golf Tournament will be held at 1 p.m. at the Connecticut National Golf Club. The tournament is a fund-raiser for the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post 13.
Fri. Sept. 10
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold its Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic starting at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Hospital. More Info:daykimball.org/golfclassic
Sun. Sept. 26
Poetry Series
WOODSTOCK --- Four free poetry readings will be held at Roseland Park’s outdoor amphitheater. This series will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. These readings are for people ages 14 and up. Wine will be served. Folding chairs or camp chairs are recommended. Besides featured readers there will be an open mic segment at each event as time allows. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sat. Oct. 2
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The Town of Thompson will present its 17th annual Community Day. Vendors sought: 860-923-9440.
Sun. Oct. 3
Canines for Cancer Care
BROOKLYN --- Day Kimball Healthcare will hold Canines for Cancer Care at 11 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds. Benefit: Northeast CT Cancer Fund of DKH. More Info:daykimball.org/canines
Sat. Nov. 6
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info:daykimball.org/pianos
Sun. Dec. 5
Hospice Tree
Day Kimball Healthcare will present Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at locations around northeastern Connecticut. Benefit: Hospice & Palliative Care of NE CT. More Info:daykimball.org/treeoflife
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Car cruise is July 30
PUTNAM — As part of this summer’s free events, the Town of Putnam is welcoming “The Putnam Invitational Car Cruise” from 4 to 8 p.m. July 30 in Rotary Park and around downtown. Daisy Doodles the Clown will be in Rotary Park from 5 to 7 p.m. WINY’S own “Mike Brunetti” will be there playing tunes for the crowd. Chuck Etchell’s personal cars will be on display.
The Putnam Business Association will be selling Pluck-A-Duck tickets. Tickets are $5 and the fund-raiser event is Aug. 22. To register: call 860-963-6811 and reserve a spot. It is by reservation only! Putnam Invitational Car Cruise 2021 is sponsored by the Town of Putnam and the following local sponsors: WIN Waste Innovations, (formerly, Wheelabrator Putnam Inc.), Putnam Bank, a division of Centreville Bank and WINY Radio.
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PUTNAM — From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24 Pop-Up Putnam, an artisanal vendor fair, comes to life in Rotary Park.
This seasonal market concept will bring more than 50 local vendors, craftsmen and boutique-like-businesses into the open air for a specialized shopping experience.
Other pop-up features will include musical entertainment. Wayne Sinclair and the Flat Hammock Band will appear from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the bandstand.
The Just 2 Trio will appear from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The Northeast District Department of Health mobile vaccine clinic will be on site from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. with free, no appointment necessary Pfizer and J&J COVID-19 vaccines.
Look for two new “Character Around Every Corner” creations by Jennerate, LLC. There are six in the series.
Sponsored by the Putnam Business Association and the Town of Putnam and powered by Putnam Area Foundation.
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