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Woodstock public schools
Monday: Chicken patties on buns, fruit. Tuesday: Bosco Sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken nuggets, black beans, fruit. Thursday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, celery sticks, fruit. Friday: Pizza, corn, fruit.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, cheddar Goldfish crackers. Tuesday - Breakfast for Lunch: French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, hash browns. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, broccoli. Thursday: Fiesta Taco Bowls, Spanish rice, corn. Friday - half day: Putnam Special Pizza, salad.
Putnam High
Monday: Chinese Take-Out or spicy chicken sandwiches. Tuesday: Rodeo BBQ rib sandwiches or bacon cheeseburgers. Wednesday: Clipper Burgers or buffalo chicken panini. Thursday: Chicken potato bowls or chef salad. Friday - half day: Putnam Homemade Pizza or mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Grilled cheese with ham sandwiches, carrots, rainbow tray with fruit and veggies. Tuesday: Pulled pork nachos, green beans, rainbow tray. Wednesday: BBQ cheddar burgers, rainbow tray. Thursday: Sloppy Joes, rainbow tray. Friday: French pizza, rainbow tray.

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Funds raised
not 'trivial'
PUTNAM — The Putnam Lions, since 2017, have raised more than $12,000 for local charities through its Trivia Night.
In 2016, Putnam Parks and Recreation Director Willie Bousquet was leading a monthly trivia event. But Bousquet’s schedule was very busy and at the end of 2016 he decided that he would need to step away from emceeing these nights.
The Putnam Lions had been chosen to be the recipients of the donations
one night.  After that night, many of the members continued to attend trivia and truly enjoyed the camaraderie and spirit of the event. When Bousquet said he was stepping down, Lion Greg King suggested that the Putnam Lions take over.  
A committee was formed with Lions Steve and Leia Faucher co-chairing.  The Putnam Lions thought it would be a fun way to get together and continue to honor their goal of giving back to the community.
In January 2017 the Lions held their first trivia at the former Athen’s Pizza.  Unfortunately, during 2017 the Lions would lose their location when the pizzeria closed. The Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub stepped up as a host and also provided gift certificates to use as prizes.
During 2017, Putnam Lions Trivia Nights raised $3,402 for local charities.  In 2018, the amount increased to $4,159.  2019 proved to be another banner year with $4,230.  Overall, from 2017 to date, the trivia nights have added $12,772 and that is in addition to the amount the Lions regularly donate to the community through their Night of Giving.  It has also given the Lions the ability to extend their support to agencies they otherwise would be unable to include in their normal annual budget.
The first trivia event in January 2017 raised $170 that was donated to Putnam EMS.  The Lions and the Putnam EMS were thrilled.  On the fourth anniversary of the Putnam Lions Trivia, $981 was collected for the DKH Woman’s Board. The Lions and the Woman’s Board were amazed. What started with a humble suggestion in 2017 has grown into a dynamic opportunity for community good.

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Wed. Feb. 5
Presentation
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Academy will present Roni Cohen-Sandler, Ph.D., with “Difficult Discussions: When Kids (or Their Challenges) Push Parents’ Buttons” at 5 p.m. in the Bracken Memorial Library. Free. Open to all high school and middle school parents. Register: woodstockacademy.org/difficultdiscussions.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present “Perspectives” Works on Mylar by Al Mathes” through Feb. 28. The opening reception is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10. 860-923-9779.

Thur. Feb. 6
Support Group
PUTNAM --- The Parkinson's Support Group meeting will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Day Kimball Hospital RHF #2. 860-774-6143.

Sat. Feb. 8
TLGV Program
THOMPSON --- The Last Green Valley’s Rangers will present “Full Moon Snowshoe Hike to the Tri-State Marker” from 6 to 8 p.m. starting from  the  Air Line Trail parking area at 653-659 East Thompson Road. If there is not enough snow for snowshoes, we’ll hike anyway. The hike is 2 miles round trip.  Registration is required: 860-774-3300 .

Potato Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Troop 21 BSA, Boy Scouts of America, will hold a baked potato buffet fund-raiser from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs hall of St. Mary’s Church. $5 includes toppings, dessert and coffee or tea. Eat in or take-out. Benefits summer camp fund. 860- 928-7241.

Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Owl Walk” at 5:30 p.m. starting from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. No program if inclement weather. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Mon. Feb. 10
Legislative Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “ Climate Change Series – Legislative Update: Environmental Initiatives” at 7 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road.  Free. Register:  860-928-4948.

Fri. Feb. 14
History Program
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present its annual Show & Tell program following the 7 p.m. business session at the Community Room at the Town Hall. Free. All welcome. Refreshments.

Sat. Feb. 15
Camper Day
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp at Taft Pond Road, Pomfret, will host “Camper Game Day” for boys and girls, ages 6-12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Lunch and snack provided with games, crafts and more. Bring outdoor gear and a sled if there is snow on the ground.  $25. Register by Feb. 12: 860-974-3379

Wed. Feb. 19
TLGV Program
DANIELSON --- The Last Green Valley will present “Historical Happenings – Telling Your Story, Part I” from 6 to 8 p.m. at the office, 203B Main St. Assistant Director Francesca Kefalas in part one of a two-part series aimed to help historical organizations, and any non-profit looking for some help, spread the work about the wonderful work being done. Registration is required and a light supper will be offered.  860-774-3300 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In case of snow, the seminar will be rescheduled for Feb. 26. Part II of the session will be  April 15.

Thur. Feb. 20
‘Oliver’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present Lionel Barts “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Feb. 20, 21 and 22 in the Hard Auditorium on campus. Free, all welcome. On Feb. 22 --- come for the cause and stay for the free musical: Empty Bowls Supper Fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main House Dining Hall. $10 entry and $5 to $25 for bowls.

Fri. Feb. 21
‘Oliver’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present Lionel Barts “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 in the Hard Auditorium on campus. Free, all welcome. On Feb. 22 --- come for the cause and stay for the free musical: Empty Bowls Supper Fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main House Dining Hall. $10 entry and $5 to $25 for bowls.

Sat. Feb. 22
Acorn Adventure
STURBRIDGE --- The Last Green Valley’s Acorn Adventure will explore animal tracks at the lead Mine Mountain Trail, Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Acorn Adventures are sponsored by Putnam Bank. 860-774-3300 .

Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Bring materials. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers.  860-928-4948.

Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Winter Fun Day” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to CAS members and kids under 13; $5 for nonmembers.  860-928-4948.

‘Oliver’
POMFRET --- The Pomfret School Theater will present Lionel Barts “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Feb. 22  in the Hard Auditorium on campus. Free, all welcome.  Come for the cause and stay for the free musical: Empty Bowls Supper Fund-raiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Main House Dining Hall. $10 entry and $5 to $25 for bowls.

Sun. Feb. 23
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Snow Bound Walk” at 2 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Free to CAS members; $5 for nonmembers.  860-928-4948.

Sun. March 8
Opening Reception
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will host the opening reception and exhibit of the nature photography contest at 2 p.m. For more info on the contest go to ctaudubon.org/Pomfret-home.

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PUTNAM — Renee M. Smith, RN, MSN and executive director of Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) at Home, was honored with the 2019 Judith Hriceniak Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership by the CT Association for Healthcare at Home at its recent annual conference.
The Hriceniak Award is presented to a registered nurse who has demonstrated excellence in nursing leadership.
To receive the prestigious award, a nursing supervisor or CEO must serve as a visionary role model in the development and implementation of innovative projects that positively affect the ever-changing home care and hospice environment.
Smith, who has led DKH at Home for the last five years, has guided the home care agency into a culture of sustainability. As a seasoned nurse and patient advocate, upon stepping into the leadership role, she recognized the need to respond to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape and through her vision and innovative spirit, has motivated the agency’s staff to change with it, leading them into the future with confidence.
Smith’s presence not just within DKH, but within the local community and in the home care and hospice community along with her clinical expertise and knowledge earned her the distinguished Judith Hriceniak Award.
“This recognition is a testament to the excellent leadership Renee exemplifies, her contributions to home care services in northeastern Connecticut, and her commitment to her staff and the community,” said John O’Keefe, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services, DKH. “Due to Renee’s strong leadership and guidance, the staff and agency are making a positive difference in the community by ensuring that individuals receive the best care possible in the comfort of their own homes.”
In her role as executive director of DKH at Home, Smith oversees the non-profit health system’s HomeCare, HomeMakers and Hospice and Palliative Care divisions, which provide both medically and non-medically based home care services for the residents of northeastern Connecticut.


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