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Floyd Cranska Cole,
WWII vet
THOMPSON — Floyd Cranska Cole, 96, of Thompson, died March 17, 2018.
Floyd was born on the 4th of July, 1921. He studied at Marianapolis Preparatory School before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
It was his dream since childhood to become a pilot. Assigned to the 8th Air Force he served in the 452nd Bomb Group, 729th Squadron stationed at Deopham Green in Norfolk, England, as pilot and group leader with a crew of 10. As pilot he fought in 30 combat missions over Germany in 1944-45, each time bringing his plane “Final Approach” and his crew home safely. Floyd received the Air Medal for meritorious service while participating in aerial flight. After his tour of duty in England he returned to the U.S. and trained on the B-29 bomber in Florida.
Upon discharge from the Army Air Corps he attended Trinity College in Hartford and earned a Phi Beta Kapa Key. He transferred to Rensselaer University in New York state earning a degree in chemical engineering. He joined Monsanto in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts as a plastics engineer, becoming one of the industry’s early pioneers. He left Monsanto to become head of the Color Department at Foster Grant Plastics in Leominster, Mass.
Floyd and Jean had five children, David, Blair, Craig, Judith and predeceased by Ross.
They raised their family in Leominster until Floyd retired, and with Jean, moved to the family homestead in Thompson where Floyd had grown up. Floyd was an avid gardener and shared his time between Thompson and Nokomis, Fla.
For many years he attended 452nd Bomb Group Reunions with his former military crew mates even flying with two of them from Ft. Meyers to Venice, Fla., on the Collings Foundation B-17 “Nine-O-Nine” which received quite a bit of news coverage in southwest Florida.
 Floyd enjoyed attending “WWII Warbirds” shows and standing beneath the fuselage of a B-17 was often the center of attention.
He leaves his wife of 65 years, Jean, four children and seven grandchildren
A Memorial Service was March 24 in the Chapel at Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson. Donations: Thompson Congregational Church Rebuilding Fund. The church is recovering from a devastating fire. www.thompsoncongregational.org/donate. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Richard P. Slattery,
U.S. Navy vet
BROOKLYN — Richard P. Slattery, 80, of Brooklyn, died March 18, 2018, at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. He was the husband of Lucy (Mack) Slattery.
He was born March 17, 1938, in Los Angeles, son of Louis and Mary (Shea) Slattery. 
He made his home in Brooklyn since 1964, moving from California.  He worked for Southern New England Telephone Company and Pacific Bell for more than 40 years.  He was a communicant of Our Lady of LaSalette Church in Brooklyn. 
Richard served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Los Angeles.  He was known as a Jack of All Trades and a self-sufficient farmer.  While working for the telephone company Richard was very proud to be recognized by the phone company for saving someone’s life on two different occasions. Richard had a great passion for his family’s genealogy, and spent many hours researching. 
He leaves, in addition to his wife Lucy, his children Edward Slattery (Deborah) of Brooklyn, James Slattery (Vickie) of Stuart, Fla.; grandchildren Rebecca, Jeffrey, Britany, Zachary; his brothers Jerry Slattery of Pennsylvania and Thomas Slattery of California.
The Mass of Christian Burial was March 24 at Our Lady of LaSalette Church in Brooklyn with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Deanna V. Mayo
DANIELSON — Deanna V. Mayo, 76, formerly of Bailey Hill Road in Danielson, died March 16, 2018, at Davis Place in Danielson. She was the wife of Frank Mayo Sr. They were married July 18, 1964. He died Feb. 9, 2013.
She was born Jan. 23, 1942, daughter of George and Simone (Jolly) O’Connell. Deanna made her home most of her life on a farm in Woodstock then moved to a farm in Danielson and lived there for more than 25 years.
In 2012 she then moved to Thompson to live with her son Robert and his wife Cheryl. It was a thrill to watch her and her husband dance. Everyone would stop just to watch. She worked most of her life in factories, Hale Manufacturing, then Anchor Glass and before she retired she worked at Foxwoods Casino.
She went to Three Rivers College where she completed the program for a medical transcriptionist. She never used her skill in the workplace but was proud of her accomplishment.
She leaves her children: Robert Mayo (Cheryl), James Mayo; Frank Mayo Jr. (Leslie), Brian Mayo (Marie); her daughter- in-law Ranel Wetherell; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; siblings Paul O’Connell,  Gloria Benard, Shirley Linch, Evelyn Mathieu, Priscilla Midboe, Susan Smith and Jane Delaney.  She was predeceased by two sons, Craig Wetherell and Theodore Mayo; a brother George O’Connell Jr. and a sister Beatrice Riley.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. March 28 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with a Memorial Service at 7. Burial will be at a later date.

Joan R. Almquist
PUTNAM —  Joan R. Almquist, 86, of Webster, formerly of Putnam died March 19, 2018.  Born in 1932 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Alexine (Rothwell) Phaneuf.
Joan was an administrative worker for Belding Heminway and later for TJ Maxx. She was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation and was active in many church functions including the choir and the Daughters of Isabelle.
She leaves her sons; Karl Almquist (Lynn) of Bakersfield, Calif., Kurt Almquist (Rose) of Woodstock, Kristian Almquist (Kim) of Gilbert, Ariz., and Kevin Almquist (Cece) of San Antonio; her daughters, Karen Dewey of Phoenix, and Kathy Hart (Joe) of Phoenix; her brother Peter Phaneuf of Putnam; her sister Barbara Gardner of Woodstock; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial was March 26 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery.  Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Grady R. Marshall
VERNON — Grady R. Marshall, 48, of Regan Rd, died suddenly March 22, 2018, at the Manchester Memorial Hospital.  Born in 1970 in E. Stroudsburg, Penn., he was the son of April (Englert) Palmer and the late William R. Marshall Sr. He was the former husband of Beth Anne (Lusa) Marshall.
Grady was a graduate of the Woodstock Academy and was the owner and operator of Marshall Machine in Willington.
Grady was the sunshine on a rainy day. He had the ability to look on the bright side of every situation and was known for his infectious smile.
He leaves his children, Joshua, Joseph, Charlotte, Sophia and Emily Marshall, all of Willington; three brothers, Bruce Palmer Jr. of Danielson, Paul Palmer of Pomfret Center, and Dwayne Marshall of Woodstock; a sister, Christeen Seeley of New York; and nieces and nephews. Grady was predeceased by his stepfather Bruce Palmer Sr.
Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. March 30 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 at the funeral home.

Florence D. Pieper
N. GROSVENORDALE & SHELTON — Florence D. Pieper, 88, of Shelton, entered her eternal rest  March 17, 2018, in the Griffin Hospital.  Born in 1930 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Helen (Duszlak) Beaulac.  She had been a Shelton resident for over 11 years, living most of her life in N. Grosvenordale.
She was employed as a production clerk at Colt’s Plastic Company in Dayville for 39 years retiring in 1996. She enjoyed baking and cooking.
She leaves her children: Jean Pieper and her partner Gary Cammisa, and Kenneth Pieper (Wendy); nieces.  She is predeceased by her brothers Henry Beaulac and Leo Beaulac.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. March 27 in Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.  A gathering will begin at 9 a.m. March 28 in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in the parish cemetery.  Donations: Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 130 Division St. Derby, CT 06418; or to Community Ambulance, Inc. P.O. Box 874 N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. 

Steven P. Pusczynski
BROOKLYN — Steven P. Pusczynski, 63, of Brooklyn, died March 21, 2018, at home in Brooklyn.
He was born June 21, 1954, in Erding, Germany, son of Donald and Anna (Wagner) Pusczynski.
Steven graduated from Killingly High School in 1972 and from QVCC in 1974. He was a Communicant of Our Lady of La Salette Church in Brooklyn. He worked as a machine operator at the Amstar Corp. Steven had a passion for NASCAR and followed the circuit, his favorite driver was No. 2 Brad Keselowski.
He leaves his mother and father Anna and Donald of Brooklyn, his brother Andrew Pusczynski (Janet) of Brooklyn, his sister Linda Steele of Brooklyn; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. April 2 in Our Lady of La Salette Church, Providence Road, Brooklyn. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Roger B. Logee,
WWII vet
DANIELSON — Roger B. Logee, 98, died unexpectedly March 16, 2018, at home.
Roger was born Sept. 19, 1919, in Danielson, the son of the late William David Logee and Ida Chriscilla (James) Logee.
Roger grew up on North Street in Danielson, where he discovered his love of horticulture through the family business, Logee’s Greenhouse. 
He served his country in WWll in North Africa and Europe during seven campaigns in the Ninth Infantry Division. 
Roger is a lifelong member of Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson where he met and married his wife, Fay.  Together they built The Country Greenhouses on Cook Hill Road in Danielson, where they served the community for more than 40 years.  Roger was also known for his love of cats and rabbits. He shared his knowledge of plants and life stories with all who were lucky enough to visit him in his greenhouse.
He leaves his son; Richard Logee (Deborah) of Killingly; his daughters Betty (Logee) Merow (Gene) of Killingly, Katherine (Logee) Griswold (Thomas) of Groton; his daughter-in-law Faye Logee of Eastford; his grandchildren; Gena Rider, Todd Merow, Cory Merow, Mary Griswold, Thomas Griswold, Elizabeth Logee-Charles, Richard Logee Jr., Jonathan Logee, Keri Logee, Heather Logee, Jessica Ruiz and his great-grandchildren Willow Charles, Samuel Charles, Andrew Griswold, Noah Griswold, Adam Griswold, Jenna Griswold, Emily Griswold, Richard Logee III, Cooper Logee, and Alexander Merow; his cat Yoki. He was predeceased by his wife; Fay (Demoranville) Logee; his son, James Arnold Logee; and fourteen brothers and sisters; Floyd Logee, Mason Logee, Ernest Logee, Emily Francisco, Sarah Baroni, Julia Somes, Lyndall Logee, Archibald Logee, Fay Smith, Joy Martin, Mary Ellen Ross, Bernice Logee, Richard M. Logee, and Rupert Logee.
 A celebration of Roger’s life will be at 2 p.m. April 8 at Westfield Congregational Church, Main Street, Danielson. Donations: Westfield Congregational Church, 210 Main St., Danielson; or Hospice of Day Kimball Hospital. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

Yvette Lafantasie
BALLOUVILLE — Yvette A. (Gaudreau) Lafantasie, 82, died March 23, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam.
Yvette was born in Brooklyn, the daughter of the late Bertram Gaudreau and Yvonne (Lambert) Gaudreau.  She lived in Connecticut for her whole life. She worked for many manufacturing firms such as LaRosa and Sons Inc., Hale Manufacturing Co., and Belding Heminway. Yvette was known to be an excellent cook. She loved to spend her time gardening.
She leaves her daughter, Pamela A. Lafantasie of Ballouville; her brother Lionel Gaudreau of Killingly; her sisters, Eva Matthewson of Killingly and Evelyn Mazzarella of Killingly.  She was predeceased by her husband; Ernest P. Lafantasie; her brother, Thomas Gaudreau; and her sister, Isabelle Noble.
Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

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WOODSTOCK — NCAA legendary basketball coach Jim Calhoun will be appearing at the upcoming Broadway Live’s Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center’s benefit concert with his wife Pat called “The Conncert”. The Conncert is at 7:30 p.m. April 7 and at 2 p.m. April 8 at the Center for the Arts at Woodstock Academy, (formerly Hyde Cultural Center).
Tickets are now available at the YMCA in Putnam or on-line at www.theconncert.com
As honorary chairpersons for the local YMCA capital campaign, Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun will be addressing the Saturday evening concert goers along with performances by ore than 30 local and regional performers backed by a large orchestra with arrangements by Walter Gwardyk who is an arranger of music for the Hartford Symphony and New England Jazz.
As the former head coach of the UConn men’s basketball team, coach Calhoun won three NCAA national championships in 1999, 2004 and 2011 as well as many other notable accomplishments. With his team’s 2011 NCAA title win, Calhoun became the oldest coach to win a Division I men’s basketball title. He won his 800th game in 2009 and finished his career with 873 victories, ranking 12th all-time as of Feb. 2015. Calhoun is one of only six coaches in NCAA Division I history to win three or more championships and is widely considered one of the greatest coaches of all time. In 2005, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
“We are absolutely thrilled that coach Calhoun and his lovely wife Pat will be joining us for this amazing event,” said David T. Panteleakos, executive producer. “We have been preparing for this special concert for over a year and we are ready for opening night!” Executive Director for the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center Amanda Kelly added, “Jim and Pat Calhoun are two of the most generous people I have met.  Jim has a personal connection to youth development and he intentionally stands behind organizations that support that mission.  By providing their names to the Capital Campaign, they were able to help launch the fund-raising efforts for our wonderful new YMCA.  Every time the YMCA has reached out to both Jim and Pat, they have always said ‘yes’.  Helping us to promote “The Conncert” and raise money is just the most recent way the Calhoun’s help to strengthen our community.”

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caption:

Award Winners
The Woodstock Academy Model UN earned major awards at national conference. They are seventh in the nation. Courtesy photo.


WOODSTOCK — Early in March The Woodstock Academy’s Model United Nations team traveled to New York City for the National High School Model United Nations Conference and the all-senior delegation earned second place at the conference and was one of only 10 teams to earn an Award of Excellence.
These awards, combined with recognition earned at other conferences and the team’s overall performance throughout the year, earned The Woodstock Academy Model UN program the distinctive ranking of seventh in the nation.
Additionally, senior William Hamill from Brooklyn earned an Outstanding Delegate award. Hamill, who has participated in Model UN for the duration of his time at The Woodstock Academy, said “receiving an award at my final conference was truly a blessing,” but added that he was “much more appreciative of receiving a delegation award as it shows the combined effort of our entire team and all the work and effort they put in.” The Academy’s high-performing delegation at NHSMUNC consisted of Ethan Werstler, William Schad, William Hamill, Margaret McLoughlin, Jared MacDonald, Jake Racicot, Wanjiru Gatheru, Brendan Chapuis, Anna Murphy, Nicholas Smith, and Erica Frost.
Since its beginning in 1968, WA Model UN has grown to attract over 100 participants between the club for freshmen and sophomores and the travel team of juniors and seniors who have taken international relations courses at The Academy. Students who participate in Model UN and able to develop a better understanding of the world and international politics as well as mature in public speaking, writing, research, and teamwork.
The WA Model UN program will host the fourth annual Woodstock Academy Model UN Conference on April 28 at The Woodstock Academy. Academy students plan and facilitate this conference for their peers from high schools around Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York.

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Wed. March 28
‘Freedom Train’
WOODSTOCK --- Harriet Tubman, and the inspiring story of the Underground Railroad, come to life when The Three C’s presents Theatreworks USA from New York  with their production of “Freedom Train” at 10 a.m. at the Center for the Arts at Woodstock Academy, Rt. 169. Tickets are $4 per person for groups of 10 or more, and $6 per person for under 10. For info email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Thur. March 29
Trivia Night
PUTNAM ---  The Putnam Lions Club will present a TRIVIA Challenge fund-raiser at 7 p.m. at Crossings Restaurant. Benefits Arc Quinebaug Valley.

Fri. March 30
Spring Program
HAMPTON --- The Last Green Valley will present “The Art of the Sit Spot” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the James Goodwin Conservation Center on Potter Road. Short hike. Dress for the weather and bring a small mat or towel to sit on, if you wish. For ages 12 to adult. 860-455-9534.

Sat. March 31
Nature Program
DANIELSON --- The Last Green Valley will present “Dark Sky in The Last Green Valley --- Light Pollution 101” from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Last Green Valley Office Conference Room on Main Street. Program appropriate for all ages 6 and older. 860-774-3300.

Spring Program
CHAPLIN --- The Last Green Valley will present “Wildflower Walk” from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Joshua’s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes’ Pasture. No dogs or kids under 12. 2 mile walk. Register at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Spring Program
HAMPTON --- The Last Green Valley will present “Colonial Gardens” from 1 to 3 p.m. at the James Goodwin Conservation Center on Potter Road. 860-455-9534.

Spring Program
OXFORD, Mass. --- The Last Green Valley will present “Spring/Easter Saturday Full Moon Walk” from 7 to 8 p.m. at Hodges Village Dam on Howarth Road. Canceled if very rain. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers. 1 mile. www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Hodges-Village-Dam.

Spring Program
HAMPTON --- The Last Green Valley will present “Blue Moon Night Hike” from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the James Goodwin Conservation Center on Potter Road. Bring headlamp or flashlight if desired. 860-455-9534.

Sun. April 1
Happy Easter!

Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Focus on Birds” featuring local artists David Stumpo & Nancy Barrett, at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road through May 31. 860-928-4948.

Mon. April 2
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 10 to 11 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Woodstock Town Hall large meeting room on the lower. Minimum fee. Local seniors welcome. Please check the town website www.woodstockCT.gov for current schedule or call 860-928-6595.

Garden Program
S. WOODSTOCK --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club is hosting a program on "Butterflies and How to Attract Them" by Master Gardener Pam Lee at 7 p.m.at S.  Woodstock Baptist Church on Roseland Park Road. $5 nonmember fee (which can be used towards a membership fee).

Mon. April 3
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “Incredible Edible Arts & Crafts” at 4:30. Register at 860-928-3451.

Wed. April 4
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Woodcock Walk” at 7 p.m.  at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $5 for CAS members; $10 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Art Exhibit
N. GROSVENORDALE ---  The Friends of the Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library will present the 15th Annual Thompson Community Art Show “The World Around Us,” through April 27. A reception will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 4. 860-923-9779

Sat. April 7
Production
WOODSTOCK VALLEY --- Broadway Live Productions will present "The Conncert" April 7 and 8 at the Center for the Arts at The Woodstock Academy. Benefits Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center. Tickets: at the Hale YMCA in Putnam or online at www.theconnecticutconcert.com.

Empty Bowls
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam and Sawmill Pottery’s annual Empty Bowl fund-raiser will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Putnam High School’s cafeteria. $20.  860-928-4405.

Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Survival 101: Fire Making” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $3 for CAS members; $7 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Pancake Breakfast
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Finn Hall on Rt. 169. Prices vary.

Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Long Pond Bird Walk” at 8 a.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $7 for CAS members; $12 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Bottle Can Drive
KILLINGLY --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Killingly Town Garage on Rt. 12. Dry cat food urgently needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome.  860-317-1720.

Sun. April 8
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Return of the Sea Otter: The Story of the Animal that Evaded Extinction on the Pacific Coast” at 2 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. $3 for CAS members; $7 for nonmembers. 860-928-4948.

Mon. April 9
Spring Program
KILLINGLY --- The Last Green Valley will present “Spectrum of Sports” from 10 a.m. to noon at Killingly High School. Register online at www.NOWinMotion.org. Free.

Spring Program
HAMPTON --- The Last Green Valley will present “The Art of the Sit Spot” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the James Goodwin Conservation Center on Potter Road. Short hike. Dress for the weather and bring a small mat or towel to sit on, if you wish. For ages 12 to adult. 860-455-9534.

Tues. April 10
Tech Fair
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Commission on Aging is hosting a technology fair on from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall. Please bring your IPhone, Android or other communication device along with any questions you have about how to use its various functions. Staff from the Putnam Verizon store answering questions. We will also have a table with information on how to access free senior applications. Free. All welcome. Light refreshments.

Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Matulaitis Rehab & Skilled Care on Thurber Road. 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Thur. April 12
Library Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Public Library will present “EGGS-cellent Experiments” at 4:30. Register at 860-928-3451.

Fri. April 13
Blood Drive
DANIELSON --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Water Street. 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Blood Drive
S. WOODSTOCK --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Woodstock Fire Bungay Brigade, on Rt. 171. 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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