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Pie(s) to the Face(s)
Putnam School Resource Officer Kyle Maheu, left, got a pie in the face after the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center blew past its $5,000 fund-raiser goal for camperships. Hale Y Executive Director Amanda Kelly is laughing at right. And when they beat the $6,000 mark, Putnam Police Chief Christopher Ferace, above, was hit with a pie, as well. Linda Lemmon photos.
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By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
No surprise last week, the community came out in force for its children.
The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center June 23 held its fifth annual Camp-A-Thon to raise money to send local children to Camp Cutler at the Hale YMCA. WINY Radio once again boosted the effort with a two-hour live broadcast.
Executive Director Amanda Kelly said this year more than $7,400 was raised and donations are still coming in. The goal was $5,000. Donations both large and small accounted for the goal-busting total that’s still climbing.
One of the best parts about beating the $5,000 goal was a pie to the face for Putnam Police officer/school resource officer Kyle Maheu. And when $6,000 goal was passed Putnam Police Chief Christopher Ferace got a pie in the face, too. Maheu picked out two campers to bestow the creamy honors.
While $7,400 isn’t a record, it’s already beat last year’s total by $1,000, she said.
She estimated that the Camp-A-Thon has raised close to $50,000 through the years.
What the purpose of the Camp-A-Thon? “The purpose is simple — raise money to send kids to camp!” she said.
Last year, she said, “We awarded more than $12,000 for 31 children to attend 10 weeks of camp each.”
“Our community never fails to step up when there is a need, and our Camp-A-Thon is no different! I am humbled by the outpouring of support from everyone who donated. Every dollar raised goes directly to support sending kids to camp at the Hale YMCA. For many of our area families, camp is a necessity during the summer months. Camp Cutler provides a safe and engaging space for children to meet new friends and try new activities throughout the summer. The relationships that kids build together are so critical to their development. Every day at camp is another opportunity to try something new and learn to work together.”
Donations can still be made at the Hale YMCA or at haleymca.org.

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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs.  The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
June 12
German Carpio, 46, Church Street, Putnam; second-degree failure to appear.
June 15
Roger Anctil, 43, School Street, Putnam; second-degree failure to appear.
June 16
Roger Lafrancois, 66, Tisbury Road, Old Lyme; operating an unregistered motor vehicle, cell phone violation.
June 17
Christopher Cote, 28, Railroad Street, Putnam; second-degree breach of peace, second-degree reckless endangerment.
Victoria Langlois, 26, Woodstock Avenue, Putnam; disorderly conduct, interfering with police.

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Troop 21 says
'thank you!'
PUTNAM — To express gratitude and appreciation to their supporters and sponsors, the members of Putnam Scout Troop 21 held its annual free pancake breakfast event June 11. They served strawberries and whipped cream on pancakes, sausage and coffee.
“Cooking, serving, cleaning, are all everyday skills the Scouts learn, not only for merit badge requirements, but also for life,” said Scoutmaster Chris Jodoin.
The Scoutmaster said a Scout troop’s operation is run by the boys, with the adults present and standing by ready to guide, teach and advise as needed, to oversee, supervise and make sure everyone is healthy and safe.
With the assistance of the Troop Treasurer, Jennifer Lombardo, ASPO, NSEP, the Scouts are learning valuable business skills as well, such as planning, forecasting, leadership, teamwork, customer service, budgeting and presentation.  “It is exciting to watch these young men put in so much effort to prepare for an event like the baked potato buffet or the pancake breakfast with enthusiasm, and then see the smile on their faces when they realize they’ve learned something valuable as well.  They’re kind of surprised that something educational can be fun!  They’re just as surprised when they realize they’ve done something important that makes a difference.”
For instance, the troop assisted at the Relay for Life June 10. Scoutmaster Jodoin said, “When our Troop got the call to be a part of this year’s Relay for Life, it was the Scouts themselves who said, ‘We can’t say no’.”
First Class Scout Jayce Jodoin added, “I never got to meet my mom’s mom because she passed away from cancer before I was born. My Grampy (my dad’s dad) just recently beat cancer and my gram is currently fighting it. So for me, and the other Scouts, to give a few hours of time to this cause is a no-brainer when so many have given much more.”
Scoutmaster Jodoin added: “I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t been affected by this disease one way or another. It was an honor for our Troop to be able to participate in this event and to be able to help support our community in the fight against cancer.”  The Scouts led the first lap for the survivors and caregivers then served everyone brunch.  After brunch, they volunteered to clean up the conference room where the brunch was held.
Troop 21’s calendar for 2023 includes several camping adventures, hikes, community service events, hockey games, regional camporees, and several skill-building sessions for advancement of rank.  
“The Scouts of Troop 21 made up this year’s program and are responsible for developing and scheduling what they want to accomplish, in and outside of meetings.  They decide what they want to do, where to go, what they need,” says Troop Committee Chairman, Pete Lombardo, “and they’re raising their own money to do it.  Scouting builds character that way.  We’re very proud of our guys.”
The recent fundraisers have been held to aid in their plans to attend MassJam 2023, a regional jamboree in Massachusetts, Oct. 7-9 where thousands of Scouts from all over New England will camp on Cape Cod for three days of fun, exhibits, activities, competitions, entertainment and fellowship.  Keep an eye out for additional events the Scouts will hold this year, like a chicken BBQ and a pasta supper.
“Scout Troop 21 has been chartered to, and meeting at, St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation on Providence Street since it was founded in 1926.  Although Troop 21 is chartered to St. Mary’s, Scouts do not have to be Catholic or members of the church.  We’re open to any boy, 11 to 17,” says Jodoin.
For more information about joining, volunteering or supporting, call 860-428-9761.

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'Magic School Bus' Presented
Betty Hale, president of The Three C’s, and Tom Borner, president of the Putnam Area Foundation, join The Three C’s board members and the cast of the Magic School Bus at the Loos Center for the Arts. Photo by Jim Goodwin.


Local grant brings the arts to local students
WOODSTOCK — More than 600 local students were treated to a first-class performance of the ”Magic School Bus” June 5 at the Loos Center for the Arts.
The production was brought to local children byThe Three C’s a volunteer non-profit organization, dedicated to introducing students and teachers to the performing arts in a manner both entertaining and educational. Betty Hale, organization president, said “our mission is to provide professional theater productions ideally suited to reinforce curriculum while expanding the students’ understanding of the performing arts.”
The Putnam Area Foundation (PAF) donated $2,200 to The Three C’s to help fund their 36th season of professional theater. Tom Borner, president of the PAF, said, “It is gratifying to see the joy these live performances bring to the children. The caliber of the performance is top notch, and the actors seem to enjoy it as much as the children.”
Christine Marrier, a first-grade teacher in the Mason Road School in Dudley, said: “Thank you for a wonderful show today! The kids LOVED it.” We look forward to future presentations.
Look for future performances go to: www.thethreecs.org or the FB page.