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PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam is once again remembering veterans with its third successive Celebrity Bartender Night at Someplace Special Restaurant Nov. 12. According to Post Commander Walter LaRochelle, the Post will honor two Vietnam veterans who will be the special guests of the evening.
Through the efforts of American Legion Post # 13 Commander LaRochelle and the members of the unit, Putnam area veterans will be celebrated at Celebrity Bartender Night, while remembering all local veterans who have served our country. In the first two years of the event the Post has raised a total of more than $4,500 in support of youth activities associated with the American Legion.
“The evening is our way of thanking and remembering all veterans from northeastern Connecticut who have served our country. It’s also an opportunity for the Post to raise funds in support of area youth programs,” said LaRochelle.
“We were exploring ways to raise funds for the youth activities associated with the National American Legion and came up with this idea. We contacted a number of veterans and a few State and local celebrities and came up with this evening,” he added.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at 8:30. Channel 3 New London Bureau Chief Kevin Hogan and former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois will be serving patrons throughout the three-hour program. Joining LaFrancois and Hogan are local radio personality Gary “O”, Putnam Bank President Tom Borner and his son-in-law Jeff Bousquet of Bousquet’s Appliance, Dr. Biren Chokshi, Laura Crosetti and other local celebrities who are scheduled to be on hand once again to greet and serve patrons.
“Our first two events were successful, as many people turned out to say thanks to the men and women who have honorably served our country. We’re hoping that people will once again see the worthiness of the event and drop by to salute the veterans who may be on hand.” said LaRochelle.
Proceeds from the evening will aid in supporting local youth programs. The night will include a raffle and auction of memorabilia items. American Legion Post #13 supports the Tri-Town American Legion baseball program. The Post annually sends students to Boys and Girls State and the State Police Youth Academy. Members of the Post also go to local schools presenting Americanism programs. A portion of the proceeds will be designated to support the “Home at Last” project for homeless veterans. The home, which houses 18 units for veterans without homes, is in Jewett City.
Post #13 initiated a new program this year, which provides weekly Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force Times to the Putnam Public Library. The newspapers are placed in the library lobby weekly and are free to readers.
“The free newspaper program has been a hit with local vets who visit the library. The reading material is scooped up almost as quickly as it arrives. It’s the Post’s way of giving back to vet’s in the area,” said Air Force Veteran Ronald P. Coderre, who coordinates the weekly program.
“Someplace Special is honored to host this event for the veterans. Having celebrities on hand will certainly add luster to the festivities. This is a special day and a special event. We’re hoping to have a good turnout in honor of the men and women who have served and defended our freedom,” said Marine Corps veteran and Someplace Special manager Mike Vassar.
Working with LaRochelle on the organizing committee are Legionnaires, Donald Steinbrick, Ron Coderre, Sarah Hamby, Barney Seney, Dick Turcotte, Michael Vassar and Rick Carnahan.