PUTNAM — Matulaitis Nursing Home is kicking off its first annual campaign, the “Whatever the Weather Campaign,” to improve and enhance the courtyard patio surroundings.
The goal is $15,000.
The goal of the Whatever the Weather club is to offer the opportunity for residents to venture out to the courtyard patio to enjoy sunshine, autumn breezes, winter snow and the springtime thaw.  The idea caught on with residents and their families, sparking the need to improve the surrounding outdoor areas.
Two former Putnam teachers stepped forward to lead the initial campaign as co-chairpersons: Mary Vitale and Frances Bousquet.
Vitale joined the effort because she said she and her family appreciated the care her mother received. “The way the staff tended to my mother’s needs was beyond reproach.  Everyone went out of their way to make her feel comfortable.  What my sisters and I saw everyday was a true family atmosphere,” said Vitale.
Bousquet said: “I spent untold hours visiting my mother during her stay at Matulaitis.  The care team made a significant impact on her life.  The love they shared is something I’ll never forget.”
The pair enlisted the help of their husbands, Willie Bousquet and David Vitale.
“Those two individuals know so many people and have also done so much for others that we thought it only fair that they should become part of this team and make it a family affair,” said the co-chairpersons.
Other fund-raising members include: Thompson resident Ramona Savolis, a member of the Matulaitis Board of Trustees with Matulaitis employees Bette Clemens and Angela Vaillant-Johndrow in leading the Family team; Elaine Turner recruited community individuals to work with current and past families of residents; Willie Bousquet is teaming with Kerri Price of WINY Radio and Putnam Lion Al “Chief” Cormier on the Organization team, while Putnam business owners, Jim and Deb St. Jean are leading the business and financial team.  The community team is led by well-known Thompson residents Brian and Donna Lynch.  The very active group of Matulaitis volunteers is organized under the leadership of Denis Harkins.
The active phase of the campaign continues through the end of November, but individuals interested in supporting the campaign may do so throughout the next 10 months. For info call 860-928-7976 or by email – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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'Giving Tree' set
WOODSTOCK — First Selectman Jay Swan announced the Woodstock Town Hall is once again sponsoring its annual Giving Tree to benefit approximately 60 Woodstock senior citizens and veterans in need this holiday season. The tree will be up Dec. 2. Citizens interested in helping their neighbors should stop by the Town Hall lobby and select a tag or two. Items requested include: socks, knit hats, bath towels, washcloths, hand or body lotions, liquid or bar soap, laundry detergent, coffee and tea, puzzle books, toothpaste, shampoo, dish detergent, $10 Walmart gift cards, books of stamps, small flashlights, batteries, blankets and more. The deadline for these unwrapped contributions Dec. 19

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Contribution
Nov. 12 The Putnam Rotary Interact Club members donated the $403 they raised selling baked goods at the Great Pumpkin Festival to TEEG. Interact Club President Emma Redfield, left, presented the check to Anne Miller, TEEG director. The club and their friends will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at the Putnam Walmart, Putnam Stop & Shop, Putnam Price Chopper and Putnam Supermarket. All funds raised stay in Putnam to assist families in northeastern Connecticut.

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