Waving your hand in a ‘hello’ or a ‘goodbye’ to someone, seems like a simple, straightforward gesture, after all, it is one of the very first gestures we learn as a baby: “Wave bye-bye” or “Can you wave hello?”.
A wave is a safe and friendly greeting as it does not involve hugging or a handshake or a side-cheek kiss.  A wave usually does not involve touching in any way, shape or form, and can, actually, be quite effective as an acceptance or recognition gesture. 
There are many benefits to waving at someone.
A wave to an acquaintance you would rather not spend countless minutes engaging with in boring conversation, can often be enough to satisfy the requirement of proper acknowledgement etiquette —“Yes, of course I saw you.  Didn’t you see me wave?”
Or, you might be hesitant to engage someone you like in conversation for fear that they do not feel the same way in return, in which case a simple wave, followed by a smile, can be a safe and welcoming gesture that is reciprocated.
I am quite sure that I am not the only one in this vast world who has waved to someone that I didn’t know and since waving our hand is somewhat instinctive, when we “think” we see someone we know, we immediately raise our arm and wave our hand, before our brain has had a chance to realize that we, indeed, DO NOT know the person.  This inadvertent wave is so universal in its occurrence that often it actually leads to a reciprocal wave and a smile of “oops” acknowledgement.  Sometimes, we end up striking up a conversation with the stranger and this leads to a friendship or, in some wildly romantic cases in the movies … a relationship. 
Likewise, there can be adverse reactions to a wave, or, more precisely, lack thereof.  The non-wave (neglecting to return a wave from a friend/acquaintance) can lead to the beginning of the end of a relationship; “I saw you and waved but you, apparently, didn’t see me because you didn’t wave back.”  This is what they say but secretly, they think that you DID see them and PURPOSELY didn’t wave back because you were trying to avoid them because you MUST not like them and want the friendship to end.
And sometimes, a simple wave can lead to a most unexpected result… On one occasion, I happened to walk into a crowded bar where a charity auction was going on, only to spot a lovely couple that I knew, sitting across the room.  Instinctively, I threw up my arm slightly and, after maintaining eye contact, waved my hand.  The woman saw me and immediately smiled and, from her prominent perch on a bar stool, waved back.  It just so happened, that at that precise moment, the eagle-eyed auctioneer happened to be saying “Do I hear $150?” and, noticing my friend’s raised arm, promptly acknowledged her ‘bid’!  She immediately turned, in dismay, to the auctioneer, with her husband, now confused, whispering something in her ear.  Unfortunately, no one else decided to offer a bid and it was a “going once…going twice…”

Sold! Sold!

Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!

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New assessments
to be mailed
Nov. 22
PUTNAM — New assessments for all property in the town of Putnam will be mailed out Nov.  22.
As previously notified, the Town of Putnam’s Assessor’s Office has been undergoing its state-mandated Property Revaluation with Tyler Technologies.
Since April 2018, properties have all been reviewed with at least half having had a physical inspection.
Angela Sanchez, assessor, said: “We hope we have kept the taxpayers informed to their satisfaction of the process and current goings on. At this time all properties have been reviewed, recent sales in Putnam have been analyzed and each property has been given an updated Market Value, as of Oct. 1, 2019.”
She said the assessment notices will list the old assessment, (70 percent of the Oct. 1, 2014, market value) and the new assessment (70 percent of the Oct. 1 2019 market value).
Exemptions will not be reflected in the assessments.
Anyone who has applied for the Farm, Forest or Open Space land classifications will see it reflected in their new assessments.
If you feel you may qualify for any of these land classifications, you have until Dec. 31to apply, contact the assessor’s office for an application or visit the assessor’s page on the town website at www.putnamct.us.
There will be instructions on how to appeal your assessment with the revaluation company, by appointment only, on the form.
Appeals will be scheduled for Dec. 2 through Dec. 13 at the Town Hall.
If you have any questions, please always feel welcome to reach out to the assessor’s office at 860-963-6800.

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PUTNAM — Nancy Kurek was named Putnam Bank’s Employee of the Month for October 2019. Kurek has been with the bank since June 2005, and currently serves as floating CSR supervisor.
She said, “I’m very surprised and honored to be chosen for this recognition. Thank you! It’s great when an employer recognizes and appreciates the contributions of their staff. Putnam Bank also does a great job encouraging and supporting their employees to give back to the communities where we live and work.”
Kurek has participated in many community events including American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Habitat for Humanity Build Days, Norwich Rock the Docks, Griswold Snowflake Festival and Spooktopia! Trunk or Treat, Walk & Race for NECT Cancer Fund of DKH, NOW Road Race and Walk, Eastern CT Heart Walk, Beat Breast Cancer 5K, Sterling’s Turkey Can-Can Road Race, and the Putnam Bank Thompson Turkey Trot (happening this weekend!). She also participates in A Reason to Ride’s annual Flag Day Motorcycle Run for veterans in need, and is currently very involved with the musical group Mass Production as they prepare for reunion concerts coming spring of 2020 to raise funds for local scholarships.
She is currently enrolled in the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Exploration & Development (LEAD) Program. She enjoys the beach and spending time with her husband, Rich, her mom, children, and grandchildren.
“Nancy is an excellent member of our team, and her pleasant demeanor and work ethic is greatly appreciated,” said Thomas A. Borner, president and CEO of Putnam Bank.

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