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Visits
Author, artist and puppeteer Caroll Spinney and his wife Debra visited Westview recently. Left to right: David T. Panteleakos, Westview administrator; Lucille McKay, Westview resident; and Caroll and Debra Spinney. Courtesy photo.
DAYVILLE — Author, artist and puppeteer, Caroll Spinney and his wife, Debra, joined residents, patients, employees and family members at Westview Health Care Center recently for a special viewing of the documentary, I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story. Temporarily transforming the facility’s formal dining room into a movie theater, the movie was projected upon a movie screen for the capacity crowd.
The documentary chronicles the life of Woodstock resident, Caroll Spinney, a man who, since 1969, has lent his body, voice and heart to the two iconic Sesame Street characters: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. Using an abundance of personal family footage and interviews with Mr. Spinney’s family, friends and coworkers, the movie beautifully captures the heartwarming story of his 47 year journey as a performer, husband and father.
Following the Spinneys continued to delight the captivated audience with a question and answer session as well as a very special guest appearance by Oscar the Grouch. “We can’t thank Mr. Spinney and his lovely wife Deb enough for sharing their amazing story and their time with all of us here at Westview” said David T. Panteleakos, administrator. “Caroll Spinney is truly an American treasure. His performance as Big Bird and Oscar over the past 47 years continues to transcend generations and cultures around the world.”
Caroll Spinney said, “We are thrilled to bring our story to everyone here at Westview. This event deeply resonated with us and we truly enjoyed experiencing the wonderful reactions.” “Although this marked our 23rd time watching the film, I found myself a little more emotional being surrounded by so many loving and caring people.” Mrs. Spinney added. “Caroll and I try to live our lives in constant appreciation and gratitude. As expressed in the movie: “You have this life and every day is precious.”
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Honored
Putnam resident Marcy Dawley received a Rotary District Paul Harris award recently. Marcy Dawley, second from left, sits next to her husband Bob White, left. Left to right next to Dawley is Putnam Rotary Club President Marc Archambault, District Grants Committee Chair and Putnam Rotarian Pam Brown, George Brown and Paul Pikora. Courtesy photo.
Dawley
honored
PUTNAM — Nominated by the Putnam Rotary Club, Putnam resident Marcy Dawley recently received the Rotary District 7890 Paul Harris Fellow award. In his introduction Putnam Rotarian Paul Pikora said Dawley, a project administrator and lead ranger for The Last Green Valley, “is a ubiquitous presence in the community, and can be seen at virtually all community events. She is a tireless volunteer, the quintessential volunteer, with an infectious enthusiasm and an effervescent presence.”
He added Dawley’s manager said she is an “amazing addition to the team,” a “Putnam-maniac,” one who takes an incredible amount of pride in her community.”
He said Dawley takes part in regular “Beautification Days” in town, walking along heavily traveled Providence Street in Putnam and picking up what others have discarded, dressed in hilarious costume while handing out candy to excited children during the town’s annual “Trick or Treat” night, donating her time and garden vegetables to the local food bank, organizing awareness events such as Cancer Walks, and/or simply always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for both the community and its residents. He said she’s been described as an inspirational and positive influence in the student community.
Pikora noted that Dawley personifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”
N. GROSVENORDALE — TEEG is launching a new program for parents titled Focus on Family. Using community “experts” as presenters, TEEG is hoping to spark a conversation about issues that are affecting families locally.
With topics including Opiate Issues in our Community, Home & Health, and Youth & Social Media, there is sure to be rich discussion in which parents can learn from one another in a supportive environment. Sessions will be held monthly at the TEEG building on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 6:30. A free meal will be provided. TEEG staff is encouraging everyone to come for the food, and stay for the conversation.
This series is designed to help the community work together to raise awareness, share feedback and work towards solving problems. For more information, as well as session dates please contact Susan Kershaw-Sczuroski at 860-923-3458 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Woodstock public schools
Monday: Hamburgers, baked beans, fruit. Tuesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, celery sticks, cookies, fruit. Wednesday: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit. Thursday: Hot turkey sandwiches, squash, cranberry sauce, fruit. Friday: Pizza, spinach salad, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Meatball grinders, green beans, fruit. Tuesday: Chicken strips, carrots, veggie cups, fruit. Wednesday: Beef tacos, fruit. Thursday: Mr. Fox's Pizza, veggie cups, fruit. Friday: Tuna boats, veggie cups/dip, baked Doritos or chips, fruit, pudding.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Orange popcorn chicken rice bowls, broccoli. Tuesday: Ziti pasta, meatballs, roasted seasonal squash. Wednesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, Goldfish crackers, veggie sticks/hummus. Thursday: Roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, cookies. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza, strawberries.
Putnam High
Monday: Pasta, meatsauce, broccoli. Tuesday: Chicken chipolte ranch flatbread sandwiches, carrots with hummus dip. Wednesday: Lasagna rollups, roasted vegetables. Thursday: Roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, warm apple berry crisp. Friday: Homemade calzones, mixed greens salad.
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