250th anniversary: Towns create a patriotic synergy
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
Because the gravity of the event — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and America next year — and the fact that most Quiet Corner towns were feeling “stuck” in their planning, a regional meeting was called last week.
This is no time for the Quiet Corner to be as quiet as the Swamp Fox. Representatives from Brooklyn, Putnam, Woodstock and Thompson and a contingent of veterans talked about their plans and how they could help each other. 
All the separate events and all the separate towns joined together will create a very patriotic synergy. They are all enlisting schools, libraries, veterans, towns, and historical societies.
Thompson took the lead with a Battle of Fairholm Farm reenactment planned for Columbus Day weekend on some 100 acres in northeastern Connecticut. “George Washington” will make an appearance. Depending on the availability of funds, he will be on a horse or not on a horse, according to Thompson First Selectman Amy St. Onge. She said so far six regiments are signed up.
“We all work together and share each other’s events.”
James Callahan, Putnam’s Parks and Recreation director, said “Let’s see what everybody’s doing so we’re all on the same page and we can see any overlap or where one hand might help the other because we’re all in the same area.”
Around the meeting table, participants were talking about community parades, mystery dinners, fireworks, seminars and presentations, a 5k run (Red Coat Retreat Run), Liberty Tree plantings, a Roseland Cottage Colonial Tea, a patriotic quilt to be raffled, Israel Putnam reenactor, a large version of the Declaration of Independence that people can sign, the revival of a July 3 garden party tea in Woodstock, and vintage baseball.
Callahan said for the Fire & Ice event in February the town is going to go to the schools and have a contest to do a logo for Putnam’s American 250. The winning design will go to the ice sculptor so it can be carved into ice.
Putnam is also planning two special events: A possible program at Putnam’s Cady Copp Cottage and, according to Veterans Advisory Committee member Jim Bradley, a quill and scroll granite monument to be dedicated in Veterans Park. 
… and fund-raisers of all sorts, naturally.
Gloria Marion, who headed the meeting, said “we wanted to meet with everybody to kind of get a feel for what all the towns (were planning).” She added “This gave me a sense of what the other towns are doing and I don’t feel so alone anymore.” Let’s promote each other.
Amy Monohan, who is spearheading Woodstock's efforts, has set up a "clearinghouse" of sorts for the Quiet Corner's 250th events at: Woodstock Celebrates 250.
“This is a celebration within scenic northeast,” St. Onge said.

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The regional 250th anniversary committee got together last week. Linda Lemmon photo.

Volunteers at Boxcar Museum get
heartwarming cookie surprise
PUTNAM — Guests at the GCW Boxcar Children Museum annual thank you luncheon included John Miller, Aspinock Historical Society president; and Putnam Mayor Barney Seney.  Both mentioned how the Boxcar Museum commemorates a local author and serves as a unique hub for learning about the past and providing inspiration and creativity for visitors. The museum helps children make sense of the world and think critically through interactive hands-on activities, said Boxcar Director Pat Hedenberg. 
Retired schoolteacher Sandra Cutler Ames, a former student of Gertrude Warner, gave each volunteer a copy of her books “Two Frogs on a Bike” and “Three Frogs in a Backpack.” Ames said this is my way to thank you for your support in helping us establish and run the museum. “Your efforts have made this museum a treasure for future generations.”
Barbara Scalise, Volunteer coordinator, presented docents with certificates for their hours of museum service and said how important the role of the volunteer is in preserving history. 
The luncheon concluded with volunteers receiving fresh homemade cookies in the mail, from Marc, Ryan and Marylou Cotnoir of Virginia, as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication to the museum.

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Honored
Volunteers at the GCW Children Boxcar Museum were honored recently. Courtesy photo.

The Town of Putnam is seeking applicants for the position of on-call Custodian within the Maintenance Department to perform semi-skilled tasks in the cleaning and maintenance of the Municipal Complex.
Hours of operation are dependent on call outs, and scheduled time off of full-time employees. Occasional evening and weekend hours due to holiday celebrations, Town events, etc. Hourly rate, including overtime if applicable, is per Town Hall Unit Union Contract rates between $20.42 - $24.72. Full job posting can be found on the Town of Putnam website: https://www.putnamct.us/departments/human-resources/job-postings. Applicants should send cover letter and resume to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
EEOC Statement:
It is the policy of the Town of Putnam to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, the Town of Putnam will provide reasonable accommodations that do not present an undue hardship for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Physical Requirements:
Moderate to heavy physical effort required concerning the operation and maintenance of department equipment and performing manual tasks. Physical demands may require the occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds, Employee must be able to access all areas of the work site. Employees must use caution while driving, particularly during inclement weather. 
There is likely to be a great deal of standing, waking, sitting, and talking or hearing, employee is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Employees are required to reach with hands and arms, bending and climbing and working in dimly lit areas. Must be able to hear normal sounds, distinguish sound as voice patterns, and communicate orally. Specific vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust and focus. The use of equipment may occur under hazardous conditions; the employee must be always watchful for potential safety hazards.
Position open until filled. Please send resumes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Questions concerning this position should be directed to the Maintenance Director, Kevin Lamothe at (860) 963-6800 ext 107.

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