Sortwell named Westview’s employee of the month
DAYVILLE — Dominique Sortwell attained Westview’s May 2025 Employee of the Month recognition. She started in 2023 as a as a teacher at Westview Child Care Center.
Ever since she became a big sister at age 10, she has been accumulating a caring predisposition towards young children. One of her first experiences working within a children’s setting came through an after-school program promoting youth soccer while she lived in Virginia. When she and her family moved to Massachusetts, she continued working with kids in an after-school capacity through the area’s YMCA.
When her own family moved to Connecticut, she started her professional tenure at Westview Child Care Center.
Currently living in Brooklyn, she is close with her mother and father Crystal and William, and she is very proud of her aforementioned sister Lillian; and Han, the family’s Husky-mix.
She collects a personal collection of Japanese cultural items. She also likes to draw, paint, and photograph scenes in nature.
Westview Child Care Center Director Katy Holzer said: “Dominique brings such a thoughtful, steady presence to our Infant Room. She blends her natural instinct for nurturing with professionalism, creativity, and an incredible attention to the individual needs of each child in her care. From supporting early milestones to maintaining an impeccably clean and welcoming space, her work reflects true dedication. We are so fortunate to have her on our team.”
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Rectory School welcomes new Head of School
First female Head of School at Rectory
POMFRET — Julie Anderson officially began as the Rectory School’s new Head of School last week. She Anderson makes history as Rectory’s first female Head of School and becomes only the sixth person to hold this position since the school’s founding in 1920.
She was chosen, after a nationwide search and thorough selection process, for her deep experience in independent school leadership, her dedication to student-centered education, and her ability to inspire growth through collaboration and innovation.
Prior to joining Rectory, she served as Head of School at Cheshire Academy, where she led strategic initiatives that strengthened academic programming, increased enrollment, and elevated community engagement. She brings with her a strong foundation in both teaching and administration, along with a lifelong commitment to fostering inclusive, purpose-driven learning environments.
She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in liberal studies from Wesleyan University and a master’s in education from Southern Connecticut State University.
Her leadership arrives at a time of momentum, as the school prepares to open a new athletic facility and launches an ambitious strategic planning process this fall.
“I am honored to join the Rectory community and continue the important work of building a joyful, inclusive, and future-ready school,” said Anderson. “From the moment I first stepped on campus, I was struck by the warmth of the people and the sense of purpose that runs through everything here. I’m thrilled to begin this journey together.”
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Devlin honored by Day Kimball Health
PUTNAM — Day Kimball Health (DKH) named Andrea Devlin Employee of the Month for April. Devlin is a physical therapy assistant with Day Kimball Health at Home.
With 29 years of experience in the field, Devlin joined DKH in 2018 and has since made a meaningful impact on her patients through compassionate, personalized in-home care. Her work helps individuals regain strength, confidence, and independence, greatly improving their overall quality of life.
Also she is deeply involved in both the workplace and her community. She serves on DKH’s internal safety and falls prevention committees and leads a monthly Alzheimer’s Family/Caregiver Support Group.
Devlin is a dedicated supporter of causes that matter to her. She has earned a place in the Champion’s Club for three consecutive years through her fund-raising efforts for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
She also participates in Relay for Life Northeastern Connecticut and serves as a board member of the Putnam Commission on Aging. Additionally, she is involved in local youth sports programs.
“Andrea’s dedication to her patients and her team is truly inspiring,” said Kyle Kramer, CEO of Day Kimball Health. “She embodies the values of DKH: compassion, excellence, and service. Her commitment to providing high-quality care and her involvement in both professional and community initiatives make her a standout member of our organization.”
A lifelong resident of Putnam, she lives with her husband and their two sons.
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Champlin was 'champ'in 1st hot-dog eating contest
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM --- The first annual hot-dog eating contest July 5 came right down to the wire. The addition of another donation pushed champ Jim Champlin over the top. and won the belt.
Champlin, sponsored by bankHometown, and John Spratt, sponsored by Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes, each ate eight hot dogs in three minutes. The tie-breaker was a look into which contestant brought in the most donations. Champlin won.
The contest, sponsored by the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club, was a fund-raiser. According to Matt Granier, the club's new president, the contest pulled in $4,000 which will go toward scholarships. Nikki's Dog House supplied the hot dogs.
Putnam Parks and Recreation Director James Callaghan said that he expects the contest will run again next year. He anticipates it will run later next year, closer to the town's concert/fireworks extravaganza.
Competitors included: Nick Rauh from Radical Auto Detail; Spratt; Granier; Mayor Barney Seney (he ate1); Eric Gould from Savage Systems; Josh Dumas from Nikki's.
captions, page 8:
From top: Mayor Seney, Eric Gould and Jim Champlin. Linda Lemmon photos.
The competitors lined up before the contest.
John Spratt, left, and Matt Granier.
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